NKF, Kaiser host joint nephrology conference

NKF, Kaiser host joint nephrology conference
6/23/2009 9:59:41 AM

Optimizing CKD and renal replacement therapy outcomes

Phuong-Chi T. Pham, MD1, Scott A. Rasgon, MD2, Susanne B. Nicholas, MD, PhD3

Dr. Pham is from the Olive View UCLA Medical Center, Division of Nephrology, Sylmar, Calif., Dr. Rasgon is from the Sunset Kaiser Permanente, Division of Nephrology, Los Angeles, and Dr. Nicholas is from the David Geffen School of Medicine Medical Center, Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Los Angeles.

Introduction
It has been estimated that over 26 million people, or one out of eight in the United States, are afflicted with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), both the incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have continued to grow steadily over the past decade. In 2004, the incidence of ESRD was reported to be 104,364 and the prevalence of dialysis and transplant patients were documented at 335,963 and 136,136 respectively. Of greatest concern, the overall annual mortality rates among ESRD patients after adjustments for age, gender, race, primary diagnosis, and vintage have only minimally declined from 188 to 170 per 1,000 patient years over the past decade. While leading researchers strive to elucidate the pathophysiology of different kidney diseases and search for the best therapies, major national and international kidney organizations thoroughly review and analyze the available data, set forth guidelines, and educate health care professionals via their corresponding Web sites and scientific symposia in an effort to optimize CKD and ESRD outcomes.

NKF-SC and KP join together on scientific symposium

The National Kidney Foundation-Southern California has joined efforts with Kaiser Permanente of Southern California to organize the first annual combined NKF-SC and KP scientific symposium. As the optimal management of renal diseases depends on a multi-disciplinary approach, topics chosen for the symposium are targeted at all health related professionals including nephrologists, primary care physicians, nurses, technicians, dieticians, and social workers.

Similar to previous symposia organized by the NKF-SC, the goals for this year’s combined symposium with KP, entitled “Optimizing CKD management and renal replacement therapy,” include updates on the pathophysiology and therapeutic options of common kidney diseases, different dialysis modalities, and renal transplantation; discussions of common and possibly controversial CKD management issues; and presentations of effective strategies in improving psychosocial and dietary aspects in the care of CKD patients.

The Conference
Optimizing CKD and renal replacement therapy outcomes
Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation and Kaiser-Permanente of Southern California
July 17-18th
Anaheim Hilton Hotel
Anaheim, CA.
Additional information may be found on www.kidneysocal.org

During the first day, speakers will offer medical updates and patient and expert panel discussions of the three existing dialysis modalities, including home and in-center hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Dr. Allan Collins, Dr. Victoria Kumar, Dr. Joanne M. Bargman, and Dr. Kamyar Kalantar are among the presenters.
The second day is designed to update the medical community on strategies in optimizing pre-ESRD outcomes and the management of common electrolyte and fluid disorders. Conferences on the second day have been organized into five tracks to specifically meet the needs for nephrologists, primary care physicians, nurses and technicians, social workers, and dietitians. In addition, there will be three plenary sessions that will discuss issues that will pertain to all health care professionals. The current event will offer up to 12 hours of continuing medical education (CME) to physicians and an equal number of continuing education units (CEU) to dietitians, nurses, technicians, and social workers. More importantly, the event will provide an opportunity for all health care professionals to form both professional and informal liaisons within the medical community.

Plenary sessions
This year, the NKF-SC and KP are proud to include three distinguished faculty members to speak at the plenary sessions.

• Dr. Allan Collins, Director of the Coordinating Center for the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) will speak on the USRDS data on patient demographics and morbidity and mortality trends for ESRD patients receiving peritoneal, in-center and home hemodialysis.
• Dr. Alan Go, the recently appointed chair of the National Institutes of Health’s Health Service Organization and Delivery and current Director of the Comprehensive Clinical Research Unit (CCRU) from Kaiser Permanente, will discuss the likelihood of CKD patients to either reach ESRD versus death prior to ESRD. The session emphasizes CKD as a risk multiplier for CVD among other serious complications.
• Dr. John Sim from the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center will speak on one of the most controversial and clinically important issues regarding the biological roles of vitamin D beyond bone and mineral metabolism.

Nephrologists’ track
In keeping with the goals in optimizing patient outcome and updating therapeutic options in common conditions, the nephrologists’ track will include:
• Uric acid and cardiovascular risks: from bench to bedside, Dr. Daniel Feig
• Hyponatremia-update/Vasopressin receptor antagonists, Dr. Phuong-Chi Pham • Transition from dialysis to transplantation, Dr. Connie Davis
• Management of diabetes mellitus in CKD, Dr. Dorothy Martinez
• Management of chronic renal allograft dysfunction, Dr. Phuong-Thu Pham

Primary care physicians’ track

Topics for the primary care physicians’ track were identified by physicians in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas as those with greatest knowledge and performance gaps. • Dr. Madeleine Pahl will discuss the evaluation and management of proteinuria, with an emphasis on the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers
• Dr. Susanne Nicholas will speak on resistant hypertension, with an emphasis on routine diagnosis and management
• Dr. Brian Young will discuss the role of the primary care physician in the screening and evaluation of CKD and appropriate time for referral to the nephrologists
• Dr. Phuong-Chi Pham will lead an interactive session involving case presentations of interesting acid-base and electrolyte disturbances.

Nurses and technicians’ track

Topics for the nurses and technicians’ track will focus on common issues and problems encountered in the care of dialysis patients.
• Danilo Conception will discuss two of the most important issues in the dialysis unit involving water treatment and infection control.
• Elaine Go will discuss the management of hypotension and hypertension in the dialysis patient
• Dr. Sidney Glazer will provide a brief update on vascular access materials and discuss the physical exam of the hemodialysis access for the nephrology team

Dietitians’ track:

As the evaluation and advice of dietary intake are vital to assure the best outcomes for CKD patients, speakers for the dietitians’ track will emphasize common issues encountered in the management of CKD patients.
• Carl de Luca will offer an important discussion on obesity and Alison Stieber will present the latest findings on carnitine. Other topics include wasting syndrome in CKD and non-Western diet supplementary options.

Social Workers’ track:

In a joint effort with the renal community to provide complete care for CKD patients, social workers play a critical role in establishing psychosocial stability for the CKD population.
• Mark Meier will discuss depression in CKD
• Fran Onderwyhzer will give a motivational case presentation on methods that can help dialysis patients cope and thrive in their new lives on dialysis.
• Dr. Dean Kujubu will speak on palliative care for the ESRD patient. Sonal Ambegaokar, Health Policy Attorney from the National Immigration Law Center, will also discuss immigration laws.

Other topics selected for a mixed audience include health literary and disparity and cultural and age diversity. The combined sessions are designed to improve all health care professionals’ awareness, recognition, and appreciation for these commonly encountered yet vital issues in the comprehensive care for CKD patients.

Scientific abstract presentation:

A scientific abstract and poster presentation has been added to this year’s scientific symposium. We aim to promote CKD awareness and encourage both basic science and clinical research among housestaff from primary care residency programs as well as fellows from different nephrology fellowship programs. This will provide a forum for discussion and interaction on cutting edge research and should be a major highlight of the symposium. The three best poster presentations will be awarded $300, $200, or $100. Abstract submissions may be sent to SPerez@kidneysocal.org. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2009. Abstracts will be up for viewing on July 18th and awards will be presented following the closing plenary session at 5:00 pm.

In summary, the 2009 combined NKF-SC and KP Scientific Symposium is aimed at promoting the best care and optimization of outcomes in CKD patients. The multidisciplinary approach is designed to ensure the delivery of comprehensive care to CKD patients and to give professionals from all disciplines a chance to establish professional liaisons in an effort to provide the best possible patient care. Experts in the fields will provide up-to-date medical information on common and controversial topics. The ultimate goal for the symposium is to advance knowledge among health related professionals in order to provide optimum patient care, and in the process, maximize outcomes in CKD patients.

http://www.nephronline.com/news.asp?N_ID=2963