Articles in 2024

Improved understanding of the interrelated nature of cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) health, the development of novel risk prediction equations, and the availability of powerful new therapies provide an opportunity to change the course of CKM health. Achieving such change at a population level will require additional advances to deliver equitable interdisciplinary care.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a graded and independent excess risk of sensorineural hearing loss. This Review describes how disruption of shared signalling pathways that are important for the development of both the ear and the kidney and/or the presence of clinical drivers, such as specific medications or treatments, may underlie these associations.

The availability of antiretroviral therapy has led to a transformation in the spectrum of kidney diseases associated with HIV infection. This Review describes the changing pattern of kidney diseases associated with HIV infection, their risk factors, methods of evaluating kidney function in patients with HIV and current therapeutic approaches.

All patients with kidney disease have the right to have a say in their own clinical care, the provision of health services and research into kidney disease. Patient empowerment and advocacy, especially for those whose views are seldom heard, can be enhanced by working together in communities.

Renal cell carcinoma is a metabolic disease linked to a variety of alterations in genes that regulate cellular metabolism. Here, the authors examine cell-intrinsic metabolic alterations in hereditary and sporadic renal cell carcinoma, and how they can be exploited to develop novel therapeutic interventions.

Treatment of chronic kidney disease requires a comprehensive approach including universal access to early diagnosis and to medications that can slow disease progression. Such equitable access is not only an ethical requirement but can also reduce the financial and human costs of advancing kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Overcoming barriers to deliver high-quality care requires an assessment of the contribution of each barrier within a local context. Tools to identify early disease, knowledge of best therapies, access to care providers and medications, and an accountable and integrated health-care system are essential elements of quality care. Education of patients, providers and policy makers in conjunction with advocacy efforts and national policy frameworks are required to deliver high-quality care worldwide.

Many countries worldwide, particularly those with low or lower-middle incomes, do not have enough nephrologists to provide health services for patients with kidney disease. Increasing training opportunities, improving job satisfaction and using new technologies and advances in artificial intelligence could help to increase the nephrology workforce and improve patient outcomes.

Here, the authors review traditional and disease-specific risk factors for vascular damage and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive vascular injury in systemic lupus erythematosus. They also discuss cardiovascular risk assessment, primary prevention strategies and current and future treatment approaches to cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Antibody-mediated rejection is a key mechanism in allograft loss. Here, the authors examine advances in B cell biology and how they can inform the development of new therapies to prevent or mitigate antibody-mediated rejection, with the goal of improving transplantation outcomes.

The theme of World Kidney Day 2024 is “kidney health for all — advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice”. To mark this event, Nature Reviews Nephrology invited five researchers from different geographical regions worldwide to discuss the impact of new and emerging therapies for diabetic kidney disease on patient care as well as the barriers that must be overcome to ensure equitable access to these therapies.