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The increasing availability of sequencing has accelerated the discovery of genetic causes of kidney disease, with clear benefits for patients. However, insufficient or contradictory evidence exists for numerous variants that were previously reported to be pathogenic, calling into question some proposed gene–disease associations. Rigorous re-appraisal of evidence is needed to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
Patients on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis are likely to be at increased risk of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Preventive strategies must be implemented to minimize the risk of disease transmission in dialysis facilities, including education of staff and patients, screening for COVID-19 and separation of infected or symptomatic and non-infected patients.
The current COVID-19 pandemic is associated with unprecedented morbidity and mortality. Early reports suggested an association between disease severity and hypertension but did not account for sources of confounding. However, the responsible virus — SARS-CoV-2 — gains entry to host cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), highlighting the need to understand the relationship between the virus and the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and how this might be affected by RAS inhibitors.
Regulations for market access and reimbursement of medical devices vary across jurisdictions, complicating the development of innovative technologies for world-wide use; however, several converging regulatory principles are now emerging. Here we discuss approaches by which regulatory and related agencies can promote innovation and boost the effectiveness of regulatory processes to expedite patient access to innovative technologies, including renal replacement therapies.
eHealth is gaining momentum in nephrology, although evidence for its efficacy remains unclear and challenges to its widespread adoption persist. Successful integration of eHealth into kidney care will require patient engagement to develop effective interventions and issues such as data validity, regulation, oversight and adequate infrastructure to be addressed.
The 2020 World Kidney Day campaign highlights the importance of prevention of chronic kidney disease. Various strategies and therapies are available to prevent disease before its onset (primary prevention), during early disease stages (secondary prevention) and for effective management of established disease to prevent dialysis (tertiary prevention).