March 2022
KDIGO Hosts Virtual Controversies Conference on Management of Challenging Allograft
KDIGO held a virtual Controversies Conference from March 10 through 13 called Challenges in Management of the Kidney Allograft: From Decline to Failure. The conference explored multiple topics and themes, including important but rarely examined clinical considerations of managing declining allograft function and the associated care gaps for such kidney transplant recipients. Michelle Josephson, MD (United States) and Martin Zeier, MD (Germany) co-chaired the conference.

"It was an honor to co-chair the KDIGO Management of Challenging Allograft Controversies Conference," said Dr. Zeier. "While we all wished we could meet in person, we had a wonderfully engaged group of experts discussing critical issues facing transplant recipients. We are eager to share our findings on immunosuppression strategies, prognosis and kidney failure trajectory, management of CKD complications, kidney replacement therapy, and more. We sincerely appreciate the time and efforts of all who participated."

The patient voice and perspective were key aspects of the conference. “Of essential value to the Allograft Controversies Conference was the participation of patients who were able to convey and illuminate the challenges and experiences they face as transplant recipients as well as the great importance of patient activation," said Dr. Josephson. "It made a real difference for everyone who was there and will help us best incorporate the patient voice in our recommendations. We are grateful to have had this critical perspective."

Controversies Conferences are a pillar of KDIGO programs and typically involve in-person debate at locations around the world. While the pandemic necessitated a shift away from in-person meetings, it did not hinder KDIGO's ability to hold meaningful and productive meetings. "It's remarkable that KDIGO has entered a third year of virtual conferences necessitated by COVID-19," said KDIGO Events Director, Tanya Green. "While we all eagerly look forward to a return to regular in-person meetings, it has been truly impressive to witness the ability of KDIGO expert thought leaders to adjust to the virtual environment and maintain the rigorous debate and productive conversation typical of KDIGO Controversies Conferences. The ability to pivot to the virtual and hybrid model will enable us to extend the reach of our implementation activities and improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease worldwide." 

KDIGO will next hold the Symptom-Based Complications in Dialysis Controversies Conference in May 2022. Plans are actively underway to hold the meeting in person, with virtual contingency plans in place.
Upcoming Webinars and Events
KDIGO Anemia in CKD Guideline Scope of Work
Comments due Friday, April 8

KDIGO is updating the 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The guideline is designed to apply to a broad population of patients with anemia and CKD.
 
The Anemia Guideline Update Scope of Work outlines key questions to be addressed by the guideline update. Special consideration will be given to patient-specific characteristics such as CKD severity (including dialysis), pediatric CKD, kidney transplant recipients, patients on ESA and HIF-PHI therapy, comorbid conditions, and iron deficiency without anemia. In addition, particular attention will also be given to patient preference, accessibility, and cost. 
 
We cordially invite you to review and provide feedback on this Scope of Work until Friday, April 8. Our goal is to ensure that feedback from all stakeholders of this global guideline is duly considered before a formal systematic review of the literature is undertaken. Any ideas and suggestions on how to make this guideline as valuable to your practice as possible are greatly appreciated.

Visit the KDIGO Anemia in CKD Guideline Website to download the Scope of Work and share feedback via the survey.
Episode 8 of the KDIGO Genetics in CKD Webinar Series
Thursday, April 14 at 11:00 AM EDT

Join us for Episode 8 of the KDIGO Genetics in CKD Webinar Series, Patient Voice in Genetic TestingIn this episode, André Weinstock, PhD, MSAS (United States), and Judith Savige, FRCP, FRACP, FRCPA, PhD, MSc, MBA (Australia), will discuss what we can learn from patient perspectives on expectations and concerns for genetic testing.

This webinar will explore the social implications, ethical issues, and cost concerns for genetic testing from a global perspective. The speakers will also address how best to convey results in patient-friendly terms and the rationale for testing even when treatments may not be readily available. Register for Episode 8.
New Resources
Episode 7 of the KDIGO Genetics in CKD Webinar Series Recording

You can now watch Episode 7 of the KDIGO Genetics in CKD Webinar Series, Interpretation of Genetic Testing Results.

Matt Sampson, MD, MS (United States), and Natalie Vena, MS, CGC (United States) discuss the optimal methods for classifying and interpreting genetic variants and the appropriate reporting and terminology standards to use. Watch the recording.
KDIGO Glomerular Diseases Guideline Key Takeaways for Clinicians

The KDIGO Glomerular Diseases Guideline Key Takeaways for Clinicians are now available for six chapters. Key Takeaways for the remaining chapters of the Glomerular Diseases will be available in the coming weeks. KDIGO will feature the Key Takeaways from each chapter every Friday, beginning in March.

KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology Podcast

Have you listened to KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology? The podcast is designed to support clinicians treating patients with kidney disease and features global experts in conversations that cover the nephrology spectrum, from widely discussed topics to the controversial or overlooked.

The first three episodes of KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology, hosted by Dr. Ravi Mehta (United States), focused on acute kidney injury (AKI). Episodes four through six, hosted by Dr. Roberto Pecoits-Filho (United States), cover potassium management in chronic kidney disease, focusing on the benefits of RASi, utilization approaches to RASi, and optimal management of dsykalemias. Stay tuned for new episodes in 2022.

KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology is now available on most podcast platforms. Listen to the latest episodes.
About KDIGO

KDIGO is a Belgian foundation committed to developing and implementing nephrology guidelines that improve patient outcomes on a global basis. It is an independent, volunteer-led, self-managed charity incorporated in Belgium accountable to the public and the patients it serves.