Diabetic Nephropathy and Pregnancy

The Impact of New and Renewed Restrictive State Abortion Laws on Pregnancy-Capable People with Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

When the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022, the constitutional right to abortion was no longer protected by Roe v Wade. Fifteen states now have total or near-total bans on abortion care or no clinics providing abortion services. We review how these restrictions affect the medical care of people with pregestational diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of the ten states with the highest percent of adult women living with diabetes, eight currently have complete or 6-week abortion bans. People with diabetes are at high risk of diabetes-related pregnancy complications and pregnancy-related diabetes complications and are disproportionately burdened by abortion bans. Abortion is an essential part of comprehensive, evidence-based diabetes care, yet no medical society has published guidelines on pregestational diabetes that explicitly discuss the importance and role of safe abortion care. Medical societies enacting standards for diabetes care and clinicians providing diabetes care must advocate for access to abortion to reduce pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality for pregnant people with diabetes.

Complex Management of Nephrotic Syndrome and Kidney Failure during Pregnancy in a Type 1 Diabetes Patient: A Challenging Case

Pregnancy with chronic kidney disease is challenging, and patients with diabetic nephropathy are at particular risk of a rapid kidney function decline during pregnancy. While indications for the management of pregnant patients with initial diabetic nephropathy are widely available in the literature, data on patients with severe nephrotic syndrome and kidney function impairment are lacking, and the decision on whether and when dialysis should be initiated is not univocal. We report a type 1 diabetes patient who started pregnancy with a severe nephrotic syndrome and shifted from CKD stage 3b to stage 5 during pregnancy. The management was complicated by a fetal heart malformation and by poorly controlled diabetes. The evidence for and against starting dialysis was carefully evaluated, and the choice of strict nephrological and obstetrical monitoring, nutritional management, and diuretic treatment made it possible to avoid dialysis in pregnancy, after ruling out pre-eclampsia. This experience enables examination of some open issues and contributes to the discussion of when to start dialysis in pregnancy.

Role of serum β2-microglobulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes that can lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure. Increasing evidence support the important roles of microproteins and cytokines, such as β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we identified novel therapeutic options for this disease.

AIM

To analyze the guiding significance of β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in patients with DN.

METHODS

A total of 107 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with nephropathy and treated in our hospital from May 2018 to February 2021 were included in the study. Additionally, 107 healthy individuals and 107 patients with simple diabetes mellitus were selected as the control groups. Changes in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in the three groups as well as the different proteinuria exhibited by the three groups were examined.

RESULTS

Changes in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels in the disease, healthy, and simple diabetes groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). The expression of these factors from high to low were evaluated in different groups by pairwise comparison. In the disease group, high to low changes in β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF levels were noted in the massive proteinuria, microproteinuria, and normal urinary protein groups, respectively. Changes in these factors were positively correlated with disease progression.

CONCLUSION

The expression of serum β2-MG, HbA1c, and VEGF was closely correlated with DN progression, and disease progression could be evaluated by these factors.

The effect of D-chiro-inositol on renal protection in diabetic mice

D-Chiro-inositol (DCI) exerts a hypoglycaemic effect, participates in lipid metabolism and reduces kidney damage. In this study, we preliminarily explored the protective effect of DCI on renal injury in diabetic mice. Male db/db mice were used in this study. After treatment with DCI (35 and 70 mg/kg/d) for 6 consecutive weeks, random blood glucose (RBG) measurements were conducted at 0 and 6 weeks. Creatinine (Cr) and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured using assay kit, and morphological changes in the kidneys were observed by HE staining, Masson staining and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical and Western blot experiments were used to examine the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). We discovered that the increased RBG levels were alleviated after treatment with DCI. Moreover, the Cr and BUN levels were reduced, glomerular mesangial hyperplasia was alleviated, and the degree of renal fibrosis was reduced. In addition, DCI improved the protein expression of MMP-9 and PPAR-γ in kidney tissue, which in turn inhibited NF-κB protein expression, as shown by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Our findings showed that DCI ameliorated the renal injury induced by diabetes by upregulating MMP-9 and PPAR-γ expression and downregulating NF-κB expression. We preliminarily concluded that the renal protective effect of DCI on diabetic mice may occurs through the MMP-9/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Long-chain non-coding RNA UCA1 inhibits renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis by targeting microRNA-206 in diabetic nephropathy

In this study, the inhibitory effect of long-chain non-coding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) on renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis by targeting microRNA (miRNA)-206 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) was investigated through DN rat model. The results showed that UCA1 expression was significantly reduced in diabetic renal tubular epithelial tissues and HG-induced HK-2 cells. UCA1 significantly inhibited HG-induced apoptosis and inflammation of renal tubular epithelial cells in HK-2 cells. In addition, UCA1 can directly act as an anti-pro-cytokine by inhibiting the expression of miR-206, and finally inhibit the apoptosis and inflammation of renal tubular epithelial cells. We conclude that UCA1 inhibits renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis by targeting miRNA-206 in DN and can be used as a potential therapeutic target for DN.

Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Review of Complications and Management

BACKGROUND

Pre-gestational diabetes can pose significant risk to the mother and infant, thus requiring careful counselling and management. Since Saint Vincent's declaration in 1989, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, perinatal mortality, congenital anomalies, and macrosomia, continue to be associated with type 1 diabetes. Although pregnancy is not considered an independent risk factor for the development of new onset microvascular complications, it is known to exacerbate pre-existing microvascular disease. Strict glycaemic control is the optimal management for pre-existing type 1 diabetes in pregnancy, as raised HbA1C is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. More recently, time in range on Continuous Glucose Monitoring glucose profiles has emerged as another useful evidence-based marker of fetal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This review summarises the complications associated with pre-gestational type 1 diabetes, appropriate evidence-based management, including preparing for pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum care.

METHODS

A structured search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles about complications and management guidelines on pre-gestational type 1 diabetes were selected and critically appraised.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-three manuscripts were referenced and appraised in this review, and international guidelines were summarised.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recurring themes in the literature pertaining to type 1 diabetes in pregnancy: maternal and fetal complications, microvascular disease progression, and an overview of current guideline-specific management.

Efficacy of Restricting Dietary Protein Intake Combined with Buyang Huanwu Decoction in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy and Its Effect on Patients' Inflammatory Factor Levels

Objective

To study the efficacy of restricting dietary protein intake combined with Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its effect on patients' inflammatory factor levels.

Methods

The medical data of 150 DN patients treated in Wuhan No.1 Hospital (June 2018—May 2021) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received regular therapy, those who received the intervention of restricting dietary protein intake were included in the control group (n = 75), and on this basis, those treated with Buyang Huanwu decoction were included in the experimental group (n = 75), so as to scientifically evaluate their efficacy and inflammatory factor levels after treatment.

Results

The patients' general information was not statistically different between the two groups (P > 0.05); after treatment, the experimental group gained remarkably higher marked effective rate and total effective rate of treatment than the control group (P < 0.05); the inflammatory factor levels of all patients were obviously better than before (P < 0.05), and the levels of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, IL-4, and IL-10 were obviously lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05); the levels of fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin of all patients were remarkably lower than before (P < 0.05), but with no significant between-group difference (P > 0.05); the renal function indexes of all patients were better than before, and between the two groups, the levels of 24 h microalbuminuria, 24 h urine protein excretion, and serum creatinine were obviously lower and the glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher in the experimental group (P all <0.05), and the patients' traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were remarkably lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Jointly applying Buyang Huanwu decoction on the basis of restricting dietary protein intake can effectively promote the clinical efficacy of DN, which is conducive to adjusting the inflammatory factor levels, promoting the patients' renal function, and alleviating the clinical symptoms.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy in chronic kidney disease: diagnostic challenges, surveillance and treatment throughout the spectrum of kidney disease

Pregnancy requires several physiological adaptations from the maternal organism, including modifications in the glomerular filtration rate and renal excretion of several products. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can negatively affect these modifications and consequently is associated with several adverse maternal and fetal adverse outcomes (gestational hypertension, progression of renal disease, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery). A multidisciplinary vigilance of these pregnancies is essential in order to avoid and/or control the harmful effects associated with this pathology. Dialysis and transplantation can decrease the risks of maternal and fetal complications, nonetheless, the rates of complications remain high comparing with a normal pregnancy. Several recent developments in this area have improved quality and efficacy of treatment of pregnant women with CKD. This article summarizes the most recent literature about CKD and pregnancy.

First trimester fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin cut-offs associated with abnormal glucose homeostasis in the post-partum reclassification in women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy

Hyperglycaemia first detected during pregnancy is either gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or previous undiagnosed diabetes. We aimed to study if there were a first trimester fasting glycaemia (FTG) and a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) cut-off values associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or abnormal glucose homeostasis (AGH) at the post-partum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) reclassification. We retrospectively studied a group of pregnant women from the Portuguese National Registry of GDM. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best FTG and HbA1c cut-offs to predict T2DM and AGH. We studied 4068 women. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for the association with T2DM was 0.85 (0.80-0.90) for FTG and 0.85 (0.80-0.91) for HbA1c. The best FTG cut-off for association with T2DM was 99 mg/dL: sensitivity 77.4%, specificity 74.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) 4.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 99.5%. The best HbA1c cut-off for association with T2DM was 5.4%: sensitivity 79.0%, specificity 80.1%, PPV 5.7%, and NPV 99.6%. The AUC for the association of FTG and HbA1c with AGH were 0.73 (0.70-0.76) and 0.71 (0.67-0.74), respectively. The best FTG cut-off for predicting AGH was 99 mg/dL: sensitivity 59.4%, specificity 76.2%, PPV 17.0%, and NPV 95.8%. The best HbA1c cut-off was 5.4%: sensitivity 48.7%, specificity 81.5%, PPV 17.8%, and NPV 95.1%. We suggest an FTG of 99 mg/dL and an HbA1c of 5.4% as the best cut-offs below which T2DM is unlikely to be present. Almost all patients with FTG < 99 mg/dL and HbA1c < 5.4% did not reclassify as T2DM. These early pregnancy cut-offs might alert the physician for the possibility of a previous undiagnosed diabetes and alert them to the importance of testing for it after delivery.

Diabetic nephropathy in pregnancy: Report of two cases progressing to end-stage renal disease within one year postpartum

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of nephropathy and end-stage renal disease. However, diabetic nephropathy during pregnancy in patients with normal glomerular filtration rate and subsequent progression to end-stage renal disease has not been well studied.

Cases

This report presents two patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus who had diabetic nephropathy with preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (Case 1: 117 mL/min/1.73m²; Case 2: 79 mL/min/1.73m²) and shared a similar clinical course, with glomerular filtration rates decreasing by approximately one-half during pregnancy and progression to end-stage renal disease within the first year postpartum. Both women had a long history of type 1 diabetes: 18 years and 24 years for case 1 and case 2 respectively. The first patient's course of pregnancy was complicated by difficult-to-control blood glucose and hypertension with subsequent preeclampsia. The second patient's course of pregnancy was complicated by difficult-to-control blood sugars and preterm labor resulting in classical cesarean delivery at 24 weeks. Both patients had renal biopsies shortly after delivery as their renal function continued to worsen postpartum. Both kidney biopsies demonstrated advanced diabetic nephropathy changes and ultimately required chronic renal replacement therapy within 7–9 months postpartum.

Conclusion

Comprehensive family planning discussions with women who have diabetic nephropathy should include the risks of renal disease progression, even in those patients with preserved renal function at the time of conception.

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Diabetic nephropathy carries a high risk for renal disease progression.

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Diabetics with nephropathy need counseling on risk of kidney disease progression.

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Diabetic women should be started on kidney-protective medications postpartum.

Type 1 Diabetes: Management in Women From Preconception to Postpartum

CONTEXT

This review presents an up-to-date summary on management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among women of reproductive age and covers the following time periods: preconception, gestation, and postpartum.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search and review of the literature for randomized controlled trials and other studies evaluating management of T1DM before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Preconception planning should begin early in the reproductive years for young women with T1DM. Preconception and during pregnancy, it is recommended to have near-normal glucose values to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including fetal demise, congenital anomaly, pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, neonatal respiratory distress, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Women with T1DM can have healthy, safe pregnancies with preconception planning, optimal glycemic control, and multidisciplinary care.

Aspirin and pre-eclampsia prevention in women with pre-existing diabetes: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is routinely prescribed in high-risk pregnancies to prevent pre-eclampsia; however, there is a paucity of data in women with pre-existing diabetes.

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of aspirin in women with pre-existing diabetes in preventing pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

A retrospective review of women with pre-existing diabetes who attended antenatal clinics in a tertiary referral hospital between 2013 and 2019 was conducted. Cases were those receiving aspirin prior to 16 weeks, with pre-eclampsia as the primary outcome. The relationship between early pregnancy glycaemic control and pre-eclampsia was also assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 164 women included in the study, 45 received aspirin. There were no differences in pre-eclampsia (odds ratio (OR) 0.9 (0.3-3.0), P = 0.924) or any other measure of placental insufficiency (OR 1.7 (0.7-4.3), P = 0.243) between the aspirin and control groups after adjusting for baseline differences. Aspirin therapy was associated with an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (OR 3.1 (1.1-9.1), P = 0.041). The incidence of pre-eclampsia increased stepwise according to early pregnancy HbA1c subgroups of ≤6.0% (n = 47), 6.1-7.5% (n = 57) and > 7.5% (n = 39), with rates of 0, 12.3 and 20.5% (P = 0.007) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The aspirin group had a higher baseline risk of pre-eclampsia and placental insufficiency, therefore the absence of difference between the groups favoured the efficacy of aspirin. PPH was highlighted as a potential complication of therapy, and early pregnancy HbA1c as a novel risk stratification tool for pre-eclampsia in women with pre-existing diabetes.

Preeclampsia and Glomerulonephritis: A Bidirectional Association

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We focus on the current understanding of preeclampsia (PE) in order to examine how it mediates glomerular injury and affects the course of glomerulonephritis (GNs). In addition, this review discusses the role of GNs on the development of PE.

RECENT FINDINGS

In PE, the dysfunctional utero-placental perfusion causes the release into the mother's circulation of anti-angiogenic substances, leading to systemic endotheliosis. In preeclamptic patients, the imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors is responsible for the kidney injury, and PE may reveal a silent pre-existent GN or may induce the development of the disease. Moreover, in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it could accelerate the disease progression. In any case, GNs compromise renal function, making the kidney less responsive to physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and, at the same time, cause maternal vascular inflammation, representing a risk factor for PE development. Although a bidirectional correlation between GNs and PE has been demonstrated, the data are limited, and further large studies are warranted. Close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians and nephrologists is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and safely manage these vulnerable women and their fetuses.

Glycemic control and fetal growth of women with diabetes mellitus and subsequent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at high risk for hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP). Women with poor control DM sometimes have heavy-for-dates infants. However, women with HDP sometimes have light-for-dates infants. We aim to clarify the relationship between glycemic control and fetal growth in women with DM and/or subsequent HDP. Of 7893 women gave singleton birth at or after 22 gestational weeks, we enrolled 154 women with type 1 DM (T1DM) or type 2 DM (T2DM) whose infants did not have fetal abnormalities. Among women with T1DM or T2DM, characteristics of the three groups (with HDP, without HDP, and with chronic hypertension [CH]) were compared. No women with T1DM had CH, but 19 (17.4%) of 109 with T2DM did. HDP incidence was similar between women with T1DM (22.2%) and T2DM without CH (16.7%). Among women with T1DM, the incidences of fetal growth restriction (FGR) with and without HDP were similar. However, among women with T2DM without CH, this incidence was significantly higher among those with HDP (33.3%) than among those without HDP (5.3%), was significantly more common with HbA1c levels at first trimester ≥ 7.2% (33.3%) than with those < 7.2% (5.6%), and significantly more numerous without pre-pregnancy therapies for DM (23.3%) than with them (3.3%). Among women with T2DM and HDP, those with FGR had smaller placenta SDs and higher insulin dosages at delivery than those without light-for-dates. In multivariate analysis, the presence of diabetic nephropathy was a predictor of T1DM and HDP (P = 0.0105), whereas HbA1c levels ≥ 7.2% before pregnancy was a predictor of T2DM and HDP (P = 0.0009). Insulin dosage ≥ 50U/day at delivery (P = 0.0297) and the presence of HDP (P = 0.0116) independently predicted T2DM, HDP, and FGR development. Insufficient pre-pregnancy treatment of DM increased the risk of HDP.

Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy

Hyperglycemia is common during pregnancy, involving multisystem adaptations. Pregnancy-induced metabolic changes increase insulin resistance. Pregnancy-induced insulin resistance adds to preexisting insulin resistance. Preexisting pancreatic β-cell defect compromises the ability to enhance insulin secretion, leading to hyperglycemia. Women with type 2 DM have similar rates of major congenital malformations, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality, but an even higher risk of perinatal mortality. In utero type 2 DM exposure confers greater risk and reduces time to development of type 2 DM in offspring. Preconception care to improve metabolic control in women with type 2 diabetes is critical.

Pregnancy in women with diabetic nephropathy

The number of pregnancies in women with pregestational diabetes has been steadily increasing worldwide. These pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of a variety of complications, including miscarriages, congenital malformations, macrosomia, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, preterm delivery and stillbirth. In pregnant women with diabetic nephropathy it is important to evaluate both the effect of pregnancy on kidney function and the effect of kidney disease on pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with normal renal function and microalbuminuria have a low risk of loss of kidney function during pregnancy, while women with GFR < 60 ml/min and/or proteinuria ≥ 3 g/24 h at the beginning of pregnancy are at risk of permanent kidney damage. The risk of fetal and maternal complications is associated with the severity of chronic kidney disease and glycemic control. Advances in prenatal care have improved fetal and maternal outcomes and preconception counseling has become key for a successful pregnancy in all women with diabetes and especially in those with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Pregnancy in Chronic Kidney Disease: Need for Higher Awareness. A Pragmatic Review Focused on What Could Be Improved in the Different CKD Stages and Phases

Pregnancy is possible in all phases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its management may be difficult and the outcomes are not the same as in the overall population. The prevalence of CKD in pregnancy is estimated at about 3%, as high as that of pre-eclampsia (PE), a better-acknowledged risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. When CKD is known, pregnancy should be considered as high risk and followed accordingly; furthermore, since CKD is often asymptomatic, pregnant women should be screened for the presence of CKD, allowing better management of pregnancy, and timely treatment after pregnancy. The differential diagnosis between CKD and PE is sometimes difficult, but making it may be important for pregnancy management. Pregnancy is possible, even if at high risk for complications, including preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction, superimposed PE, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Results in all phases are strictly dependent upon the socio-sanitary system and the availability of renal and obstetric care and, especially for preterm children, of intensive care units. Women on dialysis should be aware of the possibility of conceiving and having a successful pregnancy, and intensive dialysis (up to daily, long-hours dialysis) is the clinical choice allowing the best results. Such a choice may, however, need adaptation where access to dialysis is limited or distances are prohibitive. After kidney transplantation, pregnancies should be followed up with great attention, to minimize the risks for mother, child, and for the graft. A research agenda supporting international comparisons is highly needed to ameliorate or provide knowledge on specific kidney diseases and to develop context-adapted treatment strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes in CKD women.

[What we do and do not know about women and kidney diseases; Questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day]

On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What we know and do not know about women and kidney diseases; Questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically women's kidney health on the community and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state in which acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. Various autoimmune and other conditions are more likely to impact women, with profound consequences for child bearing and the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we know and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What we do and do not know about women and kidney diseases; Questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman’s Day

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the world’s adult population; it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women’s Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women’s health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world’s population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, which not only offers an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also states where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for childbearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What we do and do not know about women and kidney diseases; questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day

Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly.Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants.In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What We Do and Do Not Know About Women and Kidney Diseases; Questions Unanswered and Answers Unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: It is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus giving an occasion to reflect on open questions on the importance of kidney health in women for the present and the future generations.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we summarize some aspects that are unique to women's kidney health, offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly.

FINDINGS

Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is not only a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for childbearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants.

CONCLUSION

Improving knowledge on women, kidney health, and kidney disease, may be a way to improve outcomes of kidney diseases worldwide.

What We Do and Do Not Know about Women and Kidney Diseases; Questions Unanswered and Answers Unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Women's Day

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to have an impact on women, with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What we do and do not know about women and kidney diseases; questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: reflection on World Kidney Day and International Women's Day

Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What We Do and Do Not Know about Women and Kidney Diseases; Questions Unanswered and Answers Unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to have an impact on women, with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

21st century obstetrics: a 50-year-old nullip-walk in the park?

We discuss the case of a 50-year-old nulliparous woman who conceived after in vitro fertilisation. She had multiple medical comorbidities and presented an obstetric and medical challenge. She was carefully managed through pregnancy and had a successful outcome. In this report, we explore the medical complexity, as well as ethical and logistic issues involved.

What We Do and Do Not Know about Women and Kidney Diseases; Questions Unanswered and Answers Unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Women's Day

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10$ of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50$ of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to have an impact on women, with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.

What we do and do not know about women and kidney diseases; questions unanswered and answers unquestioned: Reflection on World Kidney Day and International Woman's Day

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's adult population: it is within the top 20 causes of death worldwide, and its impact on patients and their families can be devastating. World Kidney Day and International Women's Day in 2018 coincide, thus offering an opportunity to reflect on the importance of women's health and specifically their kidney health, on the community, and the next generations, as well as to strive to be more curious about the unique aspects of kidney disease in women so that we may apply those learnings more broadly. Girls and women, who make up approximately 50% of the world's population, are important contributors to society and their families. Gender differences continue to exist around the world in access to education, medical care, and participation in clinical studies. Pregnancy is a unique state for women, offering an opportunity for diagnosis of kidney disease, but also a state where acute and chronic kidney diseases may manifest, and which may impact future generations with respect to kidney health. There are various autoimmune and other conditions that are more likely to impact women with profound consequences for child bearing, and on the fetus. Women have different complications on dialysis than men, and are more likely to be donors than recipients of kidney transplants. In this editorial, we focus on what we do and do not know about women, kidney health, and kidney disease, and what we might learn in the future to improve outcomes worldwide.