A new drug, finerenone, previously used for diabetic kidney disease, has shown significant benefits for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not caused by diabetes. Studies indicate it slows kidney decline, reduces the risk of kidney failure, and lowers cardiovascular complications, offering hope to millions worldwide.
Chronic kidney disease patients have a 29% higher risk of shingles, with dialysis patients 3-4 times more likely and transplant patients up to 8 times more likely. Dr. Chen Zhen-ming emphasizes vaccination and preventive measures due to increased risks of complications like postherpetic neuralgia and kidney function decline.
Taiwan, with the world's highest dialysis prevalence, faces a significant public health challenge. Experts urge the establishment of a national task force at the Executive Yuan level to unify policy and set a key performance indicator for reducing new dialysis patients.
Taiwan launched a "Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Policy Promotion Committee" to address its world-leading dialysis rates. Experts urge a national-level task force to unify policy, reduce new dialysis patients, and improve prevention strategies.
Experts and legislators are calling on Taiwan's government to adopt a national-level strategy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention, similar to the successful Hepatitis C initiative. They advocate for shifting focus from end-stage dialysis to early screening, proactive treatment, and long-term management to reduce the number of new dialysis patients and alleviate healthcare burdens.
Taiwan launched a "Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Policy Promotion Committee" to address the significant health and economic burden of kidney disease. Experts advocate for integrated primary care, enhanced referral systems, and increased incentives to detect and treat the condition early, aiming to reduce the dialysis population and associated healthcare costs.
A new analysis shows semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) slows kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients, improving kidney function and survival rates, even with a history of cardiovascular events. The drug mimics GLP-1 hormones and is also popular for weight loss.
This advocacy piece argues for earlier intervention in severe asthma treatment, citing that existing tools, clear evidence, and expert consensus already exist but political will is lacking. Earlier biologic therapy could reduce avoidable healthcare use, lower steroid-related harm, improve quality of life, support workforce participation, and align with sustainability goals.
