Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a gradual loss of kidney function. Advanced CKD can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste to build up in the body as the kidneys ability to filter and eliminate excess fluids from the blood decreases.
CKD is a common condition often associated with getting older. It increases the risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. Early detection and treatment can often keep CKD from getting worse.
The ISN and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing a long-term collaboration to strengthen global action on diabetes-related kidney disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and together these conditions affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Recognizing their shared risk factors and growing global burden, the ISN and the IDF...
Kidney International® Strategies for the development of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for kidney protection in pediatric chronic kidney disease: proceedings of a workshop meeting in July 2023 There are currently no approved therapies to slow chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression across the diverse causes of pediatric CKD, despite evidence that sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) slow kidney disease...
Across the kidney care community, there are individuals whose work consistently sets standards — advancing research, strengthening education, and leading clinical innovation. These are people whose expertise is trusted, whose leadership shapes practice, and whose contributions extend well beyond their own institutions. Formal recognition does not always keep pace with the scale or reach of this...
Caring for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during pregnancy presents complex clinical challenges, spanning fertility, preconception counselling, pregnancy management, and postpartum care. The ISN Pregnancy and Kidney Disease Toolkit Curriculum* provides practical, evidence-based guidance to support confident decision-making in these scenarios — now accredited for 3 CME credits at the ISN Academy. Explore the curriculum The modules expand on the ISN Pregnancy and Kidney Disease Toolkit*, providing...
A recent Kidney International® editorial showcases the ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) Interactive Map, an open-access tool that enables clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to identify gaps and target areas where kidney care improvements are most needed. Read the full paper in Kidney International® Consolidating data from the 2019 and 2023 ISN-GKHA surveys, the map: Compares kidney care capacity between countries and regions Tracks trends and measures progress over time Visualizes key indicators like workforce, infrastructure, and policies Provides evidence to guide research, advocacy, and policy initiatives Explore...
Kidney International® Executive summary of the KDIGO 2026 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) The KDIGO 2026 guideline updates the management of anemia in CKD in light of new evidence and emerging therapies since the 2012 update. It provides evidence-based recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, including iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, hypoxia-inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors,...
Visual featured in the KIR editorial on its 10th anniversary To mark 10 years of the ISN Journal Kidney International Reports® (KIR), we spoke with Editor-in-Chief Jai Radhakrishnan and Deputy Editor Sumit Mohan about the journal’s origins, defining moments, and how its mission has evolved over the past decade. Explore all ISN Journals Creating a home for...
Delegates and faculty at the ISN Primer Course in Glomerular Diseases in Taipei, Taiwan The latest edition of the ISN Primer Course in Glomerular Diseases took place in Taipei, Taiwan, as a pre-congress course at the 23rd Asian Pacific Congress of Nephrology in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Taiwan Society of Nephrology, bringing together 99 delegates from 15 countries, along with faculty and representatives from supporting partners. The course provided clinicians with up-to-date guidance on diagnosing, interpreting, and managing the...
The ISN congratulates four kidney care centers in ISN’s Oceania and South-East Asia (OSEA) region that have earned ISN Regional Training Center (RTC) status: Thailand: Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Philippines: National Kidney and Transplant Institute Malaysia: Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban Fiji: Colonial War Memorial Hospital These centers now serve as regional hubs where ISN Grants intersect, providing nephrologists with opportunities to access training, mentorship, and global networks that ultimately...
Across the ISN’s research groups and committees, this year has been defined by one theme: Turning global collaboration into real-world impact. From uncovering the drivers of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) to strengthening renal registries and shaping the next wave of clinical trials, these groups have been steadily building momentum — work...
This year, the ISN Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program continued to bring kidney care education closer to the professionals who need it most. From regional conferences to hands-on workshops, the program supported nine events in 2025, each confirming the same story: When nephrologists gain practical, context-driven skills, their confidence grows — and that confidence...
Kidney International® Implementing the commitments of the WHO Kidney Health Resolution: Initial steps in three diverse settings Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 850 million people globally, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. The WHA78 kidney health resolution offers a unique opportunity to advance prevention and care. This editorial presents case studies from Guatemala, Thailand,...
Kidney care challenges vary from region to region, but the drive to find solutions is universal. WCN'26 joint sessions bring together global partners to present diverse experiences and practical insights to advance best practices in kidney care and improve patient outcomes, no matter where they live. Explore WCN’26 joint sessions Discover a selection of standout sessions...
Across all 10 ISN regions, hundreds of early-career nephrologists have chosen the ISN as their global professional home. ISN Trainee memberships offer one year of free membership followed by three years at a reduced price so that early-career kidney care professionals globally can access career-building opportunities and a collaborative network of peers. Choose the membership option...
The ISN “Are Your Kidneys Healthy?” quiz is now available in Swahili! These quick and informative questions, offered in 32 languages, help individuals assess their risk of kidney disease and take proactive steps for kidney health. If you would like to contribute by translating the quiz into another language, please contact Romane at rblondel@theisn.org.
ISN leaders are spotlighting global kidney health in the Middle East in November and in North and East Asia, Western Europe, and South Asia throughout December, and celebrating two 2025 ISN Pioneer Award winners. By sharing research, building partnerships, and amplifying regional voices, these engagements help advance the global conversation on equitable kidney care. November 19th Congress of Asian Society of Transplantation (CAST 2025) November 26-29, 2025 Zahra, Kuwait November 28, Time TBD (Arabian Standard Time) A highlight...
Kidney International® APOL1 kidney disease: Conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference APOL1 genetic variants increase the risk of progressive chronic kidney disease among people of African ancestry. A 2024 KDIGO Controversies Conference reviewed current evidence and debated terminology, testing, and management approaches. Participants agreed on using the term “APOL1 kidney disease,” but found...
From improving transplant outcomes to advancing clinical nephrology in local hospitals, the latest ISN Fellows, Interventional Nephrology (IN) Scholars, and Clinical Research Program grantees are already poised to make a difference in their communities. Through hands-on training, education, and innovative research, these professionals will gain the skills to strengthen worldwide kidney care where it’s...
Kidney International® (KI) published "From progression to remission: a new paradigm for success in chronic kidney disease," by Nav Tangri, David Cherney, Katherine Tuttle, and Vlado Perkovic. The article was released at the same time as its presentation at ASN Kidney Week, increasing the study's visibility and reinforcing its significance to the global kidney community. Read the article in KI The research emphasizes a shift in...
By bringing together experts from diverse regions and disciplines, the WCN’26 Scientific Program Working Group (SPWG) ensures that the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) delivers scientific content that is of the highest quality and globally representative. We spoke with Sydney Tang, WCN’26 SPWG chair, to explore the many facets of next year’s scientific program,...
