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.
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,...
Throughout November, ISN leaders are bringing global kidney health into focus through participation in the USA, Romania, and Russia, and by honoring two 2025 ISN Pioneer Award winners. Whether sharing the latest research, building partnerships, or amplifying regional voices, these engagements help elevate the global conversation on equitable kidney care. Where to find the ISN...
Kidney International Reports® has published a paper from the ISN Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) Cohort 3, “Expanding kidney care: How non-physician health workers can address the global CKD crisis.” The publication explores how non-physician health workers — such as community health workers and nurses — can help close critical gaps in chronic kidney disease prevention...
A new cohort of trainees has been accepted into the program and will receive guidance from members of the inaugural cohort, now serving as faculty alongside senior mentors. The ISN Train-the-Trainer program in pregnancy and kidney diseases, led by Shilpa Jesudason (Australia) and Michelle Hladunewich (Canada), aims to build a robust network of professionals...
How is climate change threatening kidney health? Winston Fung talks to Vivekanand Jha, Maryvonne Hourmant, and Letizia De Chiara to explore how kidney health is put at risk when access to medication and healthcare is disrupted due to extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and emerging infections. Listen to the episode They emphasize that early detection and...
Anthony Rodgers has led the development of a groundbreaking and affordable four-in-one cardiovascular "polypill" and directed major clinical trial programs in both developed and developing countries. At WCN'26, he will deliver the plenary lecture, "The potential of polypills in CKD," exploring how polypills could simplify therapies, improve adherence, and reduce cardiovascular risk in people...
Early detection of CKD can save lives and reduce healthcare costs by slowing progression, preventing complications, and avoiding costly dialysis or transplantation. Utilize the Starting and Sustaining Early CKD Detection and Intervention Programs Toolbox to address CKD detection gaps rand help improve care for those at risk. Designed as a set of building blocks, the...
"Kidney disease is straightforward to detect and straightforward to treat in primary care, if you provide people with the right tools and the right support." That was the message from ISN President Marcello Tonelli during "Kidney Health Matters: Advancing Commitments into Action," a high-level event co-hosted by the ISN and Devex on the sidelines...
People living with kidney disease and their families face difficult choices and uncertainty, highlighting the need for clear, compassionate guidance about treatment options. To support them, the ISN has developed an open-access video series to help patients and families understand supportive care, make informed choices, and access person-centered care throughout their kidney journey. Explore the...
ISN leaders are spotlighting global kidney health throughout October. Whether sharing the latest research, building partnerships, or amplifying regional voices, these engagements help elevate the global conversation on equitable kidney care. Where to find the ISN this October October 7-10 10th Annual Congress of the SFNDT Touraine, France At the congress of the Société Francophone de Néphrologie, Dialyse...
