Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. Those with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing kidney disease.
Kidney problems include acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections.
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...
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...
Want quick, reliable references to guide multidisciplinary treatment decisions? The ISN Optimization of SGLT2i Therapy Toolkit provides handy infographics designed to help nephrologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare professionals optimize patient care across kidney, heart, and metabolic conditions. Access the tools in English, German, and Spanish Key topics covered include: Nuts and bolts of SGLT2i therapy at the...
By YNC Chair Bianca Davidson Do you sometimes feel unsure when reading clinical research papers or meta-analyses? You’re not alone — recent surveys show that one of the biggest challenges reported by young nephrologists was limited training in research interpretation. That’s where the ISN Young Nephrologists Capacity Building Committee steps in. To support early-career professionals, the...
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,...
Kidney International® Management recommendations for kidney transplantation in patients with plasma cell dyscrasia Patients with plasma cell dyscrasia such as multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis often develop kidney failure but have been underrepresented in kidney transplantation due to recurrence risk and poor outcomes. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed new evidence showing improved survival with modern therapies and expanding transplant eligibility....
The Fellow of the ISN (FISN) status recognizes sustained dedication to the global kidney community and the ISN’s mission. It highlights a strong commitment to advancing kidney care, mentoring the next generation of nephrologists, and making a lasting impact on global kidney health Awardees come from every corner of the globe — in 2025, 28% were from Western...
Kidney International® Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a study assessing the efficacy and safety of felzartamab for IgA nephropathy A phase 2a trial tested felzartamab, an anti-CD38 antibody, in 54 patients with IgA nephropathy. Patients received different doses of felzartamab or placebo over six months. Felzartamab reduced protein in the urine, with the strongest and longest-lasting effect seen...
The deputy minister of health and staff from the Health Department, Tajikistan, visit a new hemodialysis center opened with support from the ISN SRC Program Irma Tchokhonelidze observed significant gaps in dialysis provision during her 2021 visits to kidney centers in Dushanbe, including limited diagnostic capacity, the absence of patient registries, and inconsistent follow-up...
In October, 77 leading experts gathered in Amsterdam for the “ISN International Expert Forum: Exploring the Nexus of Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Health,” a multidisciplinary meeting dedicated to shaping the future of cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) care. Over one and a half days of dynamic discussion, participants explored ways to overcome barriers in care delivery, strengthen health system integration,...
On October 14, 2025, His Royal Highness Prince Daniel of Sweden visited ISN Immediate Past-President Masaomi Nangaku at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine. A kidney transplant recipient and patron of the ISN, Prince Daniel has long been an advocate for kidney disease awareness. They discussed ISN initiatives, including the Global Kidney Health...
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...
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...
Kidney International® The randomized DIALIZE-Outcomes trial evaluated sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in hemodialysis People on hemodialysis often face dangerous swings in blood potassium that can trigger sudden death or heart rhythm problems. The DIALIZE-Outcomes trial tested whether the potassium binder sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) could reduce serious cardiovascular events compared with placebo in 2,690 patients with kidney failure. The...
Was your original research published in Kidney International® in 2025? Here’s a chance to have your work showcased at the World Congress of Nephrology 2026 in Yokohama, Japan — and receive $500! Find out more and apply by December 5 Who can apply for a KI-ISN Early-Career Researcher Award? First authors of original research papers (clinical or basic/translational...
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...
