Free Nephrology CME

Target Audience:
Physicians specializing in Immunology, Nephrology, Urology

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 15% of the general population in the United States and is the tenth-leading cause of death, accounting for 52,260 deaths in 2020. Along with the risk for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), CKD has also been associated with a number of complications, including anemia and hyperphosphatemia. Anemia occurs in about 15% of patients with CKD and arises from decreased erythropoiesis and abnormal iron metabolism. Hyperphosphatemia occurs in the later stages of CKD because the kidney is the primary method by which the body maintains phosphate. This retention of phosphate leads to the development of CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), with the literature suggesting that hyperphosphatemia occurs in a large portion of patients on dialysis based on phosphate binder (PB) usage.

This learning activity has been designed to bring HCPs’ knowledge of the treatment and screening of anemia and hyperphosphatemia in patients with CKD up to date and to improve their competence and performance in treating it. It will walk participants through treatment pathways and review of the evidence behind therapies to treat CKD’s complications.

Target Audience:

The following HCPs: nephrologists and primary care physicians; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who practice in nephrology; and any other HCPs with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with CKD.

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in adults worldwide, accounting for around one-third of mortality in the United States. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are health conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease, and over half of American adults have at least one major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. In particular, T2DM is a risk factor, with CV events implicated in the mortality of two-thirds of patients with T2DM. About one and a half million new cases of diabetes mellitus are diagnosed in in the United States each year, and the incidence of T2DM is increasing owing in part to Western-style diets, sedentary lifestyle, and changing demographics, and the disease is the largest contributor to a number of vascular outcomes, including end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and blindness in individuals under age 75. CKD is itself a major CVD risk factor and affects millions, yet the literature shows that patients with CKD are underserved with respect to CV risk reduction efforts.

This activity has been proposed to enhance the knowledge, competence, and performance of several members of HCPs in mitigating heart and kidney disease risk in patients with T2DM while addressing barriers to optimal care.

Target Audience:

The following HCPs: Endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians; certified diabetes educators, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists who practice in diabetes and endocrinology; and any other HCPs with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with diabetes.