Research Updates in Kidney and Urologic Health

New in CHID

Each quarter, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse adds about 150 items to the kidney and urologic diseases (KU) subfile of the Combined Health Information Database (CHID). This database contains abstracts and ordering information for professional resources and patient education materials—such as books, pamphlets, videos, journal articles, and manuals—dealing with a variety of kidney and urologic topics. Recently, the KU subfile has begun to include resources available online. CHID Online can be accessed at www.chid.nih.gov on the Internet. Among recent additions to the KU subfile are these materials on kidney disease and treatments for pain in interstitial cystitis.

Help Your Family Prevent Kidney Failure The brochure from the National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) emphasizes that kidney disease runs in families and that early detection of kidney disease is important. The brochure features key messages about kidney disease on a detachable postcard that patients mail to their family members. Available from National Kidney Disease Education Program, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 540, Bethesda, MD 20817. This brochure is also available on the NKDEP website.

The Kidney Learning System Catalog

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is a principal authority in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2003, the NKF launched its Kidney Learning System (KLS), which is focused on education, early patient identification, prevention, and clinical applications that improve outcomes. This program emphasizes that the information people need to know about CKD differs depending on the stage of the disease. Therefore, all KLS materials are categorized by CKD stages along the continuum of care. This catalog lists the materials available through the KLS program. Materials are listed by category—public education, at-risk patients, and patient and professional materials in stages 1 through 5—as well as transplant level. Each item in the catalog is briefly described and cost information is provided. The catalog is illustrated with photographs of some of the covers of the materials as well as quotations from the materials. The catalog also includes a brief description of resource extras, other programs and solutions of the KLS, and a brief description of the goals and activities of the NKF. An order form for materials is also provided.

Available from National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Medical Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. 1–800–622–9010. Fax: 212–689–9261. Email: info@kidney.org. website: www.kidney.org.

Interstitial Cystitis Association Treatment Options

The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) website offers a number of resources for patients and physicians. The ICA Treatment Options section is designed to help physicians and patients develop a step-by-step treatment plan. The ICA Treatment Guidelines page details the symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC) and diagnostic procedures. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, so each patient requires an individual treatment plan. Non-invasive techniques such as diet modification and self-help may be used in combination with more aggressive treatment modalities. The Treatment Guidelines page lists oral medications and bladder instillations that may be used to relieve the symptoms of IC. Clinical trials are testing additional treatment options. An IC Terminology Guide provides a comprehensive glossary of medical and pharmaceutical terms.

Patients can contact the ICA by writing to 110 North Washington Street, Suite 340, Rockville, MD 20850. The phone number is 1–800–HELP–ICA or 301–610–5300. Email: icamail@ichelp.org.

NIH Publication No. 04–4531
May 2004