The American Academy of Dermatology released its first pediatric-specific atopic dermatitis guidelines, addressing prevention and comorbidities.

Evidence on whether moisturizers prevent atopic dermatitis remains conditional, with reduced benefit seen in infants with a family history of the disease.

Strategies like water softeners and dust mite avoidance have not been shown to prevent atopic dermatitis, while allergic conditions and alopecia areata remain notable comorbidities.

Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent 

 at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, discussed key takeaways from his 2026 Maui Derm conference session, ‘Atopic Dermatitis and Itch Update 2026.’

In his session, he highlighted the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)'s first pediatric-specific 

 guidelines and what they mean for clinical practice. This interview with 

 covers some of the most notable takeaways from this session.

Recent AAD Guidelines Address Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Prevention

Eichenfield explained that the session addressed rapidly evolving treatment options across the age spectrum of patients with atopic dermatitis, including changes in both topical and systemic therapies. His portion of the presentation focused on pediatric atopic dermatitis, covering updates to topical treatment as well as emerging systemic options relevant to younger patients, reflecting how quickly the therapeutic landscape continues to shift year over year.

What Do the New Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines Say About Prevention?

A central highlight was the American Academy of Dermatology's release of its first pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines, published across two papers. One paper addressed disease prevention and associated comorbidities. Eichenfield noted that evidence remains mixed on whether moisturizers can help prevent atopic dermatitis, resulting in a conditional recommendation.

He referenced a large study led by Eric Simpson, MD, MCR, along with a separate study conducted in Ireland, both suggesting that early moisturizer use may reduce atopic dermatitis risk, though the benefit appeared less pronounced among infants with a family history of the disease. Eichenfield added that other proposed prevention strategies, including water softener use and dust mite avoidance, have not been shown to be effective in reducing atopic dermatitis risk.

Which Comorbidities Are Linked to Atopic Dermatitis?

Eichenfield also reviewed comorbidities associated with atopic dermatitis outlined in the new guidelines. He noted a strong association between atopic dermatitis and allergic conditions, as well as certain autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata.

He said the evidence connecting atopic dermatitis to bone health remains uncertain in the pediatric population, signaling an area that may warrant further research as pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines continue to evolve.

Disclosures: Eichenfield previously reported receiving personal fees from Pfizer Inc; grant funding from AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Bausch + Lomb, Castle Biosciences, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, and Sanofi SA and consulting for ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Almirall, SA, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Incyte Corporation, LEO Pharma A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sanofi SA, and UCB; and serving on the board of directors of Forté Pharma.

Silverberg J, Chovatiya R, Eichenfield L. Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Lio P. New AAD Pediatric Guidelines and Tips for Kids in Dermatology, With Peter Lio, MD. HCPLive. June 22, 2026. Accessed August 10, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/upcoming-aad-pediatric-guidelines-tips-kids-dermatology-peter-lio-md

Videos

Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, breaks down new AAD pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines, covering prevention strategies and linked comorbidities.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

News

news page, resources on the topics of disease- and specialty-specific medical news and expert insight can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on health care research, treatment, and drug development.

Clinical

clinical page is a resource for content on every specialty, disease, and topic available on our medical news site.

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, is an endocrine clinical pharmacist, director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology, and codirector of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at the Cleveland Clinic.

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

Advances in diabetes care rarely arrive through a single channel, and the 2026 annual meeting of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) reflected this breadth, with new insulin delivery hardware, cardiometabolic risk management, and endocrine screening criteria all drawing attention from clinicians in Columbus, Ohio.

Diabetes Dialogue: Tech, Screening, and Care Highlights from ADCES 2026

On a recent episode of Diabetes Dialogue, recorded on-site at ADCES26, co-hosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, reviewed sessions and exhibits spanning insulin delivery technology, cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) risk reduction, beta-cell preservation, ketone monitoring, and hypercortisolism screening.

On the exhibit floor, 2 simplified insulin delivery devices signaled a push toward patients still managing diabetes on multiple daily injections. Pivot, a tubeless patch pump from Modular Medical, holds up to 300 units of insulin, delivers preset 2-unit boluses, and supports 2 distinct basal rates, though it is not yet an automated insulin delivery (AID) system. CeQur's Simplicity bolus-only patch has moved toward 7-day wear with up to 240 units of capacity and a one-unit dosing option, positioning it alongside once-weekly basal and incretin therapies on a shared weekly schedule.

A case-based session on CKM syndrome, built around a patient newly diagnosed with 

 and discharged on insulin without pen needles, illustrated how risk calculators such as PREVENT can guide therapy beyond glycemic control. The case incorporated glucose-lowering therapy alongside GLP-1 and SGLT2 inhibitor use for cardiorenal protection, discontinuation of an unindicated beta blocker masking hypoglycemia symptoms, and a plan to taper insulin as other agents took effect.

A separate discussion focused on C-peptide, a marker of residual endogenous insulin production, as an emerging clinical trial endpoint in type 1 diabetes. Patients who retain measurable C-peptide despite long-standing autoimmune beta cell loss appear to experience fewer cardiovascular events, less diabetic ketoacidosis, and less severe hypoglycemia, reinforcing interest in beta-cell-preserving therapies during early-stage disease.

Continuous ketone monitoring, an emerging sensor category, was covered through patient cases including pregnancy-related nutritional ketosis and a case of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults treated with an SGLT2 inhibitor without insulin, a combination carrying risk for euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. The hosts noted real-time ketone data could eventually clarify when SGLT2 inhibitor use is appropriate in insulin-requiring patients despite this risk.

A well-attended early-morning session addressed hypercortisolism as an underrecognized driver of treatment-resistant hypertension and hyperglycemia. Updated American College of Endocrinology guidance now recommends screening when hemoglobin A1c remains >7.5% or blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite maximal glucagon-like peptide-1, SGLT2 inhibitor, and multidrug antihypertensive therapy, with diabetes care and education specialists playing a growing role in identifying candidates and coordinating referral.

The hosts also highlighted Blue Circle Health, a nonprofit offering ≤6 months of virtual bridge care, including dietitian visits, social work support, and insurance navigation, for people with type 1 diabetes across 20 states. Collectively, the sessions underscored a field advancing simultaneously on device design, risk stratification, biomarker science, and access to supportive care.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others.

Ndumele CE, Rodriguez F, Dixon DL, et al. 2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2026;154(4). doi:10.1161/cir.0000000000001453

Taylor PN, Collins KS, Lam A, et al. C-peptide and metabolic outcomes in trials of disease modifying therapy in new-onset type 1 diabetes: An individual participant meta-analysis. The Lancet Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology. 2023;11(12):915-925. doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00267-x

Articles

ADCES26 highlighted multidimensional progress in diabetes management, spanning simplified insulin delivery hardware, CKM risk reduction strategies, and emerging endocrine screening thresholds. New patch-based devices targeted patients on MDI with higher capacities and weekly-wear concepts. Case discussions emphasized use of PREVENT and cardiorenal-protective therapies, insulin de-intensification, and avoidance of agents that mask hypoglycemia. C-peptide gained visibility as a type 1 diabetes endpoint linked to fewer adverse outcomes. Continuous ketone monitoring and updated hypercortisolism screening criteria broadened practical clinical vigilance, alongside bridge-care support models.

Diabetes Dialogue hosts recap ADCES26 highlights on insulin delivery tech, CKM care, C-peptide science, ketone monitoring, and hypercortisolism screening.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

This page also hosts content previously published by EndocrinologyNetwork. 


Podcasts

podcasts page features a feed of medical news and interview podcast series, including DocTalk, Lungcast, Derm Discussions, and Heart Trials.

Diabetes Dialogue

Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives is a podcast hosted by Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, aimed at providing a regular roundup of the latest clinically applicable insights across diabetes and metabolic diseases, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve care.

Strategic Alliance Partnership

Arvid Harder, PhD candidate of Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

AERS Subtypes Show Distinct Genetic Architecture in MDD

A genome-wide association study of > 460,000 individuals of European ancestry has identified 27 genetic loci separating 2 biologically distinct subtypes of 

 defined by opposing atypical energy-related symptoms (AERS).¹

Current diagnostic criteria count hypersomnia and insomnia, or weight gain and weight loss, as equally valid paths to an MDD diagnosis, despite opposite underlying biology. Investigators from the Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, based at Karolinska Institutet, built on earlier heritability work identifying this symptom grouping as a genetically distinct target.

 The new analysis expands the approach to 3 subtypes across nearly half a million individuals.

"[Our] lab, led by Dr. Yi Lu, works on depression subtypes, trying to look specifically at how we can group patients with MDD into subgroupings,” said Arvid Harder, of Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. “[This] might give us more of an idea [on] whether they respond to certain medications or whether they're caused by different things.”

AERS Subtype Definitions and GWAS Architecture

The investigators defined 3 subgroups among individuals meeting criteria for MDD:

AERS+, characterized by hypersomnia with increased appetite or weight gain (n = 47,858);

AERS−, characterized by insomnia with decreased appetite or weight loss (n = 156,624); and

Uncategorized group with mixed presentations (n = 215,828).

Across the 3 subtypes, the analysis identified 27 genome-wide significant loci: 4 for AERS+, 10 for AERS−, and 13 for Uncategorized.

No prior MDD genetics study had reported several of these loci.

AERS+ showed greater SNP-based heritability, at 10.9%, compared with 7.9% for AERS− and 8.6% for Uncategorized. Polygenicity followed the opposite pattern: AERS+ variants accounted for 1.7% of SNPs studied, versus 2.9% for AERS− and 5.3% for Uncategorized. The study found larger effect sizes with AERS+-associated loci.

Genetic Correlations and Metabolic Risk in MDD Subtypes

What are the AERS+ and AERS− subtypes of major depressive disorder?


AERS+ is defined by hypersomnia with weight gain; AERS− is defined by insomnia with weight loss. The Uncategorized group has mixed neurovegetative symptoms.

How genetically distinct are the AERS subtypes?


AERS+ and AERS− share a moderate genetic correlation. with AERS+ showing higher heritability and lower polygenicity than AERS−, pointing to overlapping but partially distinct biology.

Could these findings change how depression is treated?


The investigators propose testing subtype-specific approaches, including GLP-1 receptor agonists in AERS+ patients, though no treatment-matching trials have been conducted.

AERS+ and AERS− shared a moderate genetic correlation (rg = 0.64; SE = 0.04), indicating overlapping but partially distinct genetic architecture rather than fully separate disorders.

Metabolic traits emerged as the primary axis of differentiation: AERS+ correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and blood glucose, while AERS− correlated weakly in the opposite direction. Investigators note the immunometabolic profile in AERS+ resembles preclinical metabolic syndrome, while AERS− appears biologically more protective on standard metabolic markers.

AERS+ also showed a negative correlation with HDL cholesterol and a positive correlation with C-reactive protein, alongside links to ADHD, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

 AERS− carried a genetic correlation with anorexia nervosa and had a possible shared mechanism with schizophrenia risk.

"Right now, it's hard for clinicians to make definitive changes, because the [goal] of subtyping is tailoring treatment to different subtypes," Harder said. “We're not quite there yet.”

Harder A, Wang R, Bergstedt J, et al. Atypical energy-related symptoms define biologically distinct subtypes of major depressive disorder. medRxiv. Preprint posted July 2, 2026. Accessed August 10, 2026. 

Mitchell BL, Monistrol-Mula A, Thomas JT, Byrne EM. The Role of Genetic Data in Dissecting Depression Heterogeneity. 

A genome-wide association study of >460,000 Europeans stratified major depressive disorder into atypical energy-related symptom subtypes defined by opposing sleep and appetite/weight patterns. Three groups were analyzed: AERS+ (hypersomnia with hyperphagia/weight gain), AERS− (insomnia with hypophagia/weight loss), and mixed presentations. Twenty-seven genome-wide loci differentiated these groups, with AERS+ showing higher SNP-based heritability, lower polygenicity, and larger locus effect sizes. Genetic correlations were moderate between AERS+ and AERS−, while metabolic and inflammatory trait associations most strongly separated the subtypes.

A genome-wide study of > 460,000 individuals identify 27 loci separating AERS+ and AERS− subtypes of major depressive disorder by metabolic profile.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on mental illnesses. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and more.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder condition center page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into depression can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on MDD research, treatment, and drug development.

Chelsie Derman is an associate editor for 

who covers allergy and  psychiatry. She joined MJH Life Sciences in September 2023 after graduating from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and professional writing. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and reading.

Tim Smith joined the MJH Life Sciences team in 2022 and is currently an associate editor for 

. He is also the executive producer of two podcasts: 

. Previously, he was the producer of the Lungcast podcast. He graduated from UC Berkeley and worked in multimedia journalism as a staff writer prior to joining MJH. You can contact him at tsmith@mjhlifesciences.com.

The non-profit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) confirmed Resilient Pharmaceuticals, formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation and Lykos Therapeutics, has resubmitted its new drug application (NDA) for MDMA-assisted therapy for 

What is the current regulatory status of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD?


Resilient Pharmaceuticals has resubmitted its NDA to the FDA without a new phase 3 trial, following the August 2024 complete response letter, according to an August 9, 2026, report from Psychedelic Alpha.

Why did the FDA reject the original MDMA-assisted therapy application?


The August 2024 CRL recommended additional research on durability of response, safety characterization, and steps to minimize potential for bias, rather than issuing a final rejection of the treatment.

What does the FDA's new psychedelic drug guidance address?


The July 2026 final guidance, Psychedelic Drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations, covers clinical trial design, safety characterization, therapist-delivered interventions, and long-term follow-up standards for psychedelic drug development programs.

The resubmission follows the complete response letter (CRL) the FDA issued on August 9, 2024, recommending additional research on durability of response, safety characterization, and bias mitigation before reconsidering approval.

 MAPS funded and initiated the clinical trial program underlying the application, completed in 2022, but has no active role in Resilient's current drug development program.

"Two years after FDA rejected the initial application for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, Resilient's new NDA is being submitted without a new phase 3 study. We knew the FDA wasn't saying no, just not yet," said Rick Doblin, PhD, founder and president of MAPS.

I'm grateful everyone who contributed to those trials, the donors, researchers, independent raters, and most importantly the participants, will see a new evaluation by the FDA.”

Doblin noted the data underlying the original application, including adverse events and clinical outcomes, were reported accurately despite partial functional unblinding among trial participants.

FDA Final Guidance on Psychedelic Drug Clinical Investigations

The FDA published final guidance titled Psychedelic Drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations in July 2026, finalizing a draft first issued in June 2023.

The guidance addresses clinical trial design, safety characterization, therapist-delivered interventions, and long-term follow-up standards, the same areas identified in the 2024 CRL as needing further development. MAPS said the guidance reflects scientific approaches the organization discussed with the FDA over more than 20 years of engagement on psychedelic drug development.

“The drug evaluation and regulation system was not designed to evaluate drugs delivered as part of therapy, and it is worth getting right," said Betty Aldworth, co-executive director of MAPS.

 “The clarity this guidance provides was earned by the researchers, therapists, and participants who believe this treatment deserves a rigorous evaluation of its scientific merit.”

MAPS Responds to Report of Progress for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD with FDA. MAPS. Published August 10, 2026. Accessed August 10, 2026. 

https://maps.org/2026/08/10/maps-responds-to-report-of-progress-for-mdma-assisted-therapy-for-ptsd-with-fda/

Derman C. FDA Releases CRL Detailing Safety Concerns for MDMA-Assisted Therapy in PTSD. HCPLive. Published September 15, 2025. Accessed August 10, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-releases-crl-detailing-safety-concerns-mdma-assisted-therapy-ptsd

Psychedelic drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations. US Food and Drug Administration. Published July 2026. Accessed August 10, 2026. 

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/psychedelic-drugs-considerations-clinical-investigations

MAPS confirmed that Resilient Pharmaceuticals has resubmitted an FDA NDA for MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD after an August 2024 complete response letter requested more evidence on durability, safety characterization, and bias mitigation. MAPS funded the original clinical program (completed 2022) but is not directing current development. Resubmission reportedly proceeds without a new phase 3 trial, with MAPS asserting outcomes and adverse events were accurately reported despite partial functional unblinding. FDA’s July 2026 final psychedelic trial guidance formalizes expectations around trial design, therapist-delivered interventions, safety, and long-term follow-up.

Resilient Pharmaceuticals has resubmitted its MDMA-assisted therapy NDA for PTSD without a new phase 3 trial, MAPS reported.

PTSD

FDA News

MDMA-Assisted Therapy NDA Resubmitted to FDA for PTSD

Matthew C. Breeggemann, MD is a nephrologist who cares for patients with kidney disease. He is medical director of UCSF's Kidney Stone Prevention Clinic, where he treats patients with a variety of kidney stone disorders in collaboration with the department of urology.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is no longer defined solely by declining kidney function, clinicians are increasingly relying on urine protein trends, genetic testing, and risk stratification tools to guide diagnosis and treatment. As therapies for CKD continue to expand, questions remain about how quickly these advances reach everyday practice and how conditions like acute kidney injury (AKI) factor into long-term outcomes.

To address these questions, HCPLive spoke with Matthew Breeggemann, MD, assistant clinical professor in the Division of Nephrology and medical director of the nephrology-based Kidney Stone Prevention Center at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Breeggemann discussed how a detailed patient history, genetic testing, and biopsy findings inform CKD management, why it can take years for new therapies to become routine practice, and what he believes will define the next era of kidney care.

Why a Detailed Patient History Matters for CKD Management

HCPLive: You care for patients with a range of kidney conditions, including CKD, AKI, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, and kidney stones. How does seeing these different aspects of kidney disease influence the way you approach CKD management?

Breeggemann: I think for me it's really helpful to get a detailed history when you first meet a patient—this includes the patient and the patient's family—and to try to fit those pieces of the puzzle together. You'll see patients where it seems really straightforward, like diabetes, and you're fairly certain their kidney disease is due to diabetes. But you might have another patient who has diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, and other potential causes for their chronic kidney disease. Those cases are more complicated, and it's important to do your due diligence as a clinician to make sure you're not missing anything, because all of those things should be addressed—they're often treated differently. So it's very important to approach care that way.

Beyond eGFR: What Else Informs a New CKD Diagnosis

HCPLive: When a patient is first being diagnosed with CKD, what are the most important things you want to understand about that patient beyond their eGFR and creatinine values?

Breeggemann: I'll lean on eGFR just a little bit, but what I really want to see is the trend. eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is based on a blood test measuring creatinine or, in some cases, cystatin C. You might have a patient whose eGFR has been stable at, say, 50 milliliters per minute for the last 10 years. They have chronic kidney disease, and neither of you wish they did, but it's been well managed and hasn't progressed. Then you might have another patient whose eGFR was 50 a year ago and is now 25—a major decrease. Those are patients you'll want to monitor much more closely through labs and appointments.

With CKD care becoming increasingly personalized, our center also performs a substantial amount of genetic testing for kidney disorders, and those findings have changed how we approach and manage some patients with CKD. We also perform a high number of kidney biopsies, which can help determine the etiology of CKD along with the degree of acute and chronic kidney damage. We assess adherence to therapies, since patients may not always follow a treatment plan due to side effects, cost, or insurance approval. We want to make sure patients understand why we're recommending what we recommend, and, importantly, we take into account the patient's priorities for their own care to make sure we're honoring their treatment preferences.

Closing the Gap Between CKD Evidence and Everyday Practice

HCPLive: Many patients with CKD still reach advanced stages of disease despite having effective therapies available. Where do you think the biggest gaps remain in translating evidence into everyday practice?

Breeggemann: This has been studied across medicine as a whole, and it's quite interesting to read about. It takes approximately 17 years following a new medical intervention or therapy for it to become routinely used in clinical practice. That seems like an incredibly long time, because it is, but it's probably best explained by the time needed to change clinical guidelines, disseminate information to clinicians, and change old habits among providers who are otherwise very busy caring for hundreds or thousands of patients. Insurance review and approval is another factor—these therapies are often expensive, and insurers need to approve and cover costs for many patients. There can also be individual hospital and clinic review processes for new therapies, among many other factors.

For CKD therapies specifically, I can think of some potential issues: delays in diagnosis, delays in referral to a nephrologist, and the need for clear communication between primary care and other subspecialists. You can imagine patients seeing endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and primary care—we need to make sure it's clear who's going to prescribe the therapy, since that often overlaps multiple fields. You also need patient buy-in and adherence to the recommended therapy, along with cost, insurance coverage, and potential side effects. That said, a lot of the therapies we have available in nephrology, especially those aimed at reducing protein levels in patients with chronic kidney disease, are generally pretty well tolerated.

The Long-Term Association Between AKI and CKD Progression

HCPLive: AKI and CKD are often discussed separately, but we know episodes of acute kidney injury can influence long-term kidney outcomes. How has our understanding of this relationship changed in recent years?

Breeggemann: An episode of acute kidney injury, or AKI, should not be viewed as a simple, transient condition, even when labs improve and seem to suggest that. For instance, creatinine peaks with AKI and then improves over time, but it would be a mistake in the large majority of cases to say no additional evaluation or monitoring is needed. We know that, at a tissue level, these episodes of AKI can lead to structural changes in the kidney, inflammation, and damage to cells and blood vessels inside the kidney. It's likely these changes explain the risk that recurring episodes of AKI pose for the eventual development of CKD, and patients with existing CKD are at even higher risk for disease progression when they experience an episode of AKI compared with someone without CKD.

There are also mild and more severe cases of AKI, and the most severe episodes place patients at higher risk. Many patients who experience an AKI may not even be aware they had one, due to a lack of symptoms or because they weren't informed by their medical team. Roughly 15% of hospitalized patients have an AKI, and they should be monitored after discharge—but we know many aren't, so there's often no post-AKI surveillance labs, and care for these patients is inconsistent.

What Will Define the Next Era of CKD Management

HCPLive: As kidney care moves toward earlier intervention, what do you think will define the next era of CKD management?

Breeggemann: I like to think we're on track for improving care for those with CKD, with greater clinical knowledge and better detection. We have the tools we need to find these patients and refer them to nephrologists and other subspecialists on a more timely basis than ever before. This should allow better coordination between subspecialties—nephrology, endocrinology, cardiology, and others really need to work together to best care for these patients, rather than assuming one specialty will manage the condition primarily, because that often leads to delays in effective therapy.

We also have risk stratification tools, like kidney risk prediction calculators, that help assess which patients are more likely to progress. There are precision approaches incorporating genetic testing, imaging, and other techniques that are really valuable. I'd also highlight subspecialty clinics and centers of excellence often embedded within nephrology clinics at select sites. For example, at UCSF we have a glomerulonephritis clinic, a kidney stone prevention clinic that I run, and a polycystic kidney disease center. These can be useful options for patients with specific causes for their CKD.

How the Definition and Management of CKD Have Evolved

HCPLive: CKD is no longer viewed simply as progressive loss of kidney function. How has the way we define and understand CKD changed in 2026, and what does that mean for how clinicians should care for patients?

Breeggemann: The definition of CKD largely remains unchanged—it's primarily based on lab findings like creatinine, cystatin C, and urinary albumin levels. But the way we understand and manage CKD has changed considerably. Sometime around the early 1980s, clinicians realized that how much urine protein a patient excreted was a significant risk factor for the potential progression of their chronic kidney disease—the higher the urine protein, the higher the risk of progression. Normal, healthy kidneys don't allow a significant amount of protein to leave via the urine, so higher urine protein levels mean worse kidney function, and failure to reverse those levels leads to worsening kidney function over time. This is an important target that nephrologists and other providers focus on when treating all forms of CKD. I'd add that genetic testing can be incredibly helpful in understanding the etiology of a patient's CKD, especially when more obvious causes like diabetes or hypertension are absent.

The Role of Patient Advocacy Groups in CKD Care

HCPLive: Was there anything I didn't ask about that you wanted to add or highlight to today's discussion?

Breeggemann: There are certainly patient advocacy groups available. Some patients have rare forms of CKD—perhaps a rare kidney stone disorder—and groups like the Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation help patients with conditions like hyperoxaluria, which can lead to stones and chronic kidney disease. These advocacy groups can connect a patient to a provider or center of excellence clinic near them, which can help relieve the anxiety and stress that comes with a new diagnosis and get patients the care they need promptly. There are many new therapies for CKD, kidney stone disorders, and especially glomerular disorders, and it can be overwhelming for a patient to navigate on their own. Seeking out a patient advocacy group is incredibly valuable.

Chronic kidney disease management increasingly integrates longitudinal eGFR trajectories, albuminuria/proteinuria trends, genetic testing, and biopsy data to define etiology and progression risk. Detailed personal and family histories remain essential, particularly in multifactorial disease where diabetes, hypertension, and nephrolithiasis may coexist. Translation of effective therapies into routine use is slowed by guideline lag, clinician inertia, payer authorization, and fragmented multispecialty ownership. Acute kidney injury is reframed as a long-term risk modifier requiring structured post-discharge surveillance. Future care emphasizes earlier detection, risk calculators, precision nephrology, and centers of excellence.

Matthew Breeggemann, MD, of UCSF discusses genetic testing, risk stratification, and the future of personalized CKD management in 2026.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Nephrology

The HCPLive nephrology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on kidney disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments in nephrology, and more.

Rethinking CKD: AKI's Long-Term Impact and the Push for Earlier Intervention

Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

Get ahead of the curve with the top 6 trials to watch ahead of ESC 2026.

Conference

 conference coverage page features articles, videos, and expert-led live coverage from major medical meetings throughout the year.

Cardiology

Cardiology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for heart disease and cardiovascular events, as well as associated diabetes, renal failure, and more...

Heart Failure

The HCPLive heart failure page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on HF. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for heart disease, reduced and preserved ejection fraction, and more.

Cardiomyopathy

Stroke

On the HCPLive stroke page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into CVA can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on stroke medicine, and more.

Dyslipidemia

European Society of Cardiology 2026 Preview: 6 Trials to Know

Elizabeth Spencer, MD, MS, is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric Gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.

Elizabeth Spencer, MD, discusses new data from 3 birth cohorts linking PFAS metabolites tied to maternal IBD to elevated calprotectin in children.

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on digestive and GI conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for 

, IBS and IBD, Crohn's disease, and more.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

On the HCPLive inflammatory bowel disease page, resources on the topics of medical news and expert insight into IBD can be found. Content includes articles, interviews, videos, podcasts, and breaking news on IBD and more.

Same PFAS Metabolites Tied to Maternal IBD Linked to Child Calprotectin

Roxana Daneshjou, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and physician-scientist who serves at Stanford University as an assistant professor in both the Department of Biomedical Data Science and the Department of Dermatology.

Roxana Daneshjou, MD, PhD, outlines steps to close AI equity gaps in dermatology, from diverse data sets to camera testing for skin of color.

Dermatology

The HCPLive dermatology page is a resource for medical news and expert insights on skin disease. This page features expert-led coverage, articles, videos and research on the therapies and development of treatments for dermatologic conditions, and more.

What Dermatologists Can Do to Make AI More Equitable

Phase 3 LEVEL trial of TNX-103 missed its primary 6MWD endpoint in PH-HFpEF, though a sicker patient subgroup showed benefit versus placebo.

TNX-103 Misses Primary Endpoint in Phase 3 LEVEL PH-HFpEF Trial

Stay updated with the latest healthcare breakthroughs, including phase 3 sibeprenlimab data in IgAN and the FDA approval of oveporexton for narcolepsy.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Neurology

Neurology condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on nervous system disorders. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, PTSD, and more.

The HCPFive: Top News for Healthcare Providers from the Week of 08/02

Aquestive Therapeutics reported human factors and pharmacokinetic data supporting a planned third-quarter 2026 resubmission of the Anaphylm NDA for Type 1 allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis

The HCPLive anaphylaxis page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on acute allergic reactions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for preventing anaphylaxis, and more.

Dibutepinephrine (Anaphylm) Meets Pharmacokinetic Goals in Anaphylaxis

Saakshi Khattri, MD, is a board certified Dermatologist, Rheumatologist and Internist and one of only a handful of triple board-certified physicians across the US.

In "IL-17 vs IL-23: Head-to-Head Data in Psoriasis and PsA," our experts turn to the trials clinicians actually reach for when choosing a class.

Video Series

L-17 vs IL-23: Head-to-Head Data in Psoriasis and PsA

Merve Karaca Şahin, from University of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

Merve Karaca Şahin, MD, discusses fear- and picky-eating-driven ARFID behaviors in children with food allergy.

Latest News

Recent AAD Guidelines Address Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Prevention

Diabetes Dialogue: Tech, Screening, and Care Highlights from ADCES 2026

AERS Subtypes Show Distinct Genetic Architecture in MDD

MDMA-Assisted Therapy NDA Resubmitted to FDA for PTSD

Rethinking CKD: AKI's Long-Term Impact and the Push for Earlier Intervention