Victoria Johnson joined the MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and now HCPLive. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com

Almost all participants in the SPRINT trial with hypertension and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–4 benefitted from a systolic blood pressure target of <120 mm Hg compared with a target of <140 mm Hg.

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2025

, held November 5-9, 2025, in Houston, Texas, by Alan Vera, a medical student at the University of California Davis.

“Optimal BP targets for adults with hypertension and CKD remain controversial. We used predicted risks and simulated preferences to estimate the individualized net benefit of intensive BP lowering among persons with CKD in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT),” Vera and colleagues wrote.

Vera and colleagues conducted a benefit-harm trade-off analysis of 2,012 participants with CKD, using Cox models to predict an absolute difference in risk between treatment targets for all-cause death, cardiovascular outcomes, cognitive outcomes, and BP treatment-related harms.

Participants had a mean age of 73 years (standard deviation, 9); 43% were female, 31% were Black, and baseline eGFR and albuminuria levels were 46 ±11 ml/min/1.73m2 and 16 (IQR, 7, 56) mg/g, respectively. The investigators found that when simulating preferences for participants who view the benefits of intensive BP lowering (reduction in death, cardiovascular events, and cognitive impairment) as much more important than treatment-related harms such as acute kidney injury and syncope, 100% had a positive net benefit in favor of intensive BP lowering, with a median net benefit of 6.4%.

“This study demonstrates that evidence about blood pressure targets from SPRINT can be personalized to adults with hypertension and CKD by using each individual's estimated risks and preferences for multiple outcomes related to blood pressure lowering, which could help facilitate shared decision-making conversations,” Vera said in a statement.

Furthermore, when benefits and harms were simulated to have similar importance in a sensitivity analysis, 90% had a positive net benefit, with a median net benefit of 2.2%. Importantly, people with more advanced CKD (eGFR 20–44 ml/min/1.73m2) had greater net benefits from a lower BP target than those with earlier-stage CKD (eGFR 45–59 ml/min/1.73m2) in both preference scenarios (

<.0001), with larger benefits outweighing experienced more treatment-related harms from a lower goal.

The findings are consistent with KDIGO Guidelines that recommend a systolic BP target of <120 mm Hg for adults with hypertension and CKD. In its statement, ASN stressed that the data could help patients and care partners overcome therapeutic inertia that commonly occurs with intensifying blood pressure control in adults with CKD.

On the other hand, other research presented during Kidney Week may challenge current guidelines on SGLT2 inhibitor use in patients with CKD regardless of diabetes status or baseline albuminuria. Natalie Staplin, PhD, Associate Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Oxford, presented a new meta-analysis including 58,816 participants with (n = 48,946) and without (n = 9870) diabetes from 8 trials that found that allocation to an SGLT2 inhibitor slowed chronic eGFR decline by 57% (95%CI, 54-60) in people with diabetes and by 41% (95% CI, 33-49; P-het<0.001) in those without diabetes—a statistically significant benefit observed irrespective of albuminuria. SGLT2 inhibitor treatment also reduced kidney disease progression KDP by 32% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63-0.74), acute kidney injury by 21% (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90), all-cause mortality by 13% (HR, 0.87; 0.80-0.95), and hospitalizations by 11% (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93), with consistent effects across all subgroups.

"If you've got a participant with low levels of albuminuria, our data supports starting them on an SGLT2 inhibitor just as much as people with higher levels of albuminuria, particularly looking at the participants without diabetes," Staplin told 

 during the meeting. "Our data support rethinking [the albumunuria threshold] and potentially removing it from the guidelines."

Vera AR, Scherzer R, Kravitz RL, et al. Individualized Net Benefit of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Among Persons with CKD in SPRINT. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week. Houston, Texas. November 05-09, 2025. # FR-OR040

Trial Analysis Reveals Almost All Adults with Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease Would Benefit from Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering. News release. ASN. November 7, 2025. https://www.newswise.com/articles/trial-analysis-reveals-almost-all-adults-with-hypertensive-chronic-kidney-disease-would-benefit-from-intensive-blood-pressure-lowering

Staplin N, Roddick AJ, Haynes R, Herrington WG. Net Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors by Diabetes Status and Albuminuria. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week. Houston, Texas. November 05-09, 2025. #FR-OR086

Articles

The SPRINT trial findings indicate that a systolic blood pressure target of <120 mm Hg is beneficial for patients with hypertension and nondiabetic CKD stages 3–4, compared to <140 mm Hg. This personalized approach, considering individual risks and preferences, supports shared decision-making. The study aligns with KDIGO guidelines and suggests greater benefits for advanced CKD patients. Additionally, a meta-analysis on SGLT2 inhibitors shows significant benefits in slowing eGFR decline and reducing kidney disease progression, regardless of diabetes status or albuminuria, challenging current guidelines on albuminuria thresholds.

New research shows nearly all adults with hypertensive chronic kidney disease benefit from a <120 mm Hg target.

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Almost All Adults With Hypertensive CKD Would Benefit From Lower Blood Pressure Target

The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in clinical practice for 

 is an evolving discussion, with clinicians sharing different viewpoints on AI’s potential.

The topic was covered in a session featured at the 

2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference

 The session, titled ‘AI Utilization and Management Tools for Dermatology,’ was discussed with 

 by its presenter, Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, a physician associate (PA) and instructor at Rush University.

How to Better Use AI and Machine Learning in Dermatology, With Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

“I think if you become savvy in understanding the process of how it's developed, what it's intended to do, then you're going to know, ‘This is not going to replace me, but it is going to help augment my decision-making process in the clinic,’” Block explained. “The goal of AI is to really create an optimal workflow in the clinic.”

Block touched on several key points from her talk on AI, including ways in which it is being implemented in clinical practice settings.

“You have to know the intended use of the device, and first and foremost, you have to use your brain,” Block said. “As a clinician, you have to rely on the standard of care in regards to using your dermatoscope, relying on the history, and then utilizing these tools as an objective lens to help you with that decision-making process, whether you're going to leave that lesion alone or you're going to triage it or biopsy it. That will help make that decision for you, but in the end, you're the clinician with the ultimate decision.”

Later in her discussion, Block spoke about what she hopes PAs and clinicians in general walk away with after viewing her talk at SDPA.

“What I want people to walk away with when they hear my lecture is really getting a foundational understanding of how AI can be integrated into our workflow and how they could utilize it to provide the best patient care,” Block said. “And also, to understand the regulatory processes and make sure they are relying on a tool that is FDA-approved, that has been gone through rigorous research, and the guardrails that are up to ensure that they are not using a product that is going to harm the patient.”

Additional information on topics in dermatology presented at the 2025 SDPA Fall Conference can be found on the 

In this summary of Block’s interview, the quotes used were edited for clarity.

Block had no relevant financial disclosures of note.

Partridge B, Gillespie N, Janda M, et al. Exploring the Views of Dermatologists, General Practitioners, and Melanographers on the Use of AI Tools in the Context of Good Decision-Making When Detecting Melanoma: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Dermatol. 2025 Mar 24;8:e63923. 

Block R. AI Utilization and Management Tools for Dermatology. Presented at the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Fall Conference, November 5-9, San Antonio, TX.

Videos

Renata Block spoke at the 2025 SDPA Fall Conference about her session on the use of artificial intelligence tools in clinical practice.

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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.

Marcus Shaker, MD, a professor of pediatrics and medicine at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 10.12.42 AM.png

Epinephrine Misconceptions Persist in Anaphylaxis Care, With Marcus Shaker, MD

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting

, Marcus Shaker, MD, MSc, professor of pediatrics and medicine at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, addressed persistent misconceptions surrounding epinephrine use in 

 management and how shifting these perceptions could save lives.

According to Shaker, one of the most enduring myths among both clinicians and patients is that epinephrine is dangerous.

“It's not,” Shaker said. “Epinephrine is the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis, and if you're having a severe allergic reaction, it is the recommended approach.”

Another widespread misunderstanding, Shaker noted, is the belief that administering epinephrine automatically requires calling 911. Although activating emergency services may be appropriate in some situations, such as persistent or worsening symptoms, cardiovascular involvement, or a history of severe reactions, it is not always necessary.

“This idea that ‘if I use epinephrine, I have to call 911’ can actually lead to people not using epinephrine. One, because of cost, and two, because of inconvenience, and three, because of fear that epinephrine is dangerous,” Shaker said. “I believe that patients should be empowered to use epinephrine when they are having a severe allergic reaction, and they shouldn't feel that if they use it, they have to call 911.”

He also highlighted the importance of clinician-patient connection, noting that anaphylaxis management in 2025 is increasingly centered on individualized care.

“I think engaging with patients and conversations around what matters to them and how they want to manage their allergy, giving them empowerment and how they manage their allergy, is very important, addressing needle phobia and fear, using novel approaches to deliver lifesaving therapies, improving access,” Shaker said. “Probably the most important thing is that patients and families have a connection with the clinician that they're working with, and they feel heard, and they feel that their values and their preferences matter, because they do. So much of how we manage anaphylaxis and risk for anaphylaxis in 2025 is about connecting with people, understanding what's important to them, because there's so many options [that] we have available now, much more than we used to, and the future is bright.”

A reported disclosure for Shaker includes 

Shaker, M. A Case of Anaphylaxis of Known Cause: When to Test, When to Prescribe Epinephrine, When to Prescribe 911. Presented at ACAAI 2025 in Orlando, Florida, on November 7, 2025.

At ACAAI 2025, Shaker dispels epinephrine myths, emphasizing that it is safe, effective, and underused in anaphylaxis care.

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Nadia Ovchinsky, MD | Image credit: NYU Langone Health

Pooled long-term data from the phase 3 ASSERT (NCT04674761) and ASSERT-EXT (NCT05035030) studies showed that treatment with odevixibat led to sustained improvements in sleep and caregiver-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with Alagille syndrome (ALGS). The results were presented at the 

2025 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN)

 and authored by Nadia Ovchinsky, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, NYU Langone, New York, NY, and colleagues.

Odevixibat on Long-Term Improvements in Sleep and Quality of Life

Patients with Alagille syndrome frequently experience severe pruritus, disrupted sleep, and reduced quality of life. Odevixibat, a selective ileal bile acid transport inhibitor, has shown efficacy in reducing cholestatic pruritus in this population. In this pooled analysis, long-term outcomes from up to 96 weeks of treatment were evaluated for sleep parameters and caregiver-assessed QoL measures.

In the ASSERT trial, patients received 24 weeks of placebo or odevixibat 120 µg/kg/day; study completers were eligible for ASSERT-EXT, during which patients received odevixibat for an additional 72 weeks. Endpoints included observer-reported sleep parameters and caregiver-assessed Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores. 

A total of 52 patients with a median age of 5.7 years (1.0-15.5) received odevixibat across both studies. 

“Patients had significant improvements in 6 of 7 Observer-Reported Outcome (ObsRO) sleep parameters from baseline (BL) up to weeks 93−96 and a numerical reduction in days taking medication to induce sleep," the study authors wrote. Caregiver-reported PedsQL scores “also showed numerical improvements from BL up to week 96 with odevixibat.”

Odevixibat Shows Sustained Pruritus and Bile Acid Improvements in FIC1 Deficiency

According to the authors, “Long-term odevixibat given for up to 96 weeks improved multiple sleep parameters and caregiver-reported QoL in patients with ALGS; data support long-term improvements in pruritus seen with odevixibat.”

Specifically, the following improvements in Mean ObsRo sleep parameters were demonstrated from baseline (n = 50) to week 93-96 (n = 31).

Days seeing blood due to scratching: 35.2% at baseline vs 4.7% at week 93-96

Days needing help falling asleep: 56.5% at baseline vs 8.8% at week 93-96

Days with soothing: 64.4% at baseline vs 14.5% at week 93-96

Days sleeping with caregiver: 43.2% vs 4.6%

Number of awakenings: 3.5 at baseline vs 0.6 at week 93-96

Days taking medication to sleep: 29.7% vs 18.1% 

Daytime tiredness (score): 2.1 at baseline vs 0.9 at week 93-966

Odevixibat received FDA approval to treat cholestatic pruritus in patients aged 12 months and older on June 13, 2023. Approval was based on the ASSERT data through 24 weeks, where more than 90% of patients were responders to pruritus. Additionally, no patients discontinued the study, and 96% of patients were rolled into the open-label extension.

Ovchinsky N, Aumar M, Baker A, et al. LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH ALAGILLE SYNDROME TREATED WITH ODEVIXIBAT: POOLED RESULTS FROM PHASE III, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND ASSERT AND OPEN-LABEL ASSERT-EXT STUDIES. Abstract. Presented at: 2025 NASPGHAN Annual Meeting. November 5-9, 2025. Chicago, Illinois.

Pooled data from the ASSERT and ASSERT-EXT studies indicate that odevixibat significantly improves sleep and caregiver-reported quality of life in Alagille syndrome patients over 96 weeks. Odevixibat, a selective ileal bile acid transport inhibitor, effectively reduces cholestatic pruritus, leading to enhanced sleep parameters and quality of life. The study involved 52 patients, with notable improvements in sleep disturbances and reduced need for sleep-inducing medication. Odevixibat received FDA approval in 2023 for treating cholestatic pruritus in patients aged 12 months and older, based on these findings.

Data presented at NASPGHAN 2025 revealed odevixibat demonstrated sustained improvements in sleep and caregiver-reported QOL in patients with Alagille syndrome through 96 weeks.

Hepatology

Odevixibat Improves Long-Term Quality of Life, Sleep in patients with Alagille Syndrome

Natalie Staplin, PhD, a senior statistician within the Renal Studies Group at the Clinical Trials Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit at the University of Oxford.

Challenging Guidelines: SGLT2is Show Broad Kidney Benefits Across Diabetes Status, Albuminuria Levels, with Natalie Staplin, PhD

SGLT2 inhibitors have consistent kidney-protective benefits across a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of diabetes status or baseline albuminuria.

These findings, from a new meta-analysis presented by Natalie Staplin, PhD, Associate Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Oxford, were presented at the 

, held November 5-9, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

The analysis, which pooled data from 8 large placebo-controlled trials and included 58,816 participants with (n = 48,946) and without (n = 9870) diabetes, was conducted to help clarify ongoing questions raised by the KDIGO 2024 guidelines. Current KDIGO recommendations assign stronger grades for SGLT2 inhibitor use in patients with diabetes or albuminuria ≥200 mg/g, while providing only conditional guidance for those without diabetes or with lower albumin levels.

Staplin and colleagues found that allocation to an SGLT2 inhibitor slowed chronic eGFR decline by 57% (95%CI, 54-60) in people with diabetes and by 41% (95% CI, 33-49; P-het<0.001) in those without diabetes—a statistically significant benefit observed irrespective of albuminuria. SGLT2 inhibitor treatment also reduced kidney disease progression KDP by 32% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63-0.74), acute kidney injury by 21% (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90), all-cause mortality by 13% (HR, 0.87; 0.80-0.95), and hospitalizations by 11% (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93), with consistent effects across all subgroups.

While patients with higher baseline albuminuria derived greater absolute benefit for kidney disease progression, meaningful net benefits were observed even among those with uACR <200 mg/g, including those without diabetes. Importantly, these benefits substantially outweighed potential risks.

"If you've got a participant with low levels of albuminuria, our data supports starting them on an SGLT2 inhibitor just as much as people with higher levels of albuminuria, particularly looking at the participants without diabetes," Staplin said. "Our data support rethinking [the albumunuria threshold] and potentially removing it from the guidelines."

Staplin's disclosures include Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk.

SGLT2 inhibitors show significant kidney protection for chronic kidney disease regardless of diabetes status or albumin levels.

At ACAAI 2025, Shaker highlighted evolving therapies and real-world barriers that continue to limit optimal anaphylaxis management.

When to Prescribe Epinephrine for Known Anaphylaxis Triggers, With Marcus Shaker, MD

Sikha Singla, MD, is an associate professor of medicine (rheumatology) at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

At the SDPA Fall Conference, Singla speaks in an interview regarding screening patients with psoriasis for psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Plaque Psoriasis

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

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How Often Should You Screen Patients with Psoriasis for PsA? With Sikha Singla, MD

Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C, is a certified physician associate (PA) and will be serving as the current president of the SDPA until July 2026.

The SDPA president, Sarah Vicari, spoke at the 2025 SDPA Fall Conference about the conference and its significance.

Highlighting Mentorship Opportunities and Sessions at SDPA 2025, With Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C

New data on daily fish oil supplementation prompts discussions on clinical recommendations.

PISCES: Fish Oil Slashes Cardiovascular Event Risk of Maintenance Dialysis

Abigail Brooks is an assistant managing editor for 

She joined MJH Life Sciences in August 2023 shortly after graduating from Monmouth University where she earned her BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations/Journalism and later an MA in Interactive Digital Media. She enjoys traveling, running, and reading books. She can be reached at abrooks@mjhlifesciences.com.

The new guidance seeks to aid patient selection, comorbidity management, and monitoring the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide for MASH.

MASH / MASLD

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AASLD Releases Updated Practice Guidance on Semaglutide (Wegovy) for MASH

Chee Kay Cheung MBChB PhD, is a consultant nephrologist and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Leicester.

IgA Nephropathy

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

PROTECT: Sparsentan Offers CV Protection Benefits as First-Line Therapy in IgAN

Raquel Durban, RD, LD/N: Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center

At ACAAI 2025, Durban breaks down natural allergy treatments and separates myths from evidence.

Do Natural Remedies Really Work for Allergies? Insights from Raquel Durban, RD

Hersh Shroff, MD, MPA, is a transplant hepatologist and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Shroff emphasizes the need to address more than just liver health in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and reviews trends in AUD pharmacotherapy prescriptions.

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Utilizing Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy in Hepatology, With Hersh Shroff, MD, MPA

Cheung explores the effect of sparsentan on urinary biomarkers in treatment-naive patients with IgA nephropathy.

Sparsentan's Effect on Urinary Biomarkers in IgAN, With Chee Kay Cheung, MBChB, PhD

Long-term analysis of the PEDFIC studies presented at NASPGHAN 2025 demonstrated sustained reductions in bile acids and pruritus with odevixibat in FIC1 deficiency.

Latest News

Almost All Adults With Hypertensive CKD Would Benefit From Lower Blood Pressure Target

How to Better Use AI and Machine Learning in Dermatology, With Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

Epinephrine Misconceptions Persist in Anaphylaxis Care, With Marcus Shaker, MD

Odevixibat Improves Long-Term Quality of Life, Sleep in patients with Alagille Syndrome

Challenging Guidelines: SGLT2is Show Broad Kidney Benefits Across Diabetes Status, Albuminuria Levels, with Natalie Staplin, PhD