Newswise — What: Presenting research on the latest issues and scientific breakthroughs in nephrology.How: Poster Sessions, Free Communications, ASN Press Briefings, and related symposia will address this important medical issue.Where: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California

Free Communications Highlights:•TH-FC037, “Increased Fructose Intake is Independently Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure. Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2006),” Diana Jalal, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 4:24 pm, Room 2• TH-FC081, “Identifying at Risk Dialysis Units (DU) in the U.S. Under the Bundle Payment System," Sumit Mohan, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 5:48 pm, Room 6 D/E• SA-FC342, “Associations of Diet with Kidney Function Decline,” Julie Lin MD, MPH, FASN, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 4:24 pm, Room 25• SA-FC347, “Can We Afford to Improve Survival in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis?” Philip McFarlane, MD, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 5:24 pm, Room 25• SA-FC350, “Kidney Transplant Recipients at High Risk for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) May Benefit from Conversion to Sirolimus versus Continuation of Calcineurin Inhibitors,” Graeme Russ, MD, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 4:00 pm, Room 5• SA-FC481, “Oral Activated Charcoal Adsorbent, AST-120 Inhibits Severe Atherosclerosis Induced by Chronic Kidney Damage (CKD),” Valentina Kon, MD. Saturday, October 31, 2009, 4:24 pm, Room 22

Poster Session Highlights:• TH-PO163, “Development of FSGS Following Anabolic Steroid Use in Bodybuilders,” Leal Herlitz, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• TH-PO1025, “Group Education of Families and Friends of CKD Patients; The Impact on Living Kidney Donation,”Ton van Kooy, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• TH-PO1033, “The Impact of Physician Years Since Graduation on Patient Referrals for Preemptive Living Donor Kidney Transplantation,” Daniela Ladner, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• TH-PO1042, “Preemptive Kidney Transplant: Wouldn't Earlier Be Even Better?” Basit Javaid, MD, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• TH-PO1046, “Reading Levels of Kidney Transplant Consent Forms: A National Study,” Elisa J. Gordon, PhD, MPH, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• F-PO1483, “Holiday travel in Haemodialysis Patients is Associated with increased Infection, Loss of Vascular Access And Anaemia,” Claire Edwards, RGN, Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• SA-PO2316, “Gender Disparity in CKD Diagnosis in Primary Care,” Maya Rao, MD, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• SA-PO2567, “Association of Body Fat and Survival in Hemodialysis Patients," Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh, PhD, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• SA-PO2751, “Associations of Sweetened Beverages with Kidney Function Decline,” Julie Lin, MD, MPH, FASN, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall• SA-PO3076, “Recurrence of Lupus Nephritis Following Kidney Transplantation,” Gabriel Contreras, MD, MPH, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:00 am-Noon, Scientific Exposition Hall

Press Briefings:• Kidney Transplantation: Consent and Beyond, Thursday, October 29, 2009; 12:15 pm-1:15 pm, Room 12• Late-Breaking Clinical Trials Press Briefing, Friday, October 30, 2009; 9:30 am-10:30 am, Room 12• Impact of Weight and Diet on Kidney Health, Friday, October 30, 2009; 12:15 pm-1:15 pm, Room 12

ASN Renal Week 2009, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for 13,000 professionals to discuss the latest findings in renal research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Renal Week 2009 will take place October 27 – November 1 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego.

Founded in 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the study of kidney disease. Comprised of 11,000 physicians and scientists, ASN continues to promote expert patient care, to advance medical research, and to educate the renal community. ASN also informs policymakers about issues of importance to kidney doctors and their patients. ASN funds research, and through its world-renowned meetings and first-class publications, disseminates information and educational tools that empower physicians.