The Championship Matchup for NephMadness 2020 is drawing near! Do you agree or disagree with the Blue Ribbon Panel‘s votes so far? Check out the Current Standings and tweet your reaction and score with the hashtag: #Filtered4

Hyperkalemia Region vs HD Access Region

This matchup proved to be an epic battle on the court. Would technology or medication win? In the end, a glorious last-second Hail Mary shot from mid-court found the net, leading to the a win by Percutaneous AVF Creation over K Binders in CKD. 

Percutaneous AVF Creation wins 5-4.

Comments from the BRP:

“Technology typically goes far in NephMadness and pAVF just keeps advancing even though I passed on it on the very first round. It is VERY COOL and technology to the max. I just don’t think it has even close to the impact that the new K binders have. I will be shocked it it doesn’t advance, even though I am still on the K bandwagon.”

“The percutaneous fistula is revolutionary – faster to maturity, minimal disfigurement of the arm, and the technology allows for a consistent fistula which is not dependent on the skill level of a surgeon (Do you think I feel strongly about fistulas?)”

“Even though K binders are spellbinding, for the right patients, the percutaneous AVF is an exciting direction and option for patients who need HD access–and a boost to quality of life.”

“I’m in for no stitches.”

Vaccines Region vs Ethics Region

Although it was predicted to be a close match up, Patient-Driven Choice for Dialysis came out of the locker room hard and fast and Flu Vaccine just couldn’t keep up. 

Patient-Driven Choice for Dialysis wins 7-2.

Comments from the BRP:

“Who votes against patient empowerment?”

“I have to go with the ethics of patient choice in dialysis modalities.”

“Every patient is different, as is what matters to them. Patient autonomy is crucial, especially for patients with ESKD who lack so much control otherwise. If your patient is fuming about a paternalistic, policy-driven choice that doesn’t align with their wishes, they won’t agree to a flu shot anyway.”

“Cost-effective for reducing mortality.”

Green Nephrology Region vs Transplantation Region

Consumable Waste in HD added the full-court press coupled with some hot shooting and Biomarkers in Rejection just couldn’t keep up.

Consumable Waste in HD wins 6-3

Comments from the BRP:

“I keep saying it: water, water, water. We may have more as the icecaps melt, but not in much of the world that only gets drier with climate change.”

“I love the environment, but I’m obligated to go with a transplant over the environment.”

“Unless we figure out how to be more environmentally friendly, there won’t be any people here to donate kidneys for rejection. This round goes to consumable waste in HD.”

“I’m in for no biopsy.”

Genetics Region vs SGLT2i Region

SGLT2i Without DM continued their dominant style of play over Women with X-Linked Alport and coasted to another easy win… Can this team be beat?

SGLT2i Without DM wins 7-2.

Comments from the BRP:

“Perhaps a pipe dream, but just like RAASi started with diabetes that had at least as big an impact in non-diabetic nephropathy, SGLT2i (especially since it works independent of the effect on blood glucose levels) has great potential here too. Love this idea.”

“Although waiting on trial data, SGLT2i Without DM would be very cool if they work.”

“I like the promise of SGLT21, but I’ll go with the early awareness of Alport in women via increased genetic testing, which in many cases is undiagnosed unless a biopsy is taken.”

“A win for obesity (SGLT2i Without DM).”

Current Standings | Match Results | Saturated 16 | Effluent 8 

 #NephMadness | @NephMadness | #Filtered4

How to Claim CME and MOC
US-based physicians can earn 1.0 CME credit and 1.0 MOC point for reading this region.

1. Register/log in to the NKF’s Professional Education Resource Center (PERC). If you select “Physician” in the drop-down menu during registration, the ABIM ID will pop up – make sure to complete this during registration to receive MOC points after course completion.
2. Review the activity, disclosure, and accreditation information.
3. Click “Continue” and review Course Instructions.
4. Complete Post-Test. Please note: By selecting “Yes” to the participation questions for each region, the corresponding Post-Test questions will appear. Click “Save Draft” to save your responses and finish later. When you are ready to submit your answers, click “Preview” to review all responses, then click “Submit.”
5. Click “Next” to complete the Evaluation form, then click“Submit.”
6. Claim 1.0 CME credit and 1.0 MOC point per region (up to 8.0 total for 8 regions of NephMadness).
7. Save/print your certificate.

The CME and MOC activity will expire on June 13th, 2020.