A pinch of salt - A podcast by ERA
A pinch of salt is the official ERA podcast dedicated to nephrology. Each month, three episodes are released featuring discussions with nephrologists and other physicians about advances in clinical practice and renal medicine. The podcast is hosted by Andrej Skoberne and George Kosmadakis.
Episodes
#84 The failing allograft: more than the rise of creatinine with Annelies de Weerd
We watch creatinine rise and fall all the time, but a failing kidney allograft is more than a numbers game. Annelies de Weerd (Erasmus MC Rotterdam) covers when to call it failure, the immunosuppression taper, and helping patients through what feels like a step backwards.
#83 CKM syndrome: why you should care, with Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck
Heart over there, kidney over here, metabolism somebody else’s problem? Not anymore. Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck (KU Leuven) makes the case for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome as one continuum, not three separated clinics. Four drug classes, three organs, one patient, prevention upstream, and a fair hearing for the sceptics who call it disease-mongering.
#82 POCUS in nephrology: ready for prime time? with Faeq Husain-Syed
For decades, “volume status” meant a (un)healthy dose of educated guessing. What if you could just look? Faeq Husain-Syed (Giessen) joins "A pinch of salt" to explain how kidney venous Doppler makes congestion visible, and whether Point-of-care Ultrasound is ready for prime time.
Trailer POCUS in Nephrology: ready for prime time?, CKM syndrome: why you should care, The failing allograft: more than the rise of creatinine
#81 Diuretics in Acute Heart Failure: take them with a “pinch of salt”? with Jozene Ter Maaten
In acute heart failure, we’re told to take things with a pinch of salt but salt might be exactly what we should watch. Hugo Diniz welcomes Jozine ter Maaten, the principal investigator behind the PUSH-AHF trial, to argue heart failure is a sodium problem dressed as a fluid one — and why a rising creatinine may be a friend, not a foe.
#80 European Specialty Examination in Nephrology: demystifying the ESENeph with David Lappin
Every nephrology trainee in Europe has heard about it, stressed about it, or is quietly pretending it doesn’t exist: the ESENeph. Is it a genuine European passport, or just one more exam? Hugo Diniz talks to David Lappin, about the exam’s format, its career value, and why trainees should sign up.
#79 Osteoporosis in CKD: when bone and kidneys disagree? with Hanne Skou Jørgensen
We obsess over PTH, calcium, and phosphate — yet our patients are quietly, inconveniently, fracturing. Hip fracture rates in dialysis patients dwarf the general population, and with very high mortality rates. Hugo Diniz asks Hanne Skou Jørgensen the uncomfortable question: have nephrologists been missing osteoporosis all along? DEXA’s comeback, bone turnover markers, and a practical screening algo
Trailer Osteoporosis in CKD: when bone and kidneys disagree?, European Specialty Examination in Nephrology: demystifying the ESENeph and Diuretics in Acute Heart Failure: take them with a “pinch of salt”?
#78 B-cell therapy in IgA Nephropathy: worth the hype? with Vlado Perkovic
For decades, treating IgA nephropathy meant looking thoughtful while saying "let's optimise supportive care and monitor closely." Not anymore. We've gone from one road to a full therapeutic roundabout, and nobody wants the wrong exit. Hugo Diniz welcomes Vlado Perkovic to navigate the new era: anti-APRIL and anti-BAFF agents, the VISIONARY and ORIGIN data, and the 2025 KDIGO fr
#77 Generative AI for the busy nephrologist: adapt or perish? with Wisit Cheungpasitporn
Are we all about to be replaced by chatbots? Probably not — but is there a risk of Gen-AI acute tubular necrosis for those who don't adapt? Hugo Diniz is joined by Wisit Cheungpasitporn to demystify what generative AI can actually do, expose what it definitely can't (yet), and make it approachable for every working nephrologist. From automating those soul-crushing clinic notes to navigat
#76 Late Breakers, LIVE from Glasgow, with Alberto Ortiz and Danilo Fliser
This is “A pinch of salt” live from the 63rd ERA Congress! Recorded straight out of a packed Clyde Plenary Room: six trials, ninety minutes! Hugo Diniz, the new podcast host, brings you rapid-fire expert commentary with two titans of European nephrology, Alberto Ortiz and Danilo Fliser. On the menu — a brand-new CKD drug class (nurandociguat), what patients actually feel on semaglutide (FLOW sub-a
Trailer Late Breakers, LIVE from Glasgow, Generative AI for the busy nephrologist: adapt or perish? and B-cell therapy in IgA Nephropathy: worth the hype?
#75 What is narrative-based medicine? with Amy Waterman
In the 75th episode of A Pinch of Salt we'll be talking about narrative-based medicine, a topic that is not specific to nephrology, but it should be a core topic that is deeply involved in practicing patient-friendly clinical medicine. In medical schools we are taught extensively on how to get information from patients about their symptoms and signs, which will help us develop a differential
#74 Inflammation and Aging in CKD – From Translational Basics to Clinical Practice, with Peter Stenvinkel
In this episode we are joined by Peter Stenvinkel to discuss why Chronic Kidney Disease is increasingly recognized as a state of "fast-forward" aging. We dive into: The "Inflammaging" Factor- How chronic low-grade inflammation acts as a silent driver of vascular disease and frailty, the cellular Senescence: Exploring the gut-kidney axis and the "zombie cells" that sta
#73 Inhibition of Aldosterone Synthase and MRAs in Nephrology, with Maria Jose Soler Romeo
In this episode Maria Jose Soler Romeo joins us to break down the shifting landscape of MRAs and Aldosterone Synthase Inhibition. We’ll cover the central role of aldosterone as a central culprit in inflammation and renal fibrosis, how the rise of non-steroidal MRAs is helping clinicians bypass traditional roadblocks like hyperkalemia and the future of slowing CKD progression through precision medi
Trailer Inhibition of Aldosterone Synthase and MRAs in Nephrology, Inflammation and Aging in CKD – From Translational Basics to Clinical Practice, What is narrative-based medicine?
#72 Liquid Biopsies and Other AI Goodies in Nephrology, with Valentin Goutaudier
In this episode, we step into the future of transplantation with Valentin Goutaudier. Discover how precision diagnostics and artificial intelligence are coming together to enable more personalised, proactive care for renal transplant recipients and what this means for the future of medicine.
#71 Obstacles for the Development of Peritoneal Dialysis – A Solution Toolbox, with Karlien François
In this episode, Karlien François helps us dismantle the barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis. From structural challenges to patient perceptions, she introduces a practical “solution toolbox” designed to make PD a more accessible and flexible therapy for CKD patients worldwide. It’s time to turn obstacles into opportunities.
#70 How to tackle PD complications? with Sana F. Khan
In this episode, we explore the reality of clinical practice. It’s relatively easy to be a doctor when everything goes according to plan, but what happens when things get complicated? That’s where true experience comes into play. Join us as Sana F. Khan shares valuable insights on how to tackle Peritoneal Dialysis complications and build confidence in challenging situations.
Trailer How to tackle PD complications?, Obstacles for the Development of Peritoneal Dialysis – A Solution Toolbox and Liquid Biopsies and Other AI Goodies in Nephrology
#69 A Practical Guide on Frailty and Sarcopenia for CKD Patients, with Thomas Wilkinson
In this very interesting episode with Thomas Wilkinson we talk about sarcopenia — its prevalence, the outcomes associated with it, the available tools for screening and assessment, the most effective interventions, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care.
#68 What’s New in Vascular Access? With Tamara Jemcov
In this episode we’ll be talking to Tamara Jemcov, the current president of the Vascular Access Society, about novelties in the field of vascular access. If you haven’t checked out the programme from the last Vascular Access Congress which was held in 2025 Padova, you should take look. The field is really expanding and growing, and Tamara discussed the new approaches that were presented at the Con
#67 Extracorporeal Adsorption Techniques in ICU Patients – When to Say Yes, When to Suggest No? With Thomas Rimmele
In this episode we will be talking with Thomas Rimmele, an expert in treating acute kidney injury in the ICU, about the role of the new extracorporeal adsorption techniques in ICU patients. We’ll be discussing who are the candidates, when to start treatment, how long should a single session last, how long should we continue doing it, which parameters to check to see if we are successful or not and
Trailer Extracorporeal adsorption techniques in ICU patients – when to say yes, when to suggest no?, What's new in vascular access?, A Practical Guide on Frailty and Sarcopenia for CKD Patients
#66 Patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice, with Paul Cockwell
In this episode of A pinch of salt we’ll be talking to Paul Cockwell about patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice. You may or may not be aware of these issues and their importance but one might argue, and we certainly would, that every doctor should be mindful of what their patients consider to be an important outcome and whether they are achieving it or not. Paul is a champion of this fie
#65 About the GFR formulas – How to measure renal function in 2026? with Pierre Delanaye
In this episode of A pinch of salt, we welcome Pierre Delanaye for a forward-looking discussion on how we should assess kidney function in 2026. Together, we explore the strengths and limits of today’s GFR equations (MDRD, CKD-EPI, cystatin C-based approaches), the promise of emerging biomarkers and AI-driven tools, and the crucial question of fairness and accuracy across diverse populations.
#64 Evolution of Treatment Paradigms in ANCA Vasculitis, with David Jayne
Join A pinch of salt, as we sit down with David Jayne to trace the rapid transformation of ANCA-associated vasculitis care. From the historic cyclophosphamide–glucocorticoid backbone to biologics like rituximab and newer targeted strategies such as complement inhibition (including avacopan), this episode unpacks how clinicians can balance efficacy, safety, and quality of life—while looking ahead t
Trailer Evolution of Treatment Paradigms in ANCA Vasculitis, About the GFR formulas – How to measure renal function in 2026? and Patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice
#63 Treatment of obesity in patients with CKD, with Allon N. Friedman
In this episode of A pinch of salt, Allon N. Friedman will talk about possibly the hottest topic in medicine at this moment – the treatment of obesity, with a particular focus on treating the CKD population. Obesity is finally being recognized as a disease and not merely an unfortunate, somewhat shameful consequence of personalities with weak minds and lack of willpower. But how do we treat it? Do
#62 Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, with Shuchi Anand
In this episode of A pinch of salt, Shuchi Anand will talk about chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, the mysterious kidney disease that is devastating some agricultural communities in hot environments. Dr Anand will talk about what might be causing this disease, does a kidney biopsy help, is it mandatory, and how to treat these patients both on the individual level and on the population le
#61 Tubulointerstitial nephritis – the Cinderella of nephrology, with Beatriz Sanchez Alamo
In this episode of A pinch of salt, Beatriz Sanchez Alamo will talk about tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), the Cinderella of nephrology, a beautiful and interesting topic that is not easily noticeable in congresses and webinars. Some recent data looking at long-term prognosis has shown that patients with TIN might have a long-term prognosis that is comparable to lupus nephritis and ANCA vasculi
Trailer Tubulointerstitial nephritis – the Cinderella of nephrology, Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, Treatment of obesity in patients with CKD
#60 Most common mistakes in biostatistics, with Giovanni Tripepi
In this episode we will be talking to Giovanni Tripepi, an expert in biostatistics. Medicine is not just an art but also a science grounded in biostatistics, which is why it is crucial to understand it in order to conduct and interpret research properly. In this episode you will hear about the most common mistakes made by medical researchers when planning a project, the most common mistakes when i
#59 Cryoglobulinemia, with Luca Quartuccio
In this episode we will be talking to Luca Quartuccio, a rheumatologist and a renowned expert in cryoglobulinemia. You will hear about how we diagnose cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, whether we can have cryoglobulinemia without vasculitis, the types of cryoglobulinemia and their clinical significance, how to tackle secondary cryoglobulinemia with hepatitis C or B, first line therapy, the role of plas
#58 BK nephropathy, with Camille Kotton
In this episode we had the honor and privilege to talk to Camille Kotton, a world-renowned expert in BK nephropathy. The fabulous recent International Consensus Guidelines have been a breakthrough in this field, and we will talk about all the new approaches and recommendations described in them, including how to screen for BK nephropathy, how to act when screening is positive, when to do a biopsy,
Trailer BK nephropathy, Cryoglobulinemia and Most common mistakes in biostatistics
#57 Presentation of the «Strong Kidneys Task Force», with Charles Ferro
In this episode, Charles Ferro from Birmingham, United Kingdom, presents the ERA’s Strong Kidneys Task Force. Learn how this Task Force is raising global awareness about kidney health, building partnerships with national societies, and inspiring people to take care of their kidneys.
#56 Hepatorenal syndrome, with Juan Carlos Q. Velez
In this episode, we head to New Orleans, USA where Juan Carlos Q. Velez helps us unravel the mystery of hepatorenal syndrome. We’ll explore its mechanisms, the two distinct types, and evolving treatment strategies that might finally improve outcomes for patients with advanced liver disease.
#55 Diet and hyperkalemia, with Alice Sabatino
In this episode, we chat with Alice Sabatino from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden about diet and hyperkalemia. How have new potassium binders and RAAS inhibitors changed the way we manage potassium? And do patients really need to cut out fruits and vegetables anymore? Alice shares practical diet tips and fresh insights from recent research.
Trailer Presentation of the «Strong Kidneys Task Force», Diet and hyperkalemia and Hepatorenal syndrome
#54 Sustainable nephrology, with Ivo Laranjinha and Susi Knöller
Ivo Laranjinha and Susi Knöller from the ERA Sustainable Nephrology Task Force share insights on practical actions that can make a measurable difference in nephrology. By the end of the conversation, it became clear that green nephrology isn’t boring, it represents the opportunity of this generation.In this episode, we refer to an article featured in Clinical Kidney Journal (CKJ), you can find the
#53 Antibody-mediated rejection treatment – now and in the future, with Georg Böhmig
In this episode we navigate another difficult disease to treat, that is antibody-mediated rejection of kidney transplants, a disease that currently has no effective standard treatment. Luckily, new therapy is on the horizon, and the sunrise will be coming soon. Georg Böhmig has been involved in most of the exciting new research done in this field and will inform us of all the novelties that are ju
#52 Primary hyperoxaluria type 1, with Justine Bacchetta
In this episode we explore a very rare, but devastating disease called primary hyperoxaluria, which usually destroys the kidneys when patients are still very young and afterwards, the calcium oxalate crystals deposit in the bones, joints, vessel walls, the heart and other organs, leading to a dramatic shortening of life. Effectively the patient is slowly turning into stone. Justine Bacchetta, a wo
Trailer Primary hyperoxaluria type 1, Antibody-mediated rejection treatment – now and in the future and Sustainable nephrology
#51 Monoclonal gammopathy with renal significance, with Jolanta Małyszko
Jolanta Małyszko takes us through a condition that sits at the crossroads of hematology and nephrology. She explains how these protein abnormalities can quietly damage the kidneys, why early recognition is essential, and how collaboration between specialties can improve outcomes.
#50 Onconephrology: A huge subject, with Kenar D. Jhaveri
In this episode we dive into the rapidly expanding world of onconephrology with Kenar D. Jhaveri. He explains the scope of this emerging subspecialty, identifies the top oncologic agents linked to kidney complications, and shares resources to help nephrologists stay ahead in this ever-changing field.
#49 Obesity and CKD, with Marieta Theodorakopoulou
Marieta Theodorakopoulou reveals why excess weight is a silent but powerful driver of chronic kidney disease. With obesity rates soaring, especially among younger generations, she guides us through the mechanisms of obesity-associated renal lesions, how to tailor treatments for obese CKD patients, and what we know about the renal safety of anti-obesity drugs.
Trailer Obesity and CKD, Onconephrology: A huge subject and Monoclonal gammopathy with renal significance
#48 Xenotransplantation: Is it for real? with David Cooper
We have the honour to chat with David Cooper, a living legend in xenotransplantation, who has followed this field for over half a century. This is a captivating discussion about the evolution of xenotransplantation, exploring the scientific, ethical, and practical aspects of building this emerging ecosystem, a field we all observe with great curiosity and high expectations.
#47 Infection prophylaxis for renal transplant recipients in 2025, with Ilaria Gandolfini
Ilaria Gandolfini, from the Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy — not far from the ERA headquarters — unpacks the changing landscape of infection prophylaxis for renal transplant recipients in 2025. In this dense and informative episode, she highlights the current infectious challenges in renal transplantation, the emergence of new infectious risks, the development of no
#46 Adapting anti-rejection treatment in a failing renal graft, with Cristophe Mariat
Christophe Mariat, from Saint-Étienne, France, and Chair of the ERA DESCaRTES Working Group, takes us through the complex topic of adapting anti-rejection treatment in the context of a failing renal graft. He shares valuable insights on renal graft survival rates, strategies for adjusting immunosuppressive treatments when the kidney starts failing, and the adaptations needed in antirejection strat
Trailer Adapting anti-rejection treatment in a failing renal graft, Infection prophylaxis for renal transplant recipients in 2025 and Xenotransplantation: Is it for real?
#45 Atypical HUS, with Neil Sheerin
Everything about atypical HUS is atypical, and frankly a bit annoying. The differential diagnosis is as wide as the ocean and when it comes to genetics, well that would make even a psychologically stable fellow nervous. Luckily, we’ve found help of the highest degree. Neil Sheerin has been tackling this animal for ages and has gotten to know all of its tricks and dirty plays. Tune in to our atypic
#44 C3 glomerulopathy, with Marina Vivarelli
We know, C3 glomerulopathy is a difficult subject. All this complement talk will make a person tired and slightly confused. Here’s your chance to discover this disease in an easy yet comprehensive and meaningful way. Marina Vivarelli, C3G-s enemy in chief, is going to share the most important information about this disease, everything from the pathophysiology and genetics, to diagnostics, differen
#43 IgG4-related disease, with John Stone
Ever wanted to attend a master class on IgG4-related disease? Even if your answer is no, you still won’t want to miss this episode of A Pinch of Salt. John Stone, a world renowned expert in IgG4RD, is going to share all the clinically relevant details on how to diagnose IgG4RD, how to do the staging, how important is a biopsy, which lab tests to use to assess disease activity, how to treat these p
Trailer IgG4-related disease, C3 glomerulonephritis and Atypical HUS
#42 A patient's view of nephrology, with Malene Deele
In this episode of A Pinch of Salt, you'll get the unique opportunity of trying to experience what it's actually like to be a dialysis patient, a kidney failure patient, what are the issues they're dealing with and how can we as physicians help them get through the day. I think it's one of the valuable opportunities that you really shouldn't miss because at the end of the
#41 How to anticoagulate CKD patients with Atrial Fibrilation?, with Frida Welander
We’re focusing on a challenging topic: anticoagulation in CKD patients with atrial fibrillation. With up to 25% of CKD patients affected, managing this common arrhythmia is no easy task. How do we balance stroke prevention and bleeding risks? What’s the role of DOACs versus vitamin K antagonists? And should dialysis patients even receive anticoagulation? Are there any new treatment options? To hel
#40 Avacopan in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis, with Lorraine Harper
Steroids have long been a cornerstone in treating ANCA-associated vasculitis, but their toxicity remains a significant challenge. Could Avacopan, a selective oral C5a receptor antagonist, provide a safer and more effective alternative? In this episode, you’ll hear about what’s new in the pathophysiology of ANCA vasculitis, current remission induction therapies, the place of Avacopan in the treatme
Trailer A patient's view of nephrology
Trailer How to anticoagulate CKD patients with Atrial Fibrilation?
Trailer Avacopan in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
#39 Sex and gender disparities in the epidemiology and outcomes of chronic kidney disease, with Adeera Levin
In this episode, we explore sex and gender disparities in the epidemiology and outcomes of chronic kidney disease. Did you know that women are less likely to receive a CKD diagnosis, visit a nephrologist, or access guideline-recommended therapies—even in developed countries?To help us unpack these critical issues, we're joined by Professor Adeera Levin, Head of the Division of Nephrology at t
#38 Approach to conservative care, with Holly Koncicki
Today, we address a crucial and evolving topic: the Approach to Conservative Care for ESKD Patients. This area has garnered increasing attention at national and international levels, reflecting the need for better detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies tailored to this growing patient population.We’re joined by Prof. Holly Koncicki, Associate Professor at Mount Sinai Health System, New Y
#37 A nurse’s view of nephrology, with Jeanette Finderup
We’ve probably all noticed that our nurses have a different perspective of our patients than the one we do ourselves and maybe we can say that often their perspective is closer to what the patient is feeling, so it’s definitely a fresh outlook. We will be talking about this with Jeanette Finderup in our episode on the nurse’s perspective, where you can expect to hear about what she thinks the role
Trailer Sex and gender disparities in the epidemiology and outcomes of chronic kidney disease
Trailer Approach to conservative care
Trailer A nurse’s view of nephrology
#36 Imlifidase – a new tool in transplantation, with Rainer Oberbauer
You’ve probably all heard about Imlifidase, the new miracle drug which is capable of bringing down IgG from normal levels to virtually zero in a matter of hours. Is this going to be a revolution in transplantation, particularly for allosensitized patients? You can get the answers to these questions by listening to our podcast with Rainer Oberbauer on Imlifidase. You can expect to hear how the drug
#35 ANCA vasculitis – novelties and difficult cases, with Vladimir Tesar
In this ANCA vasculitis episode we will be talking to Vladimir Tesar about the new KDIGO guidelines – what are the novelties, how we should treat ANCA vasculitis patients in this day and age, some difficult cases will be discussed, plasma exchange, rituximab, and much, much more.
#34 The treatment of arterial hypertension in 2025, with Pantelis Sarafidis
In this episode, we explore the latest insights on treating arterial hypertension in 2025. With updates from the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology, the standards for blood pressure management are evolving rapidly.Joining us is Pantelis Sarafidis from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. What’s new in these guidelines? How do they redefine hypertension managem
Trailer Imlifidase – a new tool in transplantation
Trailer ANCA vasculitis – novelties and difficult cases
Trailer The treatment of arterial hypertension in 2025
#33 What vaccines should I perform to my CKD patients? With Nina Babel
In today’s episode, we’re focusing on a crucial yet often under-discussed subject: the role of vaccination in chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD are at a markedly increased risk of infections, a vulnerability compounded by factors like impaired immunity, dialysis, and immunosuppressive therapies. Vaccination, therefore, plays an indispensable role in safeguarding their health. In this episo
#32 A renal pathologist in 2024 in plain English, with Ingeborg Bajema
Renal pathology is about much more than diagnosis, it’s about decoding the mechanisms of diseases like glomerular and tubulointerstitial disorders to shape more effective, personalized treatments. In this episode, we’ll dive into the methodologies behind renal biopsies, and the critical role they play in guiding treatment strategies. Looking ahead, we’ll also discuss the future of renal pathology
#31 Research and publishing tips for the uninitiated, with Andreas Kronbichler
How do I start a research project? How do I join a research team? How does one get financing for research projects? How do I understand medical publishing and how to thrive in it? We've all been there, my friend. Andreas Kronbichler has been there too. As our next guest of our research related, A Pinch of Salt podcast, he will try to answer these questions. And I believe you'll find them
Trailer What vaccines should I perform to my CKD patients?
Trailer A renal pathologist in 2024 in plain English
Trailer Research and publishing tips for the uninitiated
