A pinch of salt - A podcast by ERA

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 novel treatment options, and reviews both prophylactic and preemptive strategies.

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 strategies once dialysis is resumed.

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 atypical HUS episode and gain the upper ground on this beast. Learn about diagnosis, lab testing, treatment, stopping treatment, genetics and transplantation in this easy-to-follow episode of A Pinch of Salt. You’ll see clearly now the pain is gone. 

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, differential diagnosis, the link between C3G and immune complex GN, treatment and so much more. And all of this explained in a way that even we could understand. You’ll C3. Dive in and find out for yourself.