Background & Objectives: Data on the efficacy and adverse effects of finerenone in patients with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited, particularly regarding ethnic diversity. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of finerenone in patients with nondiabetic CKD previously treated with standard therapies and investigate associated adverse effects, including hyperkalemia and hypotension. Methods: This is a retrospective exploratory study. It is a single-center study including patients with nondiabetic CKD who visited King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The primary exposure was finerenone treatment, assessing its effects on albuminuria, kidney function, and blood pressure (BP), following prior use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and sodium–glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors. The measured outcomes were the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The UACR (primary endpoint) was calculated as the mean of two morning spot urine samples collected consecutively 1 day apart. During each 4-week treatment period, secondary endpoints included changes in UACR, as determined by a 24 h urine sample, BP, and eGFR. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare changes in continuous variables before and after therapy initiation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: This study included 16 patients with nondiabetic CKD (median age, 38.5 years [range, 35–50 years]; 56.3% male). The baseline eGFR was 66 mL/min/1.73 m² (47–82.5), with a UACR of 90.0 mg/g (58.8–132.5). No hyperkalemia was observed (potassium level, 4 mmol/L [3.8–4.4]). However, significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BPs were observed. Albuminuria improved significantly: the UACR decreased from 90.0 to 39.3 mg/g (p = 0.04). No adverse events, including hyperkalemia or hypotension, were reported. Conclusions: Finerenone showed promise in reducing albuminuria and blood pressure among patients with nondiabetic chronic kidney disease, with no significant adverse effects reported. These findings suggest potential benefits for this patient population, warranting further investigation.

Background: Effective physician-patient communication is essential for patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and overall healthcare outcomes. In culturally diverse settings like Saudi Arabia, communication skills are crucial for patient-centered care. Studies indicate that poor communication leads to mistrust, lower satisfaction, and poorer health outcomes. To address this, the Enhancing Physician Communication Skills (EPCS) program was introduced at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) to improve physician communication. This study assesses its impact on patient satisfaction using a cross-sectional design. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at KFMC and outpatient clinics in the Second Central Health Cluster. Data were collected from 1,959 patients across two phases: pre-intervention (March–May 2022) and post-intervention (September–November 2023). Patients were stratified by age, gender, and health conditions to minimize confounding factors. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a modified CGCAHPS survey, translated into Arabic. A difference-in-differences regression model was applied to compare satisfaction metrics between intervention and control groups. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements: listening skills increased by 6.2% ( P = 0.04), clarity of explanations by 7.3% ( P = 0.02), overall satisfaction by 7.9%, and the likelihood of recommending the facility by 6.8%. Minimal changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The EPCS program effectively enhanced physician-patient communication, leading to higher satisfaction. These findings highlight the importance of integrating communication training into continuous medical education and healthcare policies, especially in culturally diverse settings.