Therapeutic Blockade Of Complement Inducing Inflammatory Injury In Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,181.00
Summary
ANCA associated vasculitis is an inflammatory disease involving the kidney filters which is a major cause of chronic kidney failure. Current drugs to treat it are toxic. Less toxic treatments are required. In this study we will explore the potential for new treatments targeting complement (a normal blood protein involved in inflammation) to attenuate this disease in mice. We hope to define the role of complement in this disease and the benefits of inhibiting it before we use it in humans.
Long Term Sequelae Of Acute Kidney Injury: Identifying The Optimal Model Of Care And Intervention To Enhance Patient Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. It is increasingly recognised as a key driver of progressive kidney disease, and no intervention has been shown to improve the long-term outcome of AKI survivors. This project identifies risk factors for chronic kidney disease, dialysis dependence and death after an episode of AKI, and examines the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of early nephrology review in high risk individuals.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Natural History Of Disease, Cost And Quality Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,281.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is present in 12% of Australians aged over 25. CKD is associated with poor health outcomes including cardiovascular disease and progression to End Stage Kidney Disease. Many questions about CKD remain. My research aims to increase our understanding of the natural history of CKD in the Australian population, with focus on outcomes of CKD progression, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, quality of life, and costs to society.
The Incidence And Outcomes Of Chronic Kidney Disease Amongst Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,120.00
Summary
The aim of this body of work is to improve understanding of the incidence and outcomes of chronic kidney disease for Indigenous Australians, in order to try to better predict outcomes and guide clinical and policy-level decision making.
Risks Of Using A Central Venous Catheter For Haemodialysis In Australia And Opportunities For Improvement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Patients with permanent or temporary severe kidney failure require dialysis treatment to remain alive and well. Commonly this is performed using a catheter (plastic tube) inserted into a large vein of the body. The use of these catheters, while life saving, is prone to complications. By assessing health data from multiple sources, this project will provide an understanding of the frequency and risk factors for such complications, and improve the lives of patients requiring such treatment.
The Interaction Between Kidney Disease And Cardiovascular Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,013.00
Summary
People with chronic kidney disease have increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Establishing predictors of these events can identify individuals most at risk and stratify therapy. Modifying risks reduces the progression of disease in people with chronic kidney disease. Risk prediction modelling has been done, but is not validated and requires clinical usability and application. This research aims to develop and validate risk prediction models and from them create clinician-friendl ....People with chronic kidney disease have increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Establishing predictors of these events can identify individuals most at risk and stratify therapy. Modifying risks reduces the progression of disease in people with chronic kidney disease. Risk prediction modelling has been done, but is not validated and requires clinical usability and application. This research aims to develop and validate risk prediction models and from them create clinician-friendly interfaces.Read moreRead less
Strategies To Improve Vascular Access Outcomes In Haemodialysis Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,345.00
Summary
This project explores strategies to improve vascular access outcomes in haemodialysis patients. It involves analysis of the FAVOURED (Fish oil and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease) trial, the largest randomized controlled trial investigating whether fish oil will reduce failure rates of newly created arteriovenous fistulae (a surgically created connection between artery and vein) and a systematic review and meta-analysis on fish oil to prevent vascular access failure.
Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) present serious morbidity and mortality in our society. Kidney scarring is the final manifestation of many types of kidney diseases. Recent evidence showed that a reduced ability to generate energy during injuries leads to kidney scarring. My study is looking at how the specific changes in kidney energy production can lead to kidney scarring. The findings of my study can have potential to prevent kidney scarring and change the course of kidney diseases.
Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells And HLA Associations In Autoimmune Renal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Glomerulonephritis (GN), a common cause of kidney failure, usually results from an immune system attack on the kidneys. Current treatments suppress the whole immune system, making patients vulnerable to infection. We aim to harness the body’s protective immune cells (Tregs) as a potential GN treatment. Using mice genetically programmed to mimic a human GN, we will test if specifically targeted Tregs protect mice from disease. We will also test how they affect blood samples from humans with GN.
The burden of kidney disease in Australia is rising. Differences in the burden, patterns of care and outcomes of kidney disease for people in rural and urban regions, along with the tools to address these differences, remain poorly understood. Research exploring patient, provider and health system barriers to equitable care is required if health outcomes are to improve.