The End-Stage Renal Disease Program promotes research to reduce morbidity and mortality from bone, blood, nervous system, metabolic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine abnormalities in end-stage kidney failure and to improve the effectiveness of dialysis and transplantation. Of special interest is research on frequent hemodialysis, hemodialysis membrane reuse and alternative dialyzer sterilization methods; more efficient, biocompatible membranes; high-flux hemodialysis; and criteria for adequacy of dialysis. Also of interest is research on adequacy, appropriate dialysis dose, and infectious complications in peritoneal dialysis, as well as criteria to identify patients best suited for this therapy.
The program seeks to increase graft and patient survival and organ availability through research to improve organ preservation, transplantation across ABO blood groups, HLA cross-matching of donors with recipients, immunosuppression, infection control, and organ donations, especially by African American and other minority groups. Of special interest is research on the causes and prevention of progressive loss of renal function in long-term renal transplants.
For further information, contact Dr. Lawrence Y. Agodoa, End-Stage Renal Disease Program Director.