BC Kidney Research in Focus

Fall/Winter 2021

Research highlights from the BC Renal network

New Risk Assessment Tool a Gamechanger for Children With One Functioning Kidney

A new study published in Pediatric Nephrology in May 2021 has uncovered risk factors that help identify which children born with only one functioning kidney may go on to develop chronic kidney disease later on in life. The results highlight previously underappreciated differences between children with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) disease compared to those with unilateral renal agenesis (URA), and could lead to more individualized care.

Screening Program Proven Effective at Identifying and Treating Dialysis Patients with LTBI

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious threat for some individuals and public health. Dialysis patients are particularly susceptible to this type of infection with their rate of active TB estimated to be 25 times higher than the general population. TB is caused by a slow-growing bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually lives in the lungs. It can spread from person to person, and in some cases be deadly if untreated.

New Learning Pathway Supports Researchers in Being Indigenous Allies

The In Plain Sight report, published in November 2020, highlights widespread racism toward Indigenous peoples in the BC health care system – shocking some who were unaware of this systemic racism and reconfirming what many others already knew. The results of this report underscore the need for more tools to address systemic racism in health care and research.

Study Suggests that Children With Nephrotic Syndrome Need Greater Calcium and Vitamin D Intake

It’s recommended that children with nephrotic syndrome follow dietary guidelines to minimize their symptoms, as well as the side effects from medication. A new study published in spring 2021 in Pediatric Nephrology sheds light on how well children are able meet these nutritional needs along with their intake of supplements – and suggests that special attention is needed to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake in this population.

Project Dramatically Boosts Number of ADPKD Patients Receiving Early Multidisciplinary Care

An innovative network that BC Renal launched in 2015 to support patients across the province living with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has driven an increase in the number of ADPKD patients being identified early and receiving multidisciplinary care. The results of this initiative are described in a study published in July 2021 in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease.

Researcher Profile: Dr. Michelle Wong, Nephrologist

Learn about Dr. Wong and her research that explores the important connection between nutrition and health outcomes for kidney patients.

Nutrition is an especially important issue for kidney patients, who can often develop adverse changes in nutritional status and body composition. As a nephrologist who specializes in nutrition research, Dr. Michelle Wong is hoping to find novel solutions and improve outcomes for this population.

Staff Profile: Katy Vela, Manager of Nephrology Research, BC Renal

Learn about Katy Vela and the rewarding and challenging aspects of managing BC Renal’s research operations

As the manager of nephrology research with BC Renal, Katy Vela takes on a lot of work behind the scenes to make the research magic happen. Her work involves budget negotiations, contracts, ethics submissions, logistics, strategizing, privacy concerns and so much more.

Additional recent publications by BC researchers:

Did you know?
BC Renal has a research section on our website. Learn more: http://www.bcrenal.ca/research

Who We Are:
Kidney care professionals and patient partners across BC are engaged in a broad range of local, provincial and international research projects, many in collaboration with BC's educational and research institutions. Their work is frequently published in peer-reviewed journals.

Why We Do It:
● To facilitate/conduct quality research studies
● To support knowledge translation
● To foster local, national and international research collaborations
● To facilitate training and mentoring of young physicians and scientists

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