Research Through research, we aim to improve treatment and care for people with kidney disease. Our areas of research include the following: COVID-19 and Kidney Disease Check out our publications Acidosis Dr. Michal Melamed and Dr. Matthew Abramowitz are examining whether the treatment of metabolic acidosis improves outcomes in patients with kidney disease. Bone Disease Dr. Maria Coco is an expert in bone biopsy. She studies bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease including transplant recipients. Health Disparities Dr. Tanya Johns examines health disparities in chronic kidney disease including elucidating factors that contribute to poor health outcomes and models of care to improve the health in vulnerable populations. The impact of residential community on outcomes of patients with kidney disease is also the focus of the research efforts by Dr. Ladan Golestaneh who used the DOPPS (Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study) cohort to examine association of US hemodialysis patient outcomes with community linked socio-demographic variables. HIV Related Kidney Disease Dr. Michael Ross is performing basic, translational, and clinical studies focused upon: 1) novel mechanisms by which antiretroviral medications protect the kidneys from HIV-induced injury and exploring their efficacy in other forms of kidney disease; 2) molecular mechanisms by which polymorphisms in the Apolipoprotein L1 gene dramatically increase the risk of HIV-associated nephropathy and other forms of kidney disease; 3) factors associated with increased risk of CKD in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Impaired Physical and Muscle Function Impaired physical function and loss of mobility are common problems experienced by patients with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Matthew Abramowitz is studying alterations in skeletal muscle physiology and exploring novel measures of functional capacity in this patient population. Outcome Research Dr. Ladan Golestaneh is studying predictors of frequent hospitalizations within the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) population and possible interventions to improve care coordination, patient engagement and hospitalization outcomes. Prostaglandin Metabolism Dr. Victor Schuster studies renal transport mechanisms and action of prostaglandins using cell biologic techniques and animal models. Role of Gender in Kidney Disease Dr. Joel Neugarten examines the role of gender in acute kidney injury and the progression of chronic kidney disease. Transplantation The renal transplantation program is an area of active investigation. Dr. Enver Akalin studies the mechanisms of allograft injury using microarrays and kidney transplantation in sensitized patients. Vascular Access Dialysis catheters are commonly employed and give rise to many complications such as catheter-related infection and thrombosis. Dr. Michele Mokrzycki, a national expert in vascular access, is currently the Chair of the American Society of Nephrology/Nephrologists Transforming Dialysis Safety Vascular Access Taskforce, and has led several clinical trials studying the interventions to reduce the complications associated with vascular access. Vascular Calcification Patients with chronic kidney disease often have vascular calcification—mineral deposits in the vessels that contribute to cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death among patients with kidney disease. Dr. Wei Chen studies risk factors and develops biomarkers for vascular calcification using bench-to-bedside translational approach. Vitamin D Vitamin D deficiency is much more common than thought in the past. Dr. Michal Melamed is a national expert in this area and has active studies in the epidemiology of this condition as well as a clinical trial to assess the renal effects of vitamin D therapy.
