Vital Role of Research

Research is vitally important, already enormous strides have been made in treatment and prevention:-

• Screening during pregnancy to detect abnormalities in the developing baby, so that treatment can begin from the moment of birth.

• Improvements in transplant techniques resulting in an 80% success rate for children when the donor is a relative.

• The development of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent transplant rejection and new techniques for monitoring side effects.

• Continual improvements in dialysis - a lifesaving technique for thousands of children and adults.

• Considerable progress in helping children on dialysis to grow normally.

• A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms which lead to inflammation of the filters (glomeruli) of the kidney - one of the commonest causes of Renal failure.

• The discovery that certain painkillers can damage the kidneys when used excessively - and action to prevent the over-use of these drugs.

• Continued improvements in the drugs available to treat high blood pressure - one of the causes of kidney failure.

• Intensive study of the hormone renin which is secreted by the kidneys, the part it plays in causing high blood pressure, and the development of drugs to block its harmful effects.

• The availability of the hormone erythropietin (E.P.O) to correct the anaemia of renal failure.

• New insights which give hope for the future - from the role of genetic factors in causing kidney disease to the importance of Diet in treatment and prevention.