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The Nephrology and Urology Research Affinity Group
Click Here to Check Out the Top Five Nephrology Research Studies of 2010
Despite the prevalence of urogenital diseases, little is currently known regarding the molecular mechanisms controlling the development and pathogenesis of the kidney, bladder and their associated structures. Finding answers to these important clinical challenges is the primary focus of the Nephrology and Urology Research Affinity Group at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
The Nephrology and Urology Research Affinity Group represents a unique consortium of highly talented clinicians and basic science researchers whose primary mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families by significantly reducing the morbidity, mortality and costs associated with pediatric urogenital diseases.
Central to our mission is the integration of both clinical and basic scientists into a single, functional Research Affinity Group including basic scientists from The Research Institute, as well as clinicians from the Departments of Pediatric Nephrology, and Pediatric Urology at Nationwide Children's Hospital. This working group is designed to create an environment that fosters direct interactions between cutting-edge research in both the clinical and basic science arenas.
Understanding the basic cellular and molecular programs that are responsible for urogenital development and pathogenesis is critical for the formulation of new clinical strategies designed to better prevent, diagnose, treat, and/or cure diseases associated with the kidney and bladder.
The long-term goal of the Nephrology and Urology Research Affinity Group is to establish a national and international reputation in pediatric nephrology and urology in both the basic and clinical sciences, and to provide a fertile environment for the training of new pediatric nephrologists, pediatric urologists, and basic scientists interested in urogenital development and disease.
Chronic Renal Failure: The Need for Answers
Disorders of the urogenital system, including the external genitalia, urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, affect both sexes of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Worldwide, more than 50 percent of children with end-stage renal failure experience urinary tract malformations, obstructive uropathy and/or hypoplasia/dysplasia. These defects are extremely important in terms of pediatric health care costs, with end-stage renal failure estimated to cost over 15 billion dollars annually in the United States alone.
It is estimated that as high as 70 percent of the children presenting with urogenital defects will progress to end-stage renal failure despite clinical intervention. The leading cause of death among children with chronic renal failure is cardiac and vascular remodeling, highlighting the importance of normal kidney function for a healthy cardiovascular system. This direct link between urogenital development, bladder function, renal outcome, and cardiovascular health represents a central paradigm of urogenital disease
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000
700 Children's Drive Columbus, Ohio 43205 614.722.2000