A Study to Better Understand ESRD and Lupus

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a new $3.35 million research study to find the genes responsible for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in lupus. Better understanding of the genes that lead to ESRD may lead to improved strategies to prevent ESRD in lupus and perhaps other conditions as well.

• Patient involvement in this study will involve only a single encounter, which would be scheduled at a time of dialysis.
  At that encounter the following would occur:
• Study would be explained to participant and informed consent obtained.
• Blood samples (about 2 tablespoons or three tubes of blood) would be obtained during dialysis.
• Release of Medical Information forms would be signed so that we can obtain further information about participant's pre-dialysis lupus history.
• A patient questionnaire about lupus history and medications would be completed and reviewed by the recruiter.
• Medical records would be reviewed for medical and medication history and kidney biopsy report to confirm lupus to be cause of kidney failure.

(See Study Downloads section for infomational brochure and forms.)

Patient Participation is Needed

Participants would receive $20 for their time. Patients who would like to participate in this study or would like further information can call 1-800-293-5081. Nephrologists or Medical Directors can contact either Lee Hebert, M.D. at 614-293-4997 or Dan Birmingham, Ph.D. at 614-293-4997; or, contact the Study Manager, Leena Hiremath, Ph.D. at 614-293-3942.

The study hopes to enroll approximately 200 plus patients and have samples collected by the end of August, 2010.