American Kidney Fund to host virtual event on inaccurate diagnoses of kidney disease
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The American Kidney Fund announced it is hosting a virtual event in which experts will discuss how “undiagnosed or misdiagnosed causes of kidney disease” may impact patients.
The event, titled the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Summit, will take place on Dec. 1.
“Kidney disease of unknown etiology is a very common condition, presenting a frustrating challenge for patients and clinicians,” Ali Gharavi, MD, of the New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a steering committee member for the summit, said in a press release. “This initiative is an exceptional endeavor, bringing together leading experts and advocates to chart a path forward that addresses critical science and clinical questions.”
The committee, which consists of eight members, will work on publishing a white paper based on insights gleaned from the summit, according to the release. The summit will also include participation from patients and patient advocates.
The release further stated that although diabetes and hypertension contribute to the majority of kidney disease cases, there are other less common causes; if these remain understudied or unknown, patients can experience delayed treatment, additional comorbidities or the loss of a transplanted kidney.
“Too many people crash into late-stage kidney disease or complete kidney failure without ever knowing the cause,” LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of the AKF, said in the release. “In some cases, these patients may receive a kidney transplant but later lose the transplant because of an underlying condition that is attacking the kidneys – this is nothing short of tragic. In other cases of misdiagnosis, multiple family members experience kidney failure before realizing there is a genetic cause. We’re grateful to the researchers, organizations and patients committing to work with us on this life-saving, unprecedented initiative.”
More information on the summit can be found at: kidneyfund.org/summit.
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