Centre for Kidney Research major achievements
The work of CKR covers all aspects of research, from basic to clinical and population health. This includes studies looking at genetic kidney diseases and also rejection and tolerance of kidney transplants
PRIVENT Trial: The world's largest study investigating the effect of long-term antibiotics on urinary tract infections in children has recently been completed by CKR. This mutli-centred trial was conducted over 10 years, providing long-awaited evidence for practitioners.
New diagnostic methods for children with serious bacterial illness in the emergency room have been trialled in the FEVER Study, with outcomes currently being analysed.
CKR is also involved in investigating bed-wetting and childhood daytime wetting. The NEAT Study is currently assessing the effectiveness of a new wireless bed-wetting alarm device developed by their researchers.
Targeting risk factors that lead to kidney disease in the general population and high risk groups is also an important part of CKR’s work. Research has found that Aboriginal Australians have a 9-fold increase of end-stage renal disease than non-Aboriginals. The Antecedents of Renal Disease in Aboriginal Children (ARDAC) Study is concerned with addressing this issue.
- the Cochrane Renal Group, part of an international network for the Cochrane Collaboration, which is responsible for coordinating a register of all studies relating to kidney disease, in both adults and children.
- the Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment (CARI) Guidelines. These guidelines for Nephrologists serve as both a valuable educational resource and a means of enhancing the quality, appropriateness, consistency and cost-effectiveness of kidney health care.
Our laboratory is looking at rejection and tolerance of kidney transplants and the possible causes and treatment of a variety of renal diseases, including those with genetic causes and developing new treatments for atherosclerosis, a major problem in patients with kidney disease.
The Centre also provides infrastructure to young clinical researchers in Australia, developing a national network of kidney disease clinician-scientists, making that goal for a cure just one step closer.
