Emory University Department of Medicine

African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension Trial (AASK); Principal Investigator: Janice Lea, MD

The AASK trial is a multicenter NIH trial with 1,000 patients nationwide who are African-American between the ages of 18 and 65 with mild to moderate kidney failure due to hypertension. The study is investigating whether treatment with specific antihypertensive medications and/or aggressive lowering of blood pressure will be of benefit in slowing the progression of kidney failure. The study is currently closed to enrollment. Dr. Janice Lea is a clinical specialist in hypertension designated by the American Society of Hypertension and sees a variety of difficult hypertensive cases in her clinic.

Mechanisms of Glomerular Damage in Sickle Cell Anemia;
Principal Investigator: Antonio Guasch, MD

Kidney damage occurs commonly in patients with sickle cell anemia and, in some patients, it could lead to kidney failure. Unfortunately, when blood tests indicate kidney problems, the kidney damage is usually very extensive and often irreversible. We are studying ways, using simple urine sample tests, to detect early kidney damage in sickle cell anemia and testing new treatments for people with this condition. These studies, aimed at helping patients with sickle cell anemia and kidney trouble, are conducted in the Sickle Cell Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital and at the Emory Clinical Research Center.

Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy on the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease;
Principal Investigator: Antonio Guasch, MD

Kidney damage occurs very frequently in people who suffer from diabetes and may lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation. The currently available treatments slow down kidney deterioration, but do not completely stop the ongoing kidney damage. We are testing new treatments for people who suffer from diabetes and kidney damage with the goal of preventing the development of kidney failure.

Novel Antiinflammatory Therapies for Glomerulonephritis;
Principal Investigator: Antonio Guasch, MD

...... Glomerulonephritis is a common condition that is caused by inflammation in the kidneys, resulting in kidney damage and, in some patients, in kidney failure. Although there is treatment available for some types of glomerulonephritis, the treatment may cause significant side effects. Unfortunately, some types of glomerulonephritis do not respond to currently available treatment. We are studying new, and potentially less toxic, treatments for patients who suffer from glomerulonephritis in order to control the underlying inflammation and hopefully prevent kidney failure.