NephCure Foundation Held Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS Seminar in Portland Oregon
Patients and their families met to discuss new treatments and therapies
Portland, OR – (May 08, 2008) – On Saturday, April 26 nephrologists and patient families met with a representative of The NephCure Foundation to discuss new treatments and therapies for two debilitating kidney conditions, Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), at the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, OR.
David Rozansky, MD, PhD from the Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics at the Oregon Health and Science University gave presentations on Nephrotic Syndrome and “What’s New in the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome/FSGS.” The presentations were prepared by Amira Al-Uzri, MD.
Jennifer Slickers, MD, MPH from the Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics at the Oregon Health and Science University spoke to patient families about FSGS and the existing treatments.
Linda Phelan, RD, CSR, LD a Clinical Dietician at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital gave a presentation, “Diet Therapies for Nephrotic Syndrome.”
David Ellison, MD a Professor of Medicine and Division Head at Oregon Health and Science University also participated in responding to questions adult patients asked.
The seminar organizers included speaker, Dr. David Rozansky, Nikkole Palmer, mother of Blake Palmer who suffers from Nephrotic Syndrome, and Tracy Neal, a strong supporter of The NephCure Foundation.
“On behalf of The NephCure Foundation, I would like to thank all of the volunteers for organizing the seminar and all of the patient families for participating,” said Henry Brehm, Executive Director of The NephCure Foundation. “The support that these families have provided to one another is truly inspiring and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.”
Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidney. The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidney into the urine and lost. Over time this condition can result in renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The cause for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known and there is no cure.
The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, Nephcure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.
Because of privacy laws, The NephCure Foundation has a unique challenge in finding families affected by Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS. Therefore, in addition to fundraising for research, The Nephcure Foundation devotes much of its efforts to identifying patient families. Further information for families or potential supporters can be obtained at www.nephcure.org or by contacting Miriam Long at mlong@nephcure.org.
