Research summary
Nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder that causes the body to pass too much protein into urine, is the most common childhood glomerular disease (a group of diseases that injure the part of the kidney that filters blood). The syndrome causes swelling, particularly of the hands and feet, and increases the risk of other health problems. Unfortunately, the cause is unknown and there is little evidence to inform treatment.
Dr. Susan Samuel, Canada Research Chair in Precision Medicine and Data Science in Child Health, is developing a precision medicine approach for childhood nephrotic syndrome. She and her research team are working to understand what causes the disease and evaluating and implementing evidence-based treatments. They also aim to identify ways to improve the transition to adult care for youth with the disease.