Heather Reich

Research Synopsis

Dr. Reich is a kidney specialist (nephrologist) and directs a research program dedicated to improving the health of patients with glomerulonephritis (GN). GN comprises a group of diseases affecting the filters of the kidney (glomeruli); these filters become injured by the body’s own immune system, and this can affect the ability of the kidneys to clean the blood. GN is one of the most common causes of kidney failure. There are very few treatments available to control GN, and many of the available treatments have significant side effects. Dr. Reich's work focuses on using clinical and molecular information to identify which individuals are most at risk of having kidney failure due to GN, and which individuals are most likely to benefit from treatment. Her group also uses this information to better understand the causes of GN, and identify new avenues for treatment. In addition to offering highly specialized care for GN, her goal is to provide patients with access to participate in innovative research studies. These studies include the Canadian GN Registry, a national study to better understand the progression of GN in individuals across Canada, and clinical trials of state-of-the-art new treatments.