News – BC Kidney Research Collaboratory

Using implementation science to increase the impact of kidney research

2026-06-23

Kidney disease affects 850 million people globally, and mortality from kidney diseases is rising. In nephrology, like many other specialities, there are gaps between evidence and practice in the care of patients. Implementation science can help bridge these gaps. Dr. Michelle Wong, a nephrologist and clinical researcher with BC Renal, has used implementation science techniques and tools to increase the impact of her research projects on patient care.

New drug significantly reduces kidney damage in people with IgA nephropathy

2026-04-28

Early results from an ongoing clinical trial suggest that a new drug being explored for treating IgA nephropathy, called atacicept, is safe and very beneficial for patients. A recent study showed the novel treatment can reduce the amount of protein leaking from patients’ kidneys by nearly half after just 36 weeks of treatment.

Fully virtual care during pandemic associated with higher peritonitis rates; study points to benefits of hybrid care

2026-04-24

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in peritoneal dialysis infection rates among kidney patients living in rural and First Nations communities in Northern BC. A new study suggests that an abrupt, pandemic-forced shift from Northern BC’s long-standing hybrid care model to virtual-only care eroded the trust and relational continuity that are foundational to safe peritoneal dialysis practice. Researchers found virtual care itself was not the problem — it was the loss of in-person connection, community support, and the relationships with the care team that underpin safe home dialysis.

Evaluation of novel tool to reduce the pill burden on hemodialysis patients

2026-04-22

A team with the Island Health renal program evaluated a novel clinical tool designed to help decrease the number of unnecessary medications taken by people on hemodialysis, who often have a very high pill burden. The results could support more patients in safely stopping or tapering off medications they no longer need, in turn leading to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and even environmental benefits.

Pediatric hypertension significantly increases risk of kidney disease in adulthood

2025-10-29

A new study shows that children and adolescents with hypertension (high blood pressure) have a 4.5 times greater risk of developing kidney disease when they become young adults compared to their peers without hypertension. The results, published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, also show those with hypertension have an elevated risk of kidney failure.