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Kidney Disease
Researchers at the MMRF study diseases of the kidney, while testing and administering the latest therapies to lengthen and improve patient's lives. Loss of function of both kidneys results in total kidney failure or end stage renal disease (ESRD). Because kidneys perform so many important functions, kidney failure is an immediate, life-threatening condition. Current treatments include dialysis, which artificially replaces the functions of the kidney, and kidney transplants. In 1994, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated total costs of ESRD to be around $11 billion in the United States. MMRF researchers hope that by studying therapies to prevent injury and accelerate repair of the kidneys, they can improve patient care and lower the financial and emotional costs of this life-threatening disease. They hope to be able to prevent people from having to go on dialysis. When kidneys fail after surgery or accident, new therapies are being developed to reduce the number of patient deaths. In addition, MMRF researchers are conducting research on ways to improve the viability of kidneys available for transplant.
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