Overview

Overview

The mission of the Center for Renal Diseases is to diagnose and prevent kidney disease, anticipate complications and treat renal problems before they become life threatening. The center is staffed with experienced nephrologists and other healthcare professionals who develop and implement customized treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), kidney stones, glomerulonephritis (GN) and anemia.

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What We Treat

What We Treat

Our Doctors

Our Doctors

Juan Calle, MD
Juan Calle, MD
Staff
Richard Fatica, MD
Richard Fatica, MD
Department Vice Chair
Laura Ferreira Provenzano, MD
Laura Ferreira Provenzano, MD
Staff
James Simon, MD
James Simon, MD
Staff
Jonathan Taliercio, DO
Jonathan Taliercio, DO
Program Director, Nephrology and Hypertension Fellowship
John Sedor, MD
John Sedor, MD
Staff
John O'Toole, MD
John O'Toole, MD
Staff
Glomerular Diseases

Glomerular Diseases

Glomerulonephritis is a group of diseases which result in injury to the glomerulus.  The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that filters the blood, which is the first step in the process of making urine. This can result from either an attack by your own immune system (autoimmune), scarring or other damage. When the glomeruli are injured, they are not able to rid the body of waste materials and extra water. The Glomerular Diseases Clinic is staffed with experienced nephrologists and other healthcare professionals who develop and implement customized treatment for patients with this unusual condition. The team meets regularly with pathologists to review biopsies and treatment plans, discuss advances in the field and ensure optimal care for patients.

Glomerulonephritis Board

The Glomerulonephritis Board is a medical board composed of world recognized nephrologists, rheumatologists, immunologists, renal pathologists and other interested physicians whom review complex nephrological glomerulonephritis cases.

  • Individual patient cases are presented to the medical board for diagnosis, and treatment recommendations are made based on the clinical history, laboratory work, and kidney biopsy.
  • The most current evidence based medicine is used in recommending management and treatment strategies.
  • Patients benefit by having leading specialists discuss their glomerulonephritis in a multidisciplinary discussion.
  • The board discusses Glomerulonephritis conditions including, but not limited to: lupus nephritis, anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, membranous glomerulonephritis, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
  • The board participates in National Institutes of Health trials and other impact trials critical to understanding and treating GN.
  • Requests for a case review by the GN board can be made by local nephrologists or patients.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Clinic (PKD)

Polycystic Kidney Disease Clinic (PKD)

The PKD Clinic uses a comprehensive medical evaluation including genetic testing and counseling, imaging of the kidneys and associated organs, and a treatment program designed by an experienced nephrologist.

  • Expanded clinical services, including diet and fluid management, monitoring by trained nurses and regular evaluations by committed nephrologists.
  • Specialized services for surgical management of PKD complications.
  • Access to and support from experienced pediatric nephrologists when appropriate.
  • A basic research team that works in areas relevant to PKD, such as cell signaling pathways that effect cell growth, experimental work in biological models of PKD and kidney tissue studies.
  • The PKD Clinic is engaged in important national PKD research studies.
  • The center is actively building its PKD registry, which will serve as a valuable foundation for a comprehensive PKD Clinic.
Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Cleveland Clinic is a leader in research to uncover innovative ways of diagnosing and treating renal diseases through evidence-based medicine.

ATHENA

This is an observational trial designed to characterize the natural decline of renal function markers such as glomerular filtration rate, creatinine, proteinuria and β-2 microglobulin in Alport syndrome patients.

FALCON

This is a phase 3 trial using bardoxolone methyl in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.  While most studies on ADPKD target cyst growth, bardoxolone methyl activates molecular pathways that promote the resolution of inflammation and fibrosis. Bardoxolone methyl has consistently improved parameters of renal function in multiple clinical studies in patients with chronic kidney disease, cancer, pulmonary hypertension.  This oral medication will be studied over a period of 3.5 years. The study is currently actively enrolling. Please contact Dr. Richard Fatica or Jennifer Czerr for more details.  

NEPTUNE (The Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network)

This is an observational study of patients with nephrotic syndrome who undergo a medically indicated kidney biopsy. The primary study outcomes being followed are changes in the amount of urine protein and kidney function.

Appointments & Locations

Appointments & Locations

To make an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 216.444.6771

Locations

In Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, appointments are available at the following locations: