Glomerulonephropathies encompass a group of diseases affecting the glomerulus, which constitutes the filter of the kidney. They constitute the cause of end-stage kidney disease in a significant proportion of individuals on dialysis therapy. Glomerular diseases represent heavy and prolonged individual and societal burden as they usually affect younger individuals and are characterized by progression to end-stage kidney disease over a course of several years. Although common in aggregates, they are considered as rare diseases when taken individually. This heterogeneity and delay in attaining kidney failure has impeded the development of novel therapies through clinical studies. Thus, the establishment of a large cohort of patients with glomerular diseases will fuel research in this field of medicine.
Dr. Laurin’s research program consists in studying the epidemiology of glomerulonephropathies. In 2015, his research unit set up a local registry of patients with glomerular diseases. This cohort of patients serves as a platform for local and international projects.