Co-Directors: Roger C. Wiggins, M.B., B.Chir. and Patrick E.
Gipson, M.D. The Glomerular Diseases Clinic focuses on specific
kidney diseases that affect the glomeruli, which are the small
filter parts of the kidney. These filters can become clogged or
damaged and allow protein and blood to leak into the urine,
where they are not normally found. While this abnormal blood and
protein is one of the main signs that a person has a glomerular
kidney disease, it is not usually something that can be seen
with the naked eye. It is found with simple laboratory tests of
the urine. Further blood, urine, and kidney tests often help
doctors determine how severe the disease is, and may help
determine its cause. Not all glomerular diseases are severe, but
some are. Some may weaken the kidneys to the point where they no
longer are able to clean the blood well. This may lead to kidney
failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The
goal of the Glomerular Diseases Clinic is to help diagnose the
cause of a person’s