DENVER, Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita
Clinical Research (DCR), a subsidiary of DaVita Inc., has begun
enrollment on two clinical research trials to study how
COVID-19 affects people with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) who
are currently receiving dialysis.
"As a novel virus, there is still so much the medical community
does not know about COVID-19," said Dr. Jeff Giullian, chief medical officer for DaVita.
"By using our resources to conduct this research, we hope to
contribute meaningful data to a worldwide effort. We are eager to
share our findings about how the virus behaves in a medically
vulnerable population with the intent that they will spur greater
innovation."
In the first study, Registry of Sustained Immunity to COVID-19
among ESKD Patients, researchers are investigating how the presence
of COVID-19 antibodies may influence future virus infection and
potential immunity in patients who receive dialysis at DaVita
dialysis centers. Participants will be monitored in the fall and
winter over four months to examine additional exposure to COVID-19
and any illness progression.
The second study, COVID-19 Progression in End Stage Kidney
Disease, is investigating associations between genetic markers and
the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in ESKD patients. Study
participants are stratified into two groups: patients who have been
diagnosed COVID-19 positive and patients without a history of
COVID-19 who have tested positive for the Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
antibody. Researchers aim to look for associations between genetic
differences and COVID-19 disease severity.
"Our researchers are seeking to contribute to understanding
COVID-19's impact on a patient population that has increased risk
due to underlying medical conditions," reported Amy Young, vice president of DCR. "These studies
are particularly important to better forecast future COVID-19
outbreaks, minimize infections and, ultimately, save lives."
According to the United States Renal Data System, approximately
524,000 people in the U.S. have ESKD that requires life-sustaining
dialysis care. These patients are among those at higher risk for
COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions that compromise their
immune systems. Recent research has also linked severe cases of
COVID-19 to kidney complications, including an increased risk of
acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement
therapy.
The results of both DCR COVID-19 studies are expected to be
submitted for publication in early 2021.
To learn more about DCR,
visit DaVitaClinicalResearch.com.
About DaVita Clinical Research
DaVita Clinical
Research (DCR), a wholly owned subsidiary of DaVita Inc., is the
research arm of DaVita. DCR innovates through retrospective
research aimed at improving clinical outcomes. DCR assists
pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the design,
recruitment and completion of clinical trials using its renal
research site network. To learn more about DCR,
visit DaVitaClinicalResearch.com.
About DaVita Inc.
DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health
care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve
quality of life for patients globally. The company is one of the
largest providers of kidney care services in the U.S. and has been
a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 20 years.
Through DaVita Kidney Care, the
company treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage
kidney disease. DaVita is committed to bold, patient-centric care
models, implementing the latest technologies and moving toward
integrated care offerings for all. Through these efforts, DaVita
has also become the largest provider of home dialysis in the
country. As of June 30, 2020, DaVita served 205,300 patients
at 2,795 outpatient dialysis centers in the United States. The company also operated 287
outpatient dialysis centers in ten countries worldwide. DaVita has
reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked
collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an
equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients,
everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this
press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to
risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based
on management's current expectations. Various important factors
could cause actual results to differ materially, including the
risks identified in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
filings. DaVita disclaims any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement contained in this press release.
Contact Information
Media:
Halie Peddle
halie.peddle@davita.com
(303) 550-6349
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SOURCE DaVita Clinical Research