Glomerular Diseases and Vasculitis Clinic
ADVANCED CARE FOR COMPLEX KIDNEY CONDITIONS
The Glomerular Diseases and Vasculitis Clinic at UK HealthCare provides advanced consultation for patients with suspected or confirmed glomerular disease. These conditions include a broad range of immune mediated and genetic disorders that can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive evaluation and individualized management for complex or treatment resistant conditions.
PROGRAM STRENGTHS
Expertise in Advanced Therapeutics
Our team specializes in selecting, sequencing, and optimizing immunosuppressive and targeted therapies. We do this based on histopathology, disease activity, comorbidities, and patient specific risk factors.
Integrated Specialty Pharmacy Support
The UK HealthCare Specialty Pharmacy helps streamline access to advanced therapies. They help coordinate prior authorizations, navigate insurance requirements and arrange medication delivery.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
Our team is skilled at identifying when therapeutic plasma exchange should be used for certain glomerular diseases and in overseeing its scheduling and execution.
Diagnostic Excellence and Kidney Biopsy Services
Interventional nephrologists perform percutaneous kidney biopsies with high diagnostic yield and low complication rates. This enables us to provide precise histopathologic assessment and tailored treatment planning.
CONDITIONS TREATED
We provide consultation and ongoing management for a broad range of suspected or confirmed glomerular disease, including:
- Nephritic and nephrotic syndromes
- Persistent or unexplained hematuria and/or proteinuria
- ANCA associated vasculitis
- Anti glomerular basement membrane (GBM) diseases
- IgA nephropathy
- Membranous nephropathy
- Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
- Lupus nephritis
- Alport syndrome and other hereditary nephritides
- Genetic disorders affecting the glomeruli
- Minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
REFER A PATIENT
Referral Criteria
- Suspected or biopsy proven glomerular disease
- Nephrotic syndrome or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
- Persistent hematuria/proteinuria of unclear cause
- Acute kidney injury or worsening kidney function in the setting of possible immune mediated disease
- Systematic diseases with renal involvement (e.g., vasculitis, lupus)
- Need for immunosuppressive or biologic therapy
- Relapsing or refractory glomerular disease
- Need for kidney biopsy or expert histopathologic review
- Consideration of therapeutic plasma exchange
- Diagnostic uncertainty or need for a second opinion
Services for Referring Physicians
We provide:
- Comprehensive diagnostic assessment and evidence based treatment recommendations
- Management and monitoring of immunosuppressive and targeted therapies
- Assistance accessing novel or emerging therapies
- Multidisciplinary review of complex or atypical cases
- Second opinion evaluations
- Collaborative co management with referring nephrologists and primary care teams
- Clear, timely communication and return of recommendations
OUR COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION
We prioritize seamless communication with referring providers. Patients may continue follow up at UK HealthCare or their local nephrologist depending on clinical needs and patient preference.
MAKE A REFERRAL
- Outpatient Referrals: Submit and "Ambulatory Referral to Nephrology" in EpicCare Link and note "Glomerulonephritis" in the comments. You can also call UK·MDs at 800-888-5533. EpicCare Link (ukhealthcare.uky.edu/providerportal) is the preferred method.
- Referring Provider Support: A clinical expert is available Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., via UK·MDs. Providers may also request the Glomerulonephritis expert on call at 859-257-5522.
- Inpatient Consultations: For hospitalized patients, place an order in EpicCare Link under "General Nephrology Consult Referral."
- For urgent needs: Contact the Nephrology ICU or non ICU service via text or secure message as appropriate.