Epidemiological Analysis of Glomerulonephritis in Northern Ireland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Why do some kidney diseases recur following kidney transplantation? A review of glomerulonephritis in Northern Ireland (NI) and assessment of the implications for recurrent glomerulonephritis in kidney transplant recipients.
IRAS ID
362030
Contact name
Samuel James Bell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Glomerulonephritis is a group of conditions that cause progressive inflammation and scarring of the kidneys. Over time this can lead to kidney failure, meaning people may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Even after a kidney transplant, these diseases can return in the new kidney and shorten how long it works.
Glomerulonephritis is diagnosed on kidney biopsy. Kidney biopsy has become a safer and more acceptable technique over the last few decades. It remains unclear in Northern Ireland – however – just how common these diseases are and how rapidly they progress. We have many new and expensive treatments becoming available, so it is vital that we understand the natural history of glomerulonephritis locally.
Our project will review all kidney biopsies taken in Northern Ireland between 2006 and 2025 and link them with routine laboratory results (for example, blood and urine tests that show kidney function and activity of disease). Using de-identified (pseudonymised) data provided securely via the Honest Broker Service (HBS), we will find out how common each disease is, who it affects, and how it behaves over time.
We will also study people who received a kidney transplant because of glomerulonephritis. We will assess how often each disease returns, identify factors linked to recurrence and to transplant loss, and explore whether patterns in routine tests can warn of returning disease earlier. Currently, the only way to confirm recurrence is a kidney biopsy, which is invasive and usually done once problems are already visible. Earlier warning could prompt timely checks and better treatment.
What this means for patients and services: clearer information for patients about their condition, better planning of renal and transplant services in Northern Ireland, and evidence to target new therapies to the people most likely to benefit—ultimately aiming for longer-lasting kidneys and fewer invasive procedures.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
26/NI/0017
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion