Professor Claire Sharpe is a graduate of University College London School of Medicine and completed her PhD in renal cell signalling at King’s College London in 2002. She is now a HEFCE/NHS Clinical Senior Lecturer and is based in the Department of Renal Medicine within the Division of Gene and Cell Based Therapy at King’s College London. She has also been an Honorary Consultant in Renal Medicine at King’s College Hospital since 2004.
Her research area of interest is in the pathogenesis and progression of renal fibrosis, which is the underlying process causing end-stage renal failure and is a principal investigator heading a small group of clinical and non-clinical research scientists. She has been involved in the combined renal and sickle cell clinic at King’s College Hospital since its instigation in 2004 and has developed a strong interest in the underlying mechanisms and management of sickle cell nephropathy. She is actively involved in studying both its epidemiology and the outcomes of early treatment, focusing on patient education, early intervention and on-going monitoring in order to slow disease progression and minimize the number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy in the long run.
Abstract: Sickle cell trait and renal complications
Whilst the needs of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) may be apparent, individuals with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) are generally reassured that their health will not be affected by their carrier status. Renal failure is a recognised complication of SCD, however little is known regarding the relationship between SCT and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this talk I will review the limited available evidence, both for and against an association between SCT and kidney disease. I will also highlight other genes that can be co-inherited with the sickle beta globin gene which are thought to increase an individual’s risk of developing CKD. I will also discuss potential complications which may arise in kidney transplant recipients who have SCT and the potential risks of being a live kidney donor with this condition.