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Kidney disease affects the body’s ability to filter the blood. Many cases are caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, but some kidney disorders stem from rare genetic variants. Genetics experts at ����������� and Columbia University Medical Center will discuss the impact of genetic kidney disease on patients and families at the upcoming Evenings with Genetics virtual seminar on Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. CDT.

During the hourlong webinar, panelists will address common genetic kidney diseases, including Alport syndrome and polycystic kidney disease, and how genetic evaluation and testing improve the management of kidney disease. The speakers are Dr. Reza Bekheirnia, assistant professor of pediatrics – renal and molecular and human genetics at Baylor, Dr. Ali Gharavi, professor and chief of the division of nephrology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, and Dr. André Weinstock, patient advocate and member of the Board of Directors of the .

“Genetic defects play key roles in pediatric and adult kidney disorders, and a growing number of studies have evaluated the utility of clinical genetics evaluation,” Bekheirnia said. “In this webinar, we will show how genetic evaluation improves patient care in pediatric and adult nephrology.”

Evenings with Genetics is a regular speaker series hosted by ����������� and Texas Children’s Hospital that offers the most current information on care and research advances for many genetic conditions. The seminars provide an opportunity for families in the genetics community to interact with others experiencing similar situations.

The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants the day before the seminar. For more information, call 713-798-8407 or visit the event .