Multimedia Sources

PKD PSA

This 30-second public service announcement is a good multimedia source because it spreads the word about PKD.  During the PSA different statistics are referenced as graphics play in the background.  This would be a good source for anyone looking for a quick visual and audio clip that informed people about PKD.  It would also be helpful for those looking to easily spread the work about PKD. 

Multimedia: “PKD PSA.”  YouTube.  27 Sept. 2006.  5 Apr. 2008.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm_DEHRjKe0.

Facts about dialysis treatment

This video from a CNN broadcast takes you into a dialysis center.  The short clip is all about the increase in people who are needing dialysis and visiting dialysis centers.  It gives a great overview of dialysis.  The video is only a little over a minute and would be a great source for anyone who wants a brief explanation of dialysis and why patients must go on dialysis.  The video shows a dialysis center, patients on hemodialysis and has an interview with nephrologist Dr. Edward Himot.  

Multimedia: “Facts about dialysis treatment.”  CNN. 28 Apr. 2008.  4 June 2008.  http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/04/28/fortin.kidney.dialysis.cnn?iref=videosearch.

Polycystic Kidneys

This image shows two, side by side kidneys affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease. The image is very useful because the physical affects of PKD are not normally seen.  However, this image clearly shows the disgusting and debilitating effects of PKD on the body.  This image would be useful for anyone trying to show the physical effects of PKD.  It would also be a good graphic to go along with any piece of writing on PKD.

Multimedia: “Polycystic Kidneys.”  The Universtiy of New South Wales.  Apr. 8 2008.  6 June 2008.   http://web.med.unsw.edu.au/pathmus/F1340092.htm.

International Sites

Kidney Research UK

This site is the leading UK charity that funds research to prevent, treat and manage kidney disease.  Some of their research deals with PKD directly while other research deals with kidney disease on a broad scale.  Their site is useful because it shows what is going on internationally to fight PKD.  It also publishes some of its recent research dealing with PKD and kidney disease.  While this source is useful for people looking to get a look into research in the UK, it covers a broad range of kidney diseases and should not be looked at as a source of general information about PKD.

Kidney Research UK Home Page.  2006.  International Society of Nephrology.  1 June 2008. http://www.kidneyresearchuk.org.

World Hypertension League

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often the first or only symptom of PKD.  Because the management of blood pressure is such an important aspect for those with PKD, this website serves as a great resource for anyone who is looking for more information on hypertension.  The objective of this website is promote detection, control and prevention of hypertension.  It’s resources include many articles about hypertension, a calendar of upcoming events, links to local or national partners and a subscription to a newsletter on hypertension.  While this website does not have any affiliation with PKD, it still serves a good resource because hypertension is a big factor in PKD.

World Hypertension League Home Page.  2007.  World Hypertension League.  1 June 2008.  http://www.worldhypertensionleague.org.

Experts

Nijsje Dorman

Dorman is the managing editor of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, which is associated with the National Kidney Foundation.  The journal contains a plethora of information about various kidney diseases, including PKD.  As the managing editor, Dorman would be an expert in the field of kidney diseases and would be a good person to contact for someone looking for more information about PKD and kidney disease, especially in regards to their connection with the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Nijsje Dorman, PhD.  Managing Editor, American Journal of Kidney Diseases.  1-617-636-9864.  ndorman@tuftsmedicalcenter.org.

Dan Larson

As president of the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to PKD, Larson oversees the direction of the PKD Foundation’s efforts to inform people about PKD and the progress being made to find a cure.  He is a good resource to contact for just about anything concerning PKD, especially those things concerning the PKD Foundation and its projects because he is the president of the PKD Foundation.

Dan Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Polycistic Kidney Disease Foundation, (816) 268-8455

Stefan Somlo

Somlo is a member of the Interdisciplinary Center for PKD Research (ICPKD), a partnership of scientific investigators who aim to foster and extend the development of new approaches to PKD.  He is currently working on finding the genetic causes of both autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).  In addition to his research, Somlo has contributed to several publications dealing with Polycystic Kidney Disease.  He would be a good source for someone who had specific questions about PKD research or about ICPKD.   

Stefan Somlo, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Genetics, Yale; Interdisciplinary Center for PKD Research – Yale. Stefan.somlo@yale.edu.

Dave Switzer

As the director of marketing and public relations for a national organization on PKD, Switzer is very knowledgeable about the topic.  Switzer works for the PKD Foundation, which works extensively with the disease.  His job title requires him to know the basic information about PKD and the latest developments, research and the foundation’s efforts to connect people who have PKD.  He is very personable and a good resource for someone wanting a person to contact for general information and help understanding PKD because he deals with the public relations of the foundation.

Dave Switzer, National Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, (816) 268-8463, DaveS@pkdcure.org

Joseph Vassalotti

Dr. Vassalotti is the National Kidney Foundation’s Chief Medical Officer.  He serves on the clinical faculty of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and also oversees the NKF’s Early Evaluation Program, which aims to identify chronic kidney disease early.  His experience in these positions makes him a very credible and reliable source for information on PKD or kidney disease in general.  He would be a useful source for those looking at the studies of the National Kidney Foundation and their involvement with PKD. 

Joseph A. Vassalotti, MD.  Chief Medical Officer, National Kidney Foundation.  1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, NY 10029.

For-Profit Associations

DaVita

DaVita provided dialysis services for people with chronic kidney failure.  It is the largest independent provider of dialysis services in the U.S.  Because many PKD sufferers must go on dialysis once they reach the level of kidney failure, the DaVita company may have an impact on their lives.  The company’s website is a good online resource for information on dialysis and a good place to sign up for newsletters.  Visitors to the website can get access to information but must create an account before signing up for newsletters, etc.  The company is good source for people interested in more information on dialysis and those interested in the privatization of dialysis providers.

DaVita.  2008.  5 June 2008.  http://www.davita.com. 

Targeted Genetics Corporation

The Targeted Genetics Corporation develops and commercializes molecular therapeutics.  They target a variety of serious diseases with unmet medical needs.  This corporation does not deal specifically with PKD but it’s developments with molecular therapeutics and gene delivery could be very useful for people interested in the genetics of PKD.  It’s developments could help further the developments made in finding better cures and treatments for various diseases, including PKD.

Targeted Genetics Corporations.  2006.  5 June 2008.  http://www.targen.com. 

Government Documents

S. 1053, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed the senate on April 24^th, 2008 by a vote of 95 to 0.  It was passed on to the White House to be signed.  This act will protect individuals against discrimination based on genetic information when comes to both health insurance and employment.  This is intended to encourage Americans to get testing for genetic diseases, such as PKD.  It is a big breakthrough for those who have a chance of having PKD because they can now get tested without fear.  This resource is a government document that lists the three versions of the bill and its many different sections.  It is helpful for those wanting more information on the bill or wanting read the full bill that was passed by the senate.

United States.  Cong.  Senate.  108^th Congress, 1^st session.  S. 1053, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2003 [introduced to the U.S. Senate; 13 May 2003].  108^th Congress.  Congressional Bills, GPO Access.  7 May 2008 http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.1053:.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act: 2007-2008

This website is provided by the National Human Genome Research Institute.  It provides more information on GINA, including the signing by the president and the bill’s history through the legislative process, with links to various forms of the bill.  This site is a very important source because it not only links to official government documents but it also gives more background and up-to-date information on GINA. 

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act: 2007-2008.  21 May 2008.  National Human Genome Research Institute.  4 June 2008.  http://www.genome.gov/24519851.

Recent Books

Coping with Kidney Disease: A 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis

This 240-page book is helpful for those who are looking for more information on understanding kidney failure, which is the ultimate outcome for PKD sufferers.  It covers topics such as early warning signs, how to get a correct diagnosis and how to evaluate treatment options.  In addition the author recommends a low protein diet as a big part of the 12-step program to avoid dialysis.  While there is no conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of the diet, the book is still a good source of information about kidney failure.

Walser, Mackenzie, M.D. with Betsy Thorpe.  Coping with Kidney Disease: A 12-Step Treatment Program to Help You Avoid Dialysis.  Indianapolis: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004.

To Live or Die in Arizona

This book is the first in a three-part series that follows the character of Abby Taylor as she uncovers mysteries while dealing with PKD at the same time.  The daughter of a PKD Foundation co-founder writes the series and donates a portion of the proceeds from the book to the PKD Foundation.  The books can be bought through the PKD Foundation’s website at www.pkdcure.org and would be good for anyone looking for a mystery novel with the added subject of PKD.  It shows how the main character deals with PKD while living her normal life at the same time and may serve as a good inspiration to patients.

Lewis, Elizabeth Browning.  To Live or Die in Arizona.  Berkeley:Dromedary Press, 2002.

The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Polycystic Kidney Disease

This book was compiled as a manual for those interested in self-directed research on Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Within its 224 pages, this book includes general information about the disease and its various forms, treatment options, recommendations on how to find guidance and additional references and internet sites that might be useful.  Since the book contains information about various subjects in the PKD field, it would be a good print resource for doctors and caregivers as well as a resource for patients who want help looking for information or who want to make education and research a part of their treatment process.

The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Ed. James N. Parker, M.D. and Phillip M. Parker, Ph.D.  San Diego: Icon Health Publications, 2002.

Statistical Sources

Statistics about Polycystic kidney disease

This page is part of the Wrong Diagnosis website and lists links to several different statistics about PKD.  The site contains statistics about complications, incidences, hospitalization and more.  It even contains an estimation of the statistics by country for PKD.  This source would be a good reference for anyone looking for facts about PKD or anyone who is interested in a particular area of the statistics.  

“Statistics about Polycystic kidney disease.” 9 April 2008.  Wrong Diagnosis.  4 June 2008. http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/polycystic_kidney_disease/stats.htm.

 

Kidney and Urologic Disease Statistics for the United States

This website is part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).  This page in particular lists statistics of kidney problems in the United states and includes information such as the prevalence, the cases per states, mortality and which diseases cause the kidney problems, which includes PKD.  This site would be good for anyone looking for statistics to support their research or to better understand the widespread effect of kidney disease.  The statistics are a few years old because of census data, but the information wouldn’t have changed too much and should still be relevant and useful.

“Kidney and Urologic Diseases Statistics for the United States.”  2008.  National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). 4 June 2008. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kustats/.