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We are proud to shine a spotlight on Dr. Dana Rizk, our NephCure Specialist of the Month for August. This recognition honors the exceptional contributions of NephCure Specialists to the field of nephrology, highlighting their impactful work, innovative projects, and dedication to supporting the rare kidney disease (RKD) community.
Dr. Rizk is a board-certified adult nephrologist y Profesor de Medicina in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned her medical degree from the American University of Beirut, followed by her residency and fellowship at Emory University Hospital.
Her clinical and research expertise focuses on glomerular diseases, with a special emphasis on IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Dr. Rizk has served as a principal investigator for numerous clinical trials and is deeply involved in multidisciplinary research aimed at advancing understanding and treatment of IgAN. Since 2015, she has led the Division of Nephrology’s Clinical Trials Research program, and since 2019, she has also served as Medical Director for the Clinical Trials Administrative Office.
Beyond her academic and research accomplishments, Dr. Rizk works closely with NephCure to help identify barriers to timely diagnosis and effective treatment for patients living with IgAN. Her commitment ensures that patient voices are heard and that care continues to move toward better, more accessible solutions.
To help patients better understand this rare condition, we asked Dr. Rizk to explain what IgA nephropathy is and how it affects the kidneys. Here’s how she described it:
“IgAN is a rare kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of IgA in the glomeruli (the filtering units of the kidneys) that ultimately results in inflammation and scarring leading to loss of kidney function over time. It is an autoimmune disease that requires multiple steps or “hits” to develop. The first step is an increase in immunoglobulin A protein (IgA) lacking specific sugars (galactose) also known as Galactose-deficient IgA. This is then recognized by antibodies that bind to galactose deficient IgA and lead to the formation of circulating immune complexes. These immune complexes ultimately deposit in the kidneys where they trigger a cascade of events resulting in inflammation, fibrosis and ultimately loss of kidney function in a subset of patients.”
We know that conversations about treatment, especially for rare kidney diseases can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help, we asked Dr. Rizk to share her advice for patients on how to approach these discussions with their physicians, including conversations about clinical trial opportunities. Here’s what she had to say:
“Patients should come to their visits prepared to discuss treatment options. Any time they are considering a treatment they should evaluate with their doctor how will this treatment affects the disease and ultimately protects their kidneys. Additionally they should get familiar with common side effects they might experience while taking the treatment. When I talk to my patients about treatment options I mention to them clinical trial opportunities and remind them that participation in clinical trials is an option to consider to have access to new and exciting therapies that are being evaluated.”
Being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease can bring many questions—and often, uncertainty—about how the condition might progress over time. We asked Dr. Rizk, a glomerular disease specialist, how she helps her patients cope with and navigate this uncertainty. Here’s what she shared:
“I discuss with patients that at the time of diagnosis we know of certain clinical, laboratory and pathologic findings that are risk factors for their disease progression. Some of these risks are however modifiable and with treatment we could change the course of their kidney disease. Besides medications, lifestyle changes are also important and contribute to their overall health. To monitor their progress we will be checking periodically labs including kidney function tests, urinalyses and urine protein levels. Patients need to keep in mind that all labs have inherent variability so we often focus on lab trends over time to make therapeutic decisions.”
For more information about NephCure Specialists and to find rare kidney disease experts in your area visit, NephCure’s Find a Specialist webpage.
