EpiBio Seminar Series | PhD Thesis Proposal Defense Public Lectures

"A multi-method evaluation of geographic barriers and solutions to kidney transplant access in Northern Ontario"

Presented by Pavlina Faltynek, PhD Candidate.

Abstract: Over 50 000 Canadians were living with kidney failure by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, not all Canadians have equal access to kidney transplants. Individuals receiving dialysis in Northern Ontario show reduced rates of referral, living kidney donor evaluation, waitlisting, and transplant compared to those receiving dialysis in Ontario's Southern regions. Using Geographic Information System software to accurately estimate the distance, in kilometres, from each patient’s residence to their transplant centre, I will examine the association between geographic location and the rate of step completion for each step in the transplant pathway within two multistate models for eligible kidney transplant patients in Ontario from 2017-2024. My proposed qualitative work will complement the multistate models by engaging relevant interest holders at multiple levels to provide context for areas where geographic barriers may be quantitatively demonstrated and support solution development through established qualitative frameworks.

"Evaluation of the Body Surface Area (BSA)-Normalized eGFR for the Purpose of Safer Drug Dosing"

Presented by Fatemeh Ahmadi, PhD Candidate.

Abstract: Accurate estimation of kidney function is essential for safe and effective drug dosing. However, current practice relies predominantly on BSA-normalized eGFR, which was developed for chronic kidney disease staging rather than for guiding medication dosing. This dissertation leverages population-based administrative health data from ICES to evaluate the clinical implications of using non-BSA-normalized (absolute) eGFR versus BSA-normalized eGFR in drug dosing decisions. The research consists of interconnected studies that compare the predictive performance of absolute and BSA-normalized CKD-EPI equations for adverse drug events across multiple medication classes. The findings are intended to inform clinical guidelines and prescribing practices, ultimately improving medication safety for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Attend in person: PHFM 3015
Attend online: please request the Zoom link at epibio@uwo.ca