Ken Sutha，M.D.，Ph.D.，is a pediatric nephrologist at Stanford Children's Health，Palo Alto，Calif.As a kidney patient and a physician，he understands the challenges COVID-19presents。
COVID-19continues to put kidney patients at risk，asthey have immune dysfunction and often comorbidities.Studies during the first wave of the virus show dialysis patients receiving their treatments in-center were3-4times more likely to contract COVID-19，versus those who performed dialysis in their home.Those who contracted COVID-19alsooften had more severe outcomes
For patients with late-stage kidney failure，access to the COVID-19vaccine has improved their care and lifestyle options.However，not all kidney patients are eligible for the vaccine and，even when vaccinated，having immune dysfunction means their body’s responsse may be less protectagainst COD19
Because of immunosuppression，many kidney patients may not develop full protection after vaccination compared to ahealthy person.This is most profound in transplant patients but also found in dialysis patients。
Dr.Ken Sutha
Dr.Sutha，a competitive swimmer，a youth patient advocate，a physician and a kidney transplant recipient himself，sees the many challenges kidney patients—especially young patients—face during this time
At age10，Dr.Sutha was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis，adisorder that causes your body to pass too much protein your urine.The resulting damage to his kidneys required a transplant
In2006，Dr.Sutha received a living donor transplant from his dad.Over the next decade，he was able to achieve his goals of completing a half marathon and triathlon，and wining a gold medal at the Transplant Games，not to mention graduating from medical school with an M.D.D
Like many transplant recipients，Dr.Sutha needed a second transplant when his first kidney failed.While waiting for his second transplant，he used peritoneal dialysis（PD）which allowed him the flexibility he needed to continue working full time and pursue the activities he loved。He successfully received a second transplant in 2018
As a physician and patient，Dr.Sutha is taking a proactive and practical approach when thinking about ways to protect patients with kidney disease during the pandemic.This is especially true for the children he sees in his practice
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“As the pandemic continues，本发明提供了一种用于小型化risk and exposure for our patients by continuing to promote and strengthen infrastructure for telehealth and encouraging solutions like home dialysis and remote blood draws or infusions， minimizeng the amount of time patients may have to travel to medical facilities and allowing them to access care from their home，“added Dr.Sutha
The pandemic has only furthered Dr.Sutha's resolve to continue advocating for his pediatric patients and those in the kidney disease community
Another important protective measure is for people in contact with children who are vulnerable to get vaccinated to reduce the chance of spreading infections。
Dr.Ken Sutha
