Complex care refers to a number of organ-based diseases, many of which have complications and relate to more than one disease. For example, kidney failure is an issue under the expert scrutiny of Dr. Edward Cole, Director of the Division of Nephrology, whose team is creating new ways to preserve kidney function and prevent end-stage renal failure. Spearheading new therapies to address the growing incidence of lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are Dr. Charles Chan, Respirology Division Head, and Dr. Kenneth Chapman, Director of the Asthma and Airway Centre at UHN.
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Significant Facts
Lung diseases the 3rd most common cause of death – Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third most common cause of death by 2020.
The cost of renal disease to the health care system – In Canada, treatment of end-stage renal disease poses a major challenge for the health care system and dialysis costs alone consume over 5 per cent of annual health care expenditures.
Liver disease can take over 100 different forms and will affect more than 2.5 million Canadians – Liver disease is one of the least recognized and least understood health threats to Canadians of all ages.
