Regional program for the study of glomerulonephritis. Central Committee of the Toronto Glomerulonephritis Registry

The Toronto Glomerulonephritis Registry, a regional program for studying the natural history of the different types of glomerulonephritis and the effects of drug therapy on them, was established 6 years ago in Toronto. Data for all patients with histologic evidence of glomerulonephritis seen at the 16 participating hospitals are collected on standard forms and stored in a computer. Randomized controlled trials of different types of therapy for five types of glomerulonephritis have been started under the coordination of the central registry. In view of the registry's low cost and high potential benefit, greater support for such projects is needed. Other centres should consider establishing similar registries to promote more rapid collection of cases and thus allow better evaluation of the development and treatment of this major cause of renal failure.