October 28, 2024
Dr. Zena Barakat has been awarded the esteemed Shaun Summers Clinical Trainee Award during the 2024 Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) Annual Scientific Meeting held in Adelaide, a prominent event that recognizes exceptional research contributions made by ANZSN members who are clinical or advanced nephrology trainees.
The ANZSN Annual Scientific Meeting stands as the premier event dedicated to kidney health in Australia and New Zealand, gathering the foremost experts and researchers in the field of nephrology. Mentored by Dr. Tim Pianta, a leading figure from Northern Health’s Department of Renal Medicine and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Medical Education, Dr. Barakat’s groundbreaking research distinguished her as the most outstanding Nephrology Advanced Trainee across both Australia and New Zealand.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious medical condition that manifests when the kidneys suddenly lose their vital function, resulting in the perilous accumulation of waste products in the body and a disrupted balance of electrolytes, acids, and water. This condition can stem from a variety of causes, with disruptions in blood supply or severe inflammation being the most common culprits. Notably, AKI often goes unnoticed, particularly among older adults and individuals grappling with high blood pressure, diabetes, or pre-existing kidney issues. Alarmingly, the incidence of AKI is rising globally, and though it frequently escapes detection, it is strongly correlated with increased rates of short- and long-term health complications, as well as higher mortality.
Historically, Australian comprehension of AKI was constrained by data obtained from a limited number of hospitals, including prior investigations by Dr. Zena Barakat and Dr. Tim Pianta at Northern Health. These earlier studies faced challenges in tracking individual patient outcomes comprehensively. Dr. Barakat’s recent research marks a significant breakthrough as it is the first of its kind in Australia and one of few globally. Her comprehensive study scrutinized 2.8 million hospital admissions throughout Victoria over a year, identifying around 200,000 cases of AKI.
Among her significant findings, Dr. Barakat revealed:
- While AKI is often under-recognised, 11 per cent of patients admitted to Victorian hospitals are diagnosed with AKI.
- Over two-fifths of these patients experienced a recurrence of AKI within 12 months.
- New diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or cancer occurred in more than two-thirds of these patients within three years.
- Approximately 70 per cent of AKI patients were readmitted to the hospital within a year.
- Sadly, over a quarter of the patients had passed away within 12 months, and more than a third (37 per cent) by the three-year mark.
- A previously unrecognised link between AKI and subsequent cancer-related deaths was identified.
Currently, Dr. Barakat is focused on her Masters of Philosophy (Research) at the prestigious University of Melbourne. Her academic journey commenced as a research student at the Northern Clinical School, advanced through a role as a Basic Physician Trainee at Northern Health, and continues with her Advanced Training in Nephrology at Alfred Health. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded the Northern Health Foundation Research Small Grant in 2021.
Professor Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Research Executive Committee, expressed his congratulations, stating, “My congratulations to both Dr. Zena Barakat and Dr. Tim Pianta. This is a significant achievement that underscores their dedication to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes.”
**Interview with Dr. Zena Barakat on Her Recent Achievement and Research on Acute Kidney Injury**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Barakat. Congratulations on receiving the Shaun Summers Clinical Trainee Award. Can you share with us what this recognition means to you personally and professionally?
**Dr. Barakat:** Thank you for having me! Winning the Shaun Summers Clinical Trainee Award is a tremendous honor. It not only validates the hard work I’ve put into my research but also highlights the importance of advancing nephrology. This acknowledgment motivates me to continue my dedication to improving kidney health and patient outcomes.
**Editor:** Your research focuses on Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a serious and often overlooked condition. Could you explain why AKI is such a critical issue in nephrology today?
**Dr. Barakat:** Absolutely. AKI is a significant medical condition that can lead to severe health complications if not detected early. It can result from various factors—most commonly disruptions in blood supply or inflammation. The concerning rise in AKI cases globally, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with existing health conditions, highlights the need for greater awareness and enhanced detection strategies.
**Editor:** What makes your recent research particularly groundbreaking?
**Dr. Barakat:** My recent research represents a major step forward in understanding AKI in Australia. It’s the first comprehensive study to track individual patient outcomes across a broader range of hospitals here. Previously, we faced limitations in data and understanding the full scope of AKI’s impact on patients—my work aims to address this gap.
**Editor:** You’ve conducted your research under the mentorship of Dr. Tim Pianta. How has this mentorship shaped your work?
**Dr. Barakat:** Dr. Pianta has been instrumental in guiding my research direction and enhancing my understanding of nephrology. His expertise, particularly in renal medicine and medical education, has provided me with invaluable insights that have shaped my approach to the complexities of AKI.
**Editor:** What are your hopes for the future of nephrology and the management of AKI?
**Dr. Barakat:** My hope is that through continued research and collaboration, we can develop more effective early detection methods and treatment protocols for AKI. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the signs and risks associated with AKI is also crucial. Ultimately, we strive for a future where kidney health is prioritized, and complications associated with AKI are significantly reduced.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Barakat, for sharing your insights and congratulations once again on your achievement. It sounds like your work will have a profound impact on kidney health in both Australia and New Zealand.
**Dr. Barakat:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my research and its implications for nephrology. I’m excited to continue this important work!
**Editor:** That’s impressive. You’ve analyzed over 2.8 million hospital admissions in Victoria. What were some of the most significant findings from your research?
**Dr. Barakat:** One of the most striking results was that 11 percent of patients admitted to hospitals were diagnosed with AKI, which is a significant under-recognition of the condition. Moreover, I found that over two-fifths of these patients experienced a recurrence of AKI within a year, and a concerning number—over 70 percent—were readmitted to the hospital within the same timeframe. Additionally, we identified a previously unrecognized link between AKI and subsequent cancer-related deaths, which highlights the severe long-term consequences of this condition.
**Editor:** Those statistics paint a concerning picture. Based on your findings, what steps do you believe should be taken to improve the detection and management of AKI?
**Dr. Barakat:** First and foremost, increasing awareness among healthcare professionals about AKI is critical. We need to implement routine screening for at-risk populations, especially in hospitals. Education on recognizing signs of AKI early and better communication among healthcare teams can ensure swift intervention. Additionally, developing standardized protocols for monitoring and managing AKI patients can help reduce the recurrence and serious long-term outcomes.
**Editor:** With your focus now shifting towards your Masters of Philosophy at the University of Melbourne, what are your future research aspirations?
**Dr. Barakat:** I intend to deepen my investigation into the long-term outcomes of AKI patients and explore the underlying mechanisms that contribute to recurrence. Understanding these factors can lead to the development of targeted therapies and interventions. I hope my work can contribute to the broader nephrology field and ultimately improve patient outcomes on a larger scale.
**Editor:** Thanks, Dr. Barakat. It’s inspiring to see your dedication to advancing kidney health. We look forward to following your continued contributions to nephrology and patient care.
**Dr. Barakat:** Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to share my work and the importance of addressing AKI in the community.