About

Glenn M. Chertow is the Norman S. Coplon/Satellite Healthcare Professor of Medicine and also holds courtesy appointments in Epidemiology and Population Health and Health Policy at Stanford University. His research focuses on clinical epidemiology, health services research, decision sciences, and clinical trials in acute and chronic kidney disease. He has contributed to the understanding of cardiovascular disease in patients receiving hemodialysis, emphasizing the need for targeted clinical trials in this population. Chertow's work includes leading studies on acute kidney injury, dialysis, and the development of strategies to improve patient outcomes in nephrology. His academic career spans positions at Stanford University and UCSF, where he has been recognized for his contributions to medical research and education.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Radiology
• Intensive care medicine
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Pathology
• Urology
• Family medicine
• Immunology
• General surgery
• Environmental health
• Remote sensing
• Emergency medicine
• Anesthesia
• Demography

Selected publications

• WCN26-6668 PIONEER: A BASKET TRIAL OF ATACICEPT IN AUTOIMMUNE-MEDIATED GLOMERULAR DISEASE

  Kidney International Reports · 2026-03-25

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cardiovascular Trials in Hemodialysis

  Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2026-04-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Inaxaplin for a Broad Population with APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease and Comorbid Conditions: Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Study

  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2025-10-01

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Inpatient Utilization of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in the United States: 2016-2021

  Kidney Medicine · 2025-09-17 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Rationale & Objective: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used in a variety of autoimmune, inflammatory, hematological, and metabolic disorders. We described the contemporary scope of inpatient utilization of TPE in the United States. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting & Participants: The national inpatient sample dataset from year of 2016 to 2021. Exposures: Inpatient utilization of TPE. Outcomes: We described demographics, associated comorbid conditions, hospital characteristics, and hospital costs by comparing patients treated with those not treated by TPE. We reported the top 25 clinical conditions treated by TPE. We described the top 10 diseases or conditions for the first discharge diagnosis as acute kidney injury (AKI) (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code: N17.9) treated by TPE. Analytical Approach: All descriptive and multivariable analyses considered the complex survey design for every calendar year sampling of national inpatient sample; the results were weighted to reflect national estimates. Results: During 2016-2021, a total of 106,035 hospitalizations (∼0.051% of the total hospitalizations) were treated by TPE. The 5 most common conditions treated by TPE were myasthenia gravis with (acute) exacerbation (9.53%), Guillain-Barre syndrome (6.19%), thrombotic microangiopathy (6.18%), kidney transplant rejection (5.42%), and sepsis, unspecified organism (3.62%). AKI was the 13th most common condition, accounting for 1.82% of all cases treated by TPE, while the most common underlying condition for AKI was multiple myeloma (without achieving remission). The temporal trend of indications used by TPE in the US practice from 2016 to 2021 aligns well with the updated guideline by the American Society of Apheresis. The TPE utilization was associated with higher inpatient costs after accounting for length of stay; odds ratio ranges: 3.47 (2.99-4.03)-11.07 (10.19-12.03). Limitations: Lack of laboratory data. Conclusions: The TPE continues to be used to treat a variety of serious autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, in accordance with published clinical practice guidelines.

  PublisherDOI

• Effect of Clazakizumab on Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: Secondary Analysis of the POSIBIL6ESKD Phase 2b Trial

  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2025-10-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• #1770 AMPLITUDE, a Ph2/3 adaptive trial of inaxaplin in APOL1-mediated kidney disease

  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract Background and Aims Two variants in APOL1 drive progressive, proteinuric nephropathies called APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). Inaxaplin, an oral inhibitor of APOL1, reduced proteinuria by 47.6% in persons with 2 APOL1 variants and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a Phase 2 study. We report interim data from an APOL1 genotyping study, describe the Phase 2/3 inaxaplin trial (AMPLITUDE) design in a broader AMKD population, and provide interim baseline data from the Phase 2 component of AMPLITUDE. Methods Our genotyping study is enrolling up to 4000 participants of recent African ancestry with FSGS or nondiabetic kidney disease and UPCR ≥0.5 g/g. One blood sample is collected to verify APOL1 genotype by polymerase chain reaction to describe the genetic prevalence of AMKD and inform eligibility for clinical trials. Our Phase 2/3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive trial is enrolling persons without diabetes (Phase 2: 18 to 65 years; Phase 3: 10 to 65 years) with 2 APOL1 variants, UPCR ≥0.7 to <10 g/g, and eGFR ≥25 to <75 mL/min/1.73 m2. In the Phase 2 component, participants received inaxaplin (different doses) or placebo for 12 weeks to select a dose for evaluation of inaxaplin efficacy/safety in ∼400 participants in Phase 3. For the final analysis, the primary endpoint will be reduction in rate of decline of kidney function (eGFR slope) by inaxaplin versus placebo; secondary endpoint is time to composite clinical outcome (sustained decline of ≥30% from baseline in eGFR, onset of ESKD, or death). Final analysis will occur when ≥2 years of eGFR data and ∼187 composite clinical outcomes are obtained. Results The genotyping study interim analysis included 2866 participants of whom 674 (23.5%) have 2 APOL1 variants; 164 of the 674 (24.3%) participants are from Europe. Of the 674 participants with 2 APOL1 variants in this study, 36 enrolled in the completed Phase 2 component of AMPLITUDE. In the AMPLITUDE trial, we selected a 45 mg inaxaplin once daily dose for Phase 3 after the Phase 2 efficacy/safety data had been reviewed by an independent data monitoring committee. Among 64 participants dosed, 34 (53.1%), 24 (37.5%), and 6 (9.4%) have G1/G1, G1/G2, or G2/G2 genotypes, respectively. The mean (SD) age was 42.7 (11.0) years and mean (SD) baseline eGFR was 42.8 (14.0) mL/min/1.73 m2. Phase 3 is ongoing in nine countries, including Belgium and France in Europe. Conclusions The high prevalence of two APOL1 variants in participants with recent African ancestry and proteinuric CKD reinforces the importance of APOL1 genotyping to optimize kidney disease management and enable referral to clinical trials of APOL1-targeted therapies. Our Phase 2/3 trial will evaluate the effects of inaxaplin on preserving kidney function and reducing proteinuria in a broad AMKD population.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Effects of Dapagliflozin on Progression of CKD According to Different Rates of Pretrial eGFR Loss

  Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2025-09-09

  articleOpen access

  Key Points eGFR slope before a clinical trial may assist in selecting participants at risk of kidney outcomes in whom new therapies are needed. In a post hoc analysis of the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease trial, we showed that the pretrial eGFR trajectory was associated with CKD progression. Patients who demonstrated rapid progression in advance of the trial experienced more pronounced benefits of dapagliflozin. Background Identification of patients likely to experience substantial loss of eGFR is required to detect a kidney protective treatment effect in clinical trials; this is usually achieved by restricting inclusion of patients with elevated albuminuria. However, not all patients with elevated albuminuria show progressive eGFR loss. The eGFR slope before the trial may better predict whether patients experience loss in eGFR during the trial. We assessed the effect of dapagliflozin on eGFR slope according to patients' eGFR slope before enrollment (pretrial eGFR slope) in the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease study. Methods We recorded eGFR data for 2 or less to 2 years from electronic medical records for 4304 patients with CKD before enrollment in the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease study. We used linear regression to estimate within-patient pre-enrollment eGFR trajectory. We evaluated the association of pre-enrollment eGFR trajectory with total and chronic eGFR slopes and a kidney composite end point. We also determined the degree to which pre-enrollment eGFR trajectory modified the effects of dapagliflozin. Results Eight hundred and seventy (20% of the total cohort) patients with three or more historical eGFR measurements were evaluated (mean [SD] pre-enrollment eGFR slope: −6.1 [6.1] ml/min per 1.73 m 2 /year). The benefit of dapagliflozin in reducing total ( P interaction 0.02) and chronic ( P interaction 0.02) eGFR slopes was more pronounced in patients with steeper preinclusion eGFR trajectory (rapid progressors; eGFR slope <−5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 /year), as was the benefit of dapagliflozin on the kidney composite end point ( P interaction 0.02). Conclusions Determination of pretrial eGFR trajectory may help to identify patients with CKD at higher and lower risks of progression and those more likely to benefit from targeted intervention. Clinical Trial Registry Name and Registration Number: NCT03036150

  PublisherDOI

• Calcified Amorphous Tumor in a Patient with Severe, Unremitting Hyperphosphatemia Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis

  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2025-10-01

  articleSenior author

  Introduction: Calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) are rare, non-neoplastic intracardiac masses. CATs have been reported in multiple case studies, however the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. They are frequently misdiagnosed as vegetations, cardiac myxomas, or osteosarcomas. Current theories suggest derangements in mineral metabolism or hypercoagulability. We present a case of CAT formation in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis who had severe, refractory hyperphosphatemia. Case Description: A 47-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and end stage kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis had severe unremitting hyperphosphatemia (>10 mg/dL during more than half of monthly laboratory reports). She presented to the emergency department with left leg pain; imaging raised concern for a possible psoas abscess. An echocardiogram performed to evaluate for possible bacterial or non-bacterial (marantic) endocarditis revealed a mobile mass and mitral valve dysfunction. Urgent surgical resection was performed; histopathology confirmed CAT. Discussion: CATs are typically accompanied by signs or symptoms related to obstruction or embolization. Imaging modalities provide nonspecific findings, making histopathologic examination essential. Grossly, CATs appear as firm, yellow-white masses with partial calcification. Microscopically, they consist of nodular calcium deposits embedded within degenerating blood elements and chronic inflammatory cells. Resection remains the mainstay of treatment, with recurrence being rare. Although CATs can arise from any cardiac valve, most reported cases involve the mitral valve and annulus. Although further research is needed to establish optimal guidelines for management, maintaining serum phosphate concentrations within or near the population reference range may help reduce the risk of CAT in patients receiving maintenance dialysis.

  PublisherDOI

• Association of Calcium-Channel Blocker Use with Cardiac MRI Parameters in Maintenance HD

  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 2025-10-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• #1502 Utilization of telemedicine for patients receiving in-center hemodialysis in the United States

  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background and Aims In March 2020, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal emergency waivers in the United States enabled kidney care providers (nephrologists and advanced practice providers) to substitute face-to-face in-center hemodialysis visits with telemedicine encounters. We examined whether the frequency of kidney care provider visits and hospitalizations were associated with telemedicine use in hemodialysis care. Method We used Medicare claims to identify US patients receiving in-center hemodialysis during the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the association between telemedicine use during in-center hemodialysis, the frequency with which kidney care providers visited patients at dialysis four-or-more times per month, and hospitalizations. We also examined whether the association between telemedicine use and visit frequency varied at facilities located in more remote areas. Multivariable regression models adjusted for patient, physician, geographic and dialysis facility characteristics along with the frequency with which kidney care providers saw patients at each facility before the pandemic. We focused on kidney care providers who demonstrated knowledge of how to bill for telemedicine visits by using the telemedicine modifier on prior claims. Results We identified 1,881 providers who saw patients between 3/2020–6/2021 and were definitively using telemedicine. In the adjusted model, a 35% absolute higher use of telemedicine at a facility (representing one standard deviation difference) was associated with a 1.4% higher rate of four-or-more visits (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 1.014; 95% Confidence Interval 1.007–1.022). The association between telemedicine use and visit frequency was stronger where travel distances to facilities were farther (interaction P = 0.01). There was no significant association between telemedicine use and hospitalizations. Conclusion The use of telemedicine to care for patients receiving in-center hemodialysis was associated with a slightly higher frequency of four-or-more visits per month but not with hospitalizations; the association with visit frequency was more pronounced in areas where providers had to travel longer distances to see patients in-person.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R33DK067645

  NIH · $983k · 2008

• Mentoring Patient-Oriented Clinical Investigators in Nephrology

  NIH · $1.4M · 2018–2023

• NIH Grant R01DK058411

  NIH · $1.8M · 2005

• Adult and Pediatric Nephrology and Urology Research Training Program

  NIH · $351k · 1980–2023

• Adult and Pediatric Nephrology and Urology Research Training Program

  NIH · $5.2M · 1980–2025

Frequent coauthors

• Hiddo J.L. Heerspink

  University of Groningen

  210 shared

• Jiang He

  Central South University

  183 shared

• J. Michael Lazarus

  University of Cape Town

  182 shared

• Harold I. Feldman

  University of Illinois Chicago

  176 shared

• Tom Greene

  University of Utah

  170 shared

• John W. Kusek

  University of Pennsylvania

  167 shared

• Mahboob Rahman

  165 shared

• Raymond R. Townsend

  162 shared

Labs

• Glenn M. Chertow LaboratoryPI

Education

• M.D.

  Stanford University

• B.S.

  University of California, San Diego

Awards & honors

• Summa Cum Laude, University of Pennsylvania (1985)
• Phi Beta Kappa, University of Pennsylvania (1985)
• Hewlett Packard Outstanding Medical Graduate Award, HMS (198…
• American Kidney Fund, Amgen Clinical Scientist in Nephrology…
• Calvin and Sylvia Margolis Scholar in Internal Medicine, Dep…