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Photo of  Heather J. Duncan, PhD

Heather J. Duncan, PhD

Field Service Professor

Internal Medicine | College of Medicine

Education/Credentials
  • Fellowship: Monell Chemical Sciences Center (Behavioral Immunogenetics Program)
  • Doctoral Degree: The American University (Psychology)
  • Master's Degree: Columbia University (Psychology)
  • Bachelor's Degree: University of California (Biology and Psychology)
Contact Information
Research Interests

Clinical Trials for CKD and Dialysis, Outcomes Research in ESRD Population

Peer Reviewed Publications

Khodoun, Marat; Chimote, Ameet A; Ilyas, Farhan Z; Duncan, Heather J; Moncrieffe, Halima; Kant, K Shashi; Conforti, Laura 2020. Targeted knockdown of Kv1.3 channels in T lymphocytes corrects the disease manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Science advances, 6 47,

Nicolaou S, Neumeier L, Takimoto K, Lee S, Duncan H, Kant K, Mongey A, Filipovich A, Conforti L 2010. Differential calcium signaling and Kv1.3 trafficking to the immunological synapse in systemic lupus erythematosus Cell calcium, 47 1, 19-28

Duncan H, Pittman S, Govil A, Sorn L, Bissler G, Schultz T, Faith J, Kant, S, Roy-Chaudhury P 2007. Alternative medicine use in dialysis patients: potential for good and bad! Nephron. Clinical practice, 105 3, c108-13

Nicolaou S, Szigligeti P, Neumeier L, Lee S, Duncan H, Kant K, Mongey A, Filipovich A, Conforti L 2007. Altered dynamics of Kv1.3 channel compartmentalization in the immunological synapse in systemic lupus erythematosus Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 179 1, 346-56

El-Khatib M, Duncan H, Kant K 2006. Role of C-reactive protein, reticulocyte haemoglobin content and inflammatory markers in iron and erythropoietin administration in dialysis patients Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.), 11 5, 400-4

Roy-Chaudhury P, Kelly B, Zhang J, Narayana A, Desai P, Melham M, Duncan H, Heffelfinger S 2003. Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction: from pathophysiology to novel therapies Blood Purification, 21 1, 99-110

Roy-Chaudhury, Prabir; Duncan, Heather; Barrett, William; Elson, Howard; Narayana, Ashwath; Foley, Jeri; Misra, Sanjay; Lynch, Pia Mikkelsen; Zuckerman, Darryl 2003. Vascular brachytherapy for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction: exploring an unmet clinical need The Journal of Invasive Cardiology, 15 Suppl A , 25A-30A

Kant, K Shashi; Cook, E Francis; Duncan, Heather; Freyberg, Ron 2002. Parathyroid hormone suppression by intravenous calcitriol: role of phosphate, calcium, race and diabetes The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 323 4, 210-5

Roy-Chaudhury, Prabir; Kelly, Burnett S; Narayana, Ashwath; Desai, Pankaj; Melhem, Murad; Munda, Rino; Duncan, Heather; Heffelfinger, Sue C 2002. Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction from basic biology to clinical intervention Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy, 9 2, 74-84

Duncan H 2001. Taste and Smell Dysfunction: Clinical and Legal Issues ChemoSense, 3 1-2, 8-10,

Duncan HJ 2001. Introduction to Taste and Smell Dysfunction Renal Nutrition Forum, 20 1, 3-7

Seiden A, Duncan H 2001. The Diagnosis of a Conductive Olfactory Loss Laryngoscope, 111 9-14,

Seiden, A M; Duncan, H J 2001. The diagnosis of a conductive olfactory loss. The Laryngoscope, 111 1, 9-14

Tami T, Duncan H, Pfleger M 1998. The identification of obstructive sleep apnea in patients who snore Laryngoscope, 108 , 508-513

Tami, T A; Duncan, H J; Pfleger, M 1998. Identification of obstructive sleep apnea in patients who snore. The Laryngoscope, 108 4 Pt 1, 508-13

Duncan H 1995. How well can you smell? Health Confidential , , 9, 12

Duncan H, Seiden A 1995. Long-term follow-up of olfactory loss secondary to head trauma and upper respiratory infection Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 121 , 1183-1187

Duncan, H J; Seiden, A M 1995. Long-term follow-up of olfactory loss secondary to head trauma and upper respiratory tract infection. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 121 10, 1183-7

Rothschild M, Myer C III, Duncan H 1995. Olfactory disturbance in pediatric tracheotomy Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 113 , 71-76

Rothschild, M A; Myer, C M; Duncan, H J 1995. Olfactory disturbance in pediatric tracheotomy. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 113 1, 71-6

Duncan H, Beauchamp G, Yamazaki K 1992. Assessing odor generalization in the rat; a sensitive technique Physiology and Behavior, 52 , 717-720

Heth G, Nevo E, Ikan R, Weinstein V, Ravid U, Duncan H 1992. Differential olfactory perception of enantiomeric compounds by blind subterranean mole rats (Spalax ehrenbergi) Experientia, 48 , 897-902

Paik S-I, Lehman M, Seiden A, Duncan H, Smith D 1992. Human olfactory biopsy: the influence of age and receptor distribution Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 118 , 731-738

Paik, S I; Lehman, M N; Seiden, A M; Duncan, H J; Smith, D V 1992. Human olfactory biopsy. The influence of age and receptor distribution. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 118 7, 731-8

Seiden, A M; Duncan, H J; Smith, D V 1992. Office management of taste and smell disorders. Otolaryngologic clinics of North America, 25 4, 817-35

Duncan H, Nickell W, Shipley M, Gesteland R 1990. Organization of projections from olfactory epithelium to olfactory bulb in the frog Rana Pipiens Journal of Comparative Neurology, 299 , 299-311

Duncan H, Slotnick B 1990. Comparison of visual and olfactory reversal learning in pigeons Chemical Senses, 15 , 59-73

Duncan, H J; Nickell, W T; Shipley, M T; Gesteland, R C 1990. Organization of projections from olfactory epithelium to olfactory bulb in the frog, Rana pipiens. The Journal of comparative neurology, 299 3, 299-311

Roy-Chaudhury, P; Lee, T; Duncan, H; El-Khatib, M . Combining novel technologies with improved logistics to reduce hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction. The journal of vascular access, 10 1, 1-4

Roy-Chaudhury, Prabir; Duncan, Heather J; Zuckerman, Darryl; Faiyaz, Rashid; Munda, Rino; Kant, Shashi; Kelly, Burnett; Narayana, Ashwatha . External beam radiation therapy for PTFE dialysis grafts: a pilot study. The journal of vascular access, 13 3, 329-31

Abstract Publications

El-Khatib M, Duncan H, Kant K 2011. The effect of bundled payment system on the utilization of erythropoiesis stimulating agent therapy Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


Vyakaranam S, Duncan H, Meganathan K, Kant K 2011. Gentamicin catheter locks: and markers for development of resistance and clinical outcomes in one urban outpatient dialysis center Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2010. Factors influencing longevity of dialysis catheters Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2010. Pentoxifylline improves erythropoietin resistance: possible mechanisms Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


Kant K, Duncan H, El-Khatib M 2010. Permanent dialysis with a catheter: fact and fiction OR one size does not fit all Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


Kant K, Duncan H, Hennessy J 2009. Vitamin D stores in CKD5: does 25-OH D status influence management of HPTH in dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


Kant K, El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2009. Use of antibiotic locking solutions to decrease hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia: long-term impact on CRB rates and bacterial resistance Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 2009 ,


Lee T, Ullah A, Duncan A, El-Khatib M, Roy-Chaudhury P 2009. Aggressive interventions for fistula maturation: a double-edged sword? Journal of American Society of Nephrology, ,


El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2008. Dialysis catheter locks, bacteremia, and erythropoietin (EPO) requirements Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 19 , 465A


El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2008. Variation in erythropoietin (ESA) requirements among patients on hemodialysis Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 19 , 899A


Kant K, Duncan H, Tallarico B, McKinney R, Diadato C 2008. Does the buttonhole technique of AV fistula cannulation increase risk of bacteremia? Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 19 , 262A


Lee T, Duncan H 2008. Gender disparities exist in arteriovenous fistula maturation Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 19 , 260A


Duncan H, Dhingra P, Beiting M, McKinney R, El-Khatib M, Kant K 2007. Efficacy of lower gentamicin catheter lock on catheter-related bacteremias and metastatic infections Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 18 , 462A


El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2007. Factors affecting erythropoietin (ESA) requirements in stable dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 18 , 908A


El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2007. Association between type of hemodialysis and erythropoietin (ESA) requirement Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 18 , 465A


Kant K, Ghandra S, Menke S, El-Khatib M, Duncan H 2007. Measurements of hemodialysis adequacy - URR, Kt/VF, blood volume processed: which measure best predicts hospitalization? Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 18 , 898A


Duncan H, Kant K, El-Khatib M 2006. Hemodialysis central venous catheters and infection control Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 17 , 581A


Duncan H, Kant K, El-Khatib M 2006. Hemodialysis central venous catheters and infection control Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 17 , 589A


El-Khatib M, Duncan H, Kant K 2006. The usefulness of hemoglobin content of reticulocytes (CHr) in anemia management in dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 17 , 581A


El-Khatib M, Duncan M, Kant K 2006. Association between dialysis access and c-reactive protein (CRP) Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 17 , 498A


Nica R, Duncan H, Kant K, El-Khatib M 2006. Is blood volume processed a new parameter to evaluate hemodialysis adequacy? Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 240 , 867A


Nicolaou S, Szigligeti P, Duncan H, Neumeier L, Lee S, Kant S, Filipovich A, Conforti L 2006. Altered dynamics of Kc1.3 channel compartmentalization in the immunological synapse in systemic lupus erythematosus J Clinical Immunology, 119 , 568


El-Khatib M, Duncan H, Kant K 2005. C-reactive protein, reticulocyte hemoglobin content and inflammatory markers in iron management and erythropoietin resistance in dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 16 , 478A


Nica R, Duncan H, Halukurike V, Kant K 2005. Is calciphylaxis a poor dialysis? Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 16 , 282A


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2003. Iron management guided bu CHr in dialysis patients with high ferritin level Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14 , 706A


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2003. CHr, CRP and erythropoietin resistance in dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14 , 708A


Halukurike V, Nica R, Duncan H, Freyberg M, Hornung R, Kant K 2003. Risk factors for calciphylaxis: a case control study Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14 , 856A


Kant K, Duncan H, Dhingra P, Roy-Chaudhury P 2003. Vascular access thrombosis: role of lipoprotein (a) and acute phase reactants Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14 , 507A


Roy-Chaudhury P, Kelly B, Turner R, Munda R, Duncan H, Zhang J, Heffelfinger S 2003. Defining the phenotype of venous neointimal cells with smoothelin Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14 , 508A


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2002. The use of reticulocyte hemoglobin content to determine IV iron administration in hemodialysis unit Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 13 , 716A


El-Khatib M, Kant K, Duncan H 2002. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content as a diagnostic test for IV iron administration in peritoneal dialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 13 , 394A


Roy-Chaudhury P, Faiyaz R, Kant K, Kelly B, Duncan H 2002. HMG coenzyme reductase inhibitors for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 13 ,


Duncan H, Faiyaz R, Kelly B, Kant K, Roy-Chaudhury P 2001. Prognostic determinants for hemodialysis vascular graft survival Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 287A


Duncan H, Narayana A, Zuckerman D, Alspaugh J, Vu D, Kant K, Faiyaz R, Kelly B, Roy-Chaudhury P 2001. External radiationtherapy for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 287A


Faiyaz R, Duncan H, Zuckerman D, Alspaugh J, Munda R, Kelly B, Kant K, Roy-Chaudhury P 2001. Increase in vascular access bloodflow following venous angioplasty determines PTFE graft survival Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 288A


Pittman S, Govil A, Sorn L, Bissler G, Schultz T, Faith J, Kant K, Roy-Chaudhury P, Duncan H 2001. Alternative medicine use in dialysis patients: potential for good and bad! Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 343A


Roy-Chaudhury P, Waters L, Miller M, Reaves A, Armstrong J, Duncan H, Munda R, Kelly B, Heffelfinger S 2001. Adventitial fibroblasts contribute to venous neointimal hyperplasia (VNH) in PTFE dialysis grafts Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 287A


Duncan H, Pittman S, Heile S, Sorn L, Manzoor K, Kant K, Roy-Chaudhury P 1999. Alternative medicine use by hemodialysis patients Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 12 , 162A


Duncan H, Pittman S, Peterson D 1999. Serum phosphate is independently associated with PTH in ESRD patients receiving Calcitriol Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 10 , 599A


Duncan H, Galla J 1997. Changes in chemosensory dysfunction and nutritional state in the first two years of dialysis Chemical Senses, 22 , 675


Hastings L, Duncan H, Miller M 1997. The therapeutic effects of fluticasone propionate on recover of function in the olfactory system Chemical Senses, 22 , 698


Seiden A, Duncan H 1997. The diagnosis of conductive olfactory loss Chemical Senses, 22 , 789


Duncan H, Frank R, Kues J, Johnson L, Warshaw G, Heacock P, Heile S, Norton P, galla J 1995. Chemosensory complaints and their relationships to malnutrition in ESRD patients Chemical Senses, 20 , 689


Duncan H, Kues J, Heacock P, Heile S, Norton P, Johnson L, Galla J 1994. Malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients correlates with chemosensory disorders (CSD) Clinical Research, 42 , 171A


Newman P, hastings L, Duncan H, Frank R 1994. The conditioning of anxiety to an odor: a possible mechanism of symptom maintenance in 'Sick Building Syndrome' Chemical Senses, 19 , 529


Rothschiled M, Duncan H, Myer C III 1994. Olfactory disturbance in pediatric tracheotomy American Academy of Otolaryngology, Fall ,