Clinical Research Directory

Savolitinib vs. Sunitinib in MET-driven PRCC.

This study is designed for patients diagnosed with MET-driven, unresectable and locally advanced or metastatic Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to see if an investigational new anti-cancer medication, savolitinib, is effective in treating patients with MET-driven PRCC, how it compares with another medication frequently used to treat this disease called sunitinib, and what side effects it might cause.

TESTING -ON Post-Trial ObservatioNal Cohort Study

The primary aim of this study is to extend follow up of TESTING study participants and to assess the long-term effects of a 6-9-month course of oral methylprednisolone on End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), according to dose (full-dose vs reduced-dose), ethnicity (Chinese vs other) and kidney function (eGFR above and below 60 mL/min/1.73m2).

Access to Kidney Transplantation in Minority Populations

Hispanic/Latino (HL) and American Indian (AI) patients are more likely than whites to have kidney failure, but less likely to complete transplant evaluation or receive a kidney transplant (KT), the best treatment for kidney failure. Using comparative effectiveness research methods, we will conduct a pragmatic randomized trial to compare the efficacy and cost- effectiveness of two approaches to help HL and AI patients overcome barriers to completing transplant evaluation and receiving a KT: a streamlined KT evaluation process and a peer-assisted evaluation program; and, we will determine best practices to assist other transplant centers in implementing the better program. Findings from this work may help reduce disparities in transplant evaluation and KT.

Safety of RotigotiNe in Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary kidney disease and is caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, which encode polycystins 1 and 2. Patients develop renal cysts associated with a progressive decline in kidney function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease in approximately one third of cases. ADPKD is also characterized by early-onset hypertension and cardiovascular complications, notably intracranial aneurysms. This phenotype is related to abnormal polycystin function in the primary cilia of renal epithelial and vascular endothelial cells, resulting in impaired mechanotransduction of shear stress induced by urinary and blood flow and subsequent alterations in multiple cellular functions. Experimental studies have suggested that stimulation of dopamine receptor type 5 (DR5) may restore endothelial mechanosensitivity. This hypothesis is supported by our preliminary results showing that local administration of dopamine improves endothelial function in patients with ADPKD through restoration of nitric oxide (NO) release in response to increased blood flow. Consistent with these findings, the IMPROVE-PKD study recently demonstrated similar beneficial effects on endothelial function and hemodynamics using rotigotine, a dopamine agonist administered via transdermal patches for two months at a low dose (4 mg/24 h). Dopaminergic stimulation may also prevent renal abnormalities related to polycystin deficiency. We therefore hypothesize that rotigotine could slow the progression of ADPKD at both the renal and cardiovascular levels. This phase 2 study aims to evaluate the long-term tolerability of rotigotine in patients with ADPKD and to collect preliminary data on its effects on renal outcomes.

Comparison of the Effects of Belatacept and Anticalcineurins on Endothelial Function in Renal Transplant Patients - <BELAFENDO>

Kidney transplantation is the standard treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure. However, anticalcineurin inhibitors, the most widely used immunosuppressants, are involved in the occurrence of cardiovascular events, a major cause of premature death in these patients. They play an important role in the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness by decreasing the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), promoting intrarenal arterial vasoconstriction and stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. leading to the development of hypertension and chronic graft dysfunction. Belatacept, a more recently developed immunosuppressant and co-stimulation signal inhibitor, has shown an anti-rejection effect similar to cyclosporine with a better cardiovascular tolerance profile. Preliminary studies are contradictory on the influence of Belatacept on arterial stiffness. Furthermore, to date, no study has evaluated the impact of Belatacept on vasomotor endothelial function in humans, an indicator of NO bioavailability. The interest of this study is to demonstrate that patients taking Belatacept have an improvement in vascular function compared to patients taking anticalcineurins in order to consider an earlier change in immunosuppressive strategy in the event of vascular damage.

Collaborative Learning to Achieve Refined Interventions for Emory: Kidney Disease

Through the use of community-engaged processes, this project seeks to develop and implement clinical decision support (CDS) and a kidney health coaching (KHC) intervention. The CDS seeks to streamline workflows to effectively screen, identify, and link to care for those patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The overall project goals are to 1.) Design and conduct community-engaged clinical trials to test new interventions that dismantle the systemic factors that contribute to kidney health disparities. 2.) Foster research collaborations between investigators, people living with kidney disease, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders. Researchers aim to assess whether the KHC intervention is effective at delaying the transition to kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and central venous catheter use or death.

A Study of the Safety and Activity of Sparsentan for the Treatment of Patients With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

To determine the nephroprotective potential of treatment with sparsentan in (1: Cohort A) patients newly-diagnosed with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) (ie, incident patients) who have not received prior angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy, and in (2: Cohort B) patients with recurrent IgAN following kidney transplantation.

Open-label Extension Study of Zigakibart in Adults With IgA Nephropathy.

The purpose of this study is to determine if zigakibart is safe and effective for long-term use in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). This is an extension study for patients who have already completed an another zigakibart study.

APOL1 Long-term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes Network (APOLLO)

The APOLLO study is being done in an attempt to improve outcomes after kidney transplantation and to improve the safety of living kidney donation based upon variation in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1). Genes control what is inherited from a family, such as eye color or blood type. Variation in APOL1 can cause kidney disease. African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Hispanic Blacks, and Africans are more likely to have the APOL1 gene variants that cause kidney disease. APOLLO will test DNA from kidney donors and recipients of kidney transplants for APOL1 to determine effects on kidney transplant-related outcomes.

Prospective Feasibility Study Evaluating EchoMark LP Placement and EchoSure Measurements for Subjects Requiring Arteriovenous Fistulae

Multi-center trial to assess the feasibility and safety of the EchoMark LP and the EchoMark diagnostic ultrasound system for assessing AV fistula blood flow, diameter, and depth.

HOLT-ED: Holter-monitoring in End-stage Renal Disease

The main objective of this prospective cohort study is to assess arrhythmia burden and glycemic variability in a multicenter cohort of patients with end-stage renal disease using a sufficient observation period in order to identify arrhythmia burden and type and characterize associations with patient characteristics and dialysis treatment, glycemic variability and subsequent risk of adverse outcomes.

Home-based Interventions for FrAilty preveNTion in AdultS With DIabeTes and Chronic Kidney Disease

One of the most common problems in people with diabetes (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the high frequency of other coinciding medical conditions such as osteoporosis and frailty. Frailty in particular is very common in adults with DM and CKD and it can result in significant muscle weakness which can result in increasing difficulties with performing activities of daily life (ADL). This can lead to an increase risk for falls, bone fractures and increasing hospitalization. The investigators have showed that adults with DM and CKD who have frailty use hospital services more frequently, have reduced quality of life and difficulties with performing their ADLs1. There is some evidence that early screening for frailty and lifestyle interventions that focus on healthier eating and physical activity can help prevent frailty from getting worse. The study purpose is to develop and test a home-based lifestyle intervention program focused on optimizing diet and the ability to perform your ADLs in adults with DM and CKD. The goal of this program is to ensure that adults with DM can live healthier lives within the community.

Supporting VETerans With Kidney Disease Through Food As Medicine

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is primarily learn if produce boxes improve clinical outcomes among Veterans with kidney disease and food or nutrition insecurity. Secondly, the study will capture Veterans qualitative perspectives, experience, and engagement through semi-structured interviews.

Proteomic Analysis of Amniotic Fluid to Predict Postnatal Renal Function in Fetuses With Renal and Urinary Tract Malformations

The aim of this project is to validate a previously established amniotic fluid 98 peptide signature predictive of post-natal outcome in fetuses with congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract (CAKUT) in a "real" clinical context. It includes the feasibility of collecting, transporting and analyzing the amniotic fluid peptidome from clinical centers all over France and of providing the result in a clinically accepted time-frame. Therefore, this multicenter study will not only allow to determine the added value of such new prenatal test but also to ensure the feasibility of its introduction in the management of CAKUT pregnancies.

NAVIGATE Kidney: A Multi-level Intervention to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities

The overarching goal of this project is to refine and adapt previous work on the NAVIGATE-Kidney project for individuals with CKD. The investigators hypothesize that the multilevel NAVIGATE-Kidney program intervention will reduce the rate of central venous catheter use at KRT start (primary outcome), increase the rate of optimal KRT starts (secondary outcome), increase patient activation, and reduce decisional conflict (patient-centered outcomes) for individuals with advanced CKD. The project will have four (4) aims.

Methocarbamol vs Oxybutynin for Management of Pain and Discomfort S/P Ureteroscopy Procedure

Stone disease is a common condition, affecting approximately 9% of Americans in 2007. It causes great morbidity and is also a costly condition, estimated to cost the US healthcare system approximately 3.79 billion dollars in 2007. Ureteroscopy (URS) is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for upper tract stone disease. Ureteral stenting is a common practice after ureteroscopy and placed in \~75% of cases to prevent ureteral edema and renal obstruction. Unfortunately, ureteral stenting can be very painful and has been shown to increase the rate of emergency room visits. Many strategies have been attempted to decrease pain with ureteral stenting including modification of stent material and designs, but efforts so far have been unsuccessful in decreasing stent-related morbidity. Stent-related morbidity is hypothesized to be secondary to irritation of ureteral/bladder mucosa and muscle. Analgesics such as alpha blockers and NSAIDs have been shown to reduce stent morbidity. Anticholinergic drugs are also utilized as they decrease bladder spasms and, therefore, are hypothesized to reduce stent irritation. However, the evidence for anticholinergics has been conflicting. Anticholinergics also have a serious side effect profile including dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and even dementia. Some authors even hypothesize that these side effects may offset any purported benefits the anticholinergics provide for stent-morbidity. Methocarbamol is anti-spasmodic muscle relaxant that is believed to work by acting on central neurons and possibly by blocking sodium channels. Given that anticholinergics have many side effects and questionable efficacy, the investigators hypothesize that methocarbamol may achieve superior analgesia for stent morbidity and stent-related bladder spasms. Oxybutynin is used for the treatment of overactive bladder. The rationale is that the oxybutynin relaxes the muscles in the bladder to help decrease problems of urgency and frequent urination caused by the urinary stent irritation. Since anticholinergics have multiple side effects, finding an equally efficacious alternative with less side effects is highly desirable. This study will evaluate the clinical and demographic factors of patients undergoing ureteroscopy and treated postoperatively with methocarbamol vs. oxybutynin for stent-related morbidity. Additionally, the study will aim to understand the postoperative outcomes and complication rates of patients discharged with methocarbamol vs. oxybutynin after ureteroscopy with a ureteral stent in place.

Effects of an Exercise and Diet Program on Biochemistry and Body Composition in Patients With CKD in G1 and G2 Stages

How Exercise, a Controlled Diet and Education Improve the Health of People with Early-Stage Renal Failure: A Study at Ciudad Guzmán Hospital

Erector Spinae Plane Block vs Quadratus Lumborum Block for Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

Ultrasound (US) guided Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) is performed at the level of the 12th rib, in the parasagittal oblique plane, at the L1-L2 level. As there are modifications of the block generally local anesthetic is given between quadratus lumborum (QL) and psoas major (PM) muscles (Anterior QLB). The QLB provides a sensory block between T7 - L1. Therefore, QLBs are used to provide postoperative analgesia for abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and urologic surgeries. US-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is performed at the level of the T11 transverse process. After visualization of the erector spinae (ES) muscle and the transverse process, local anesthetic is injected under the ES muscle. ESPB provides a sensory block of the anterior, posterior, and lateral thoracic and abdominal walls accordingly it's used for postoperative analgesia after thoracal wall repairs, thoracotomies, percutaneous nephrolithotomies, nephrectomies, and ventral hernia repairs. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of US-guided ESPB and QLB on postoperative pain control after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Effect of Comprehensive Spa Care on Kidney and Urological Conditions: A Clinical Study in Adult Patients

This is a single-arm, pretest-posttest study evaluating the effects of a 21-day comprehensive spa care (Komplexní lázeňská léčebně rehabilitační péče, KLP) on patients with nephrological and urological conditions treated at a spa facility in Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic. The study enrolls 150 adult patients (75 men and 75 women), aged 40-70 years, who are prescribed KLP for indications VIII/1 (recurrent and chronic non-tuberculous inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract), VIII/2 (nephrolithiasis without urinary tract obstruction, nephrocalcinosis), VIII/3 (conditions after kidney and urinary tract surgery), and VIII/4 (chronic prostatitis or prostatovesiculitis resistant to pharmacological treatment). The spa treatment consists of the use of natural healing resources of Mariánské Lázně, including a mineral spring drinking cure, balneotherapy (mineral water baths), peloid therapy, carbon dioxide therapy, climatotherapy, exercise therapy, and dietotherapy. The standard treatment duration is 21 days, during which each patient receives a total of 63 therapeutic procedures and drinks mineral spring water three times daily. Patients undergo assessments at the beginning (days 1-3) and at the end (days 19-21) of their treatment. Assessments include physical examination, abdominal and urinary tract ultrasound, blood and urine sampling with laboratory analysis, body composition measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody), and psychometric questionnaire surveys. The primary aim of the study is to objectively assess the therapeutic effect of comprehensive spa care on nephrological and urological diseases by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical, laboratory, and patient-reported outcomes. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen (decision of November 2, 2023, ref. no. 437/23).

Rutgers University Study of the Genetics of Kidney Disease

The goal of this observational study is to learn more about how genes impact the risk of kidney disease. Anyone 18 or older living in the US is eligible, and a diagnosis of kidney disease is NOT required. Study participation is online, and it takes about 20 minutes to complete health surveys and request a saliva collection kit sent through US mail. In return, study participants may opt to receive information about their genetic ancestry at no cost.

Pediatric Renal Emergencies: Presentations and Outcomes at Sohag University Hospitals

Renal diseases in children present with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild urinary abnormalities to severe acute kidney injury requiring urgent management. Early recognition in the emergency setting is essential to improve outcomes, yet data on pediatric renal emergencies in Upper Egypt remain limited. This prospective cohort study aims to characterize the clinical presentations of renal diseases among children presenting to the emergency room at Sohag University Hospitals, determine the prevalence of specific renal conditions, and evaluate immediate management outcomes and short-term follow-up after discharge.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on Metabolomics and Cardiac Mechanics in Chronic Kidney Disease

The goal of this study is to better understand the effects of a sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, added on to standard of care on heart and lung function and circulating metabolites (substances created when our bodies break down food, drugs, or its own tissues) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Dietary Intervention to Improve Kidney Transplant Outcomes

Randomized controlled trial of a curriculum intervention teaching patients to eat a whole-food plant-based dietary pattern versus standard of care in kidney transplant recipients within the first few months of transplant

Kidney Transplant Preemptive Therapy or Prophylaxis for CMV Prevention in D+R Recipients

This is a prospective, randomized multicenter trial of preemptive therapy (PET) vs. antiviral prophylaxis (AP) for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in adult D+R- kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Patients meeting study eligibility criteria and who have provided informed consent will be randomized (1:1) within 7 days of transplant to receive, in an open label design, either AP with valganciclovir 900 mg orally once daily or letermovir 480 mg orally once daily \[both dose adjusted per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label\] for 200 days post-transplant), or PET (central lab weekly plasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) monitoring for CMV deoxyribonucleic acidemia (DNAemia)) for 100 days post-transplant, with oral valganciclovir 900mg orally twice daily (or renally dosed per FDA label) at onset of CMV DNAemia at any level and continued until plasma CMV DNAemia is negative or below the level of quantitation in two consecutive weekly plasma samples. Study participants will be followed for pre-specified outcomes (clinical, laboratory, immunologic, safety) until withdrawal, death, or study closure, up to a maximum of 5.5 years post-transplant. Approximately 360 participants (180 participants in each group) will be randomized into the study. Estimated Time to Complete Enrollment: 4 years