Research Studies

Division of Nephrology Research Studies

Find research studies available to children cared for by the Division of Nephrology team.
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Dialysis unit (main hospital)

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Clinical trial
Children (7)
Adults (5)
Healthy Controls (2)
MRI/Imaging Studies (2)
One-Time Visit Studies (2)
Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies (1)

Clinical Trial Phases
Pilot (2)
Phase II (1)
N/A (4)

Recruitment Status
Recruiting (5)
Non-recruiting (2)

Related Specialties and Programs
Division of Nephrology (7)
Department of Pediatrics (1)

Specialty
General Pediatrics (1)
Nephrology (7)

ARPKD/HRFD Database
CHOP is partnering with Children's National Medical Center (CNMC) to create a research database of data and blood samples of people who have autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) or another hepato/renal fibrocystic disease (HRFD). The purpose is to try to learn more about the causes of these diseases. If you are interested in participating, we will collect data from your medical record to contribute to the database at CNMC. You may also provide an optional blood sample. You may visit arpkdb.org and download the FAQs for you and your child’s doctor or call the CHOP Research Coordinator, Mohini Dutt, at 267-425-3933.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

CureGN Study
Cure Glomerulonephropathy Network (CureGN) is a multi-year study of 2,400 children and adults with four rare glomerular (kidney) diseases at over 50 centers in the US, Canada, and Italy. The purpose of CureGN is to create a patient research network to learn about four major causes of glomerular disease : 1. Minimal Change Disease (MCD) 2. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) 3. Membranous Nephropathy (MN) 4. IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

FIT4KiD
The purpose of this NIH-funded placebo-controlled clinical trial is to determine how well ferric citrate will lower FGF23, correct anemia and iron levels in the blood, and maintain normal levels of phosphate in children with CKD. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidney function is decreased. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone that regulates blood phosphate levels. High FGF23 levels are linked with worsening of kidney, bone & heart health. Ferric Citrate is an oral medication that decreases the absorption of dietary phosphate by the gut, lowers FGF23 levels and raises iron stores in the body. Ferric Citrate is approved in adults with CKD but has not yet been studied in children.
For more information visit www.fit4kidstudy.com 

Phase: Phase II

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Children

Genomics of Nephrotic Syndrome
For this study, we are studying the relationship between variations in the genes of the immune system called HLA and how they relate to:
  1. The risk of developing nephrotic syndrome
  2. The response to treatment of nephrotic syndrome and
  3. The risk of recurrence of nephrotic syndrome following kidney transplantation.
Participants will be asked to provide a one time blood sample for DNA testing and information about their health will be collected. 

To be eligible, participants must have:
  1. Clinical diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome
  2. Biopsy proven diagnosis of FSGS or MCD and,
  3. History of living or deceased donor kidney transplantation

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, One-Time Visit Studies

MRI of ARPKD liver disease

The primary goal of this research study is to see if newtypes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to measure liver healthin children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) comparedto healthy controls.  Both children with ARPKDand healthy children, aged 6 years and above can participate.

Phase: Pilot

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls, MRI/Imaging Studies, One-Time Visit Studies

Novel Imaging in Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
In this study, we are developing new ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to measure kidney and liver disease severity in autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Participants in this study will include individuals with ARPKD, and a comparison group of healthy individuals without liver or kidney disease. Individuals of any age may take part in the study. 

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls, MRI/Imaging Studies

Physical Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease

The purpose of this study is to identify components of a physical activity intervention that are effective and meaningful to teenagers with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Participants will be assigned to 1 of the 16 study groups and will be asked to wear a Fitbit. Participants will also be given a step count goal, answer questionnaires, and complete hand grip strength assessments.

Participants may also be asked to have one-on-one meetings with an exercise coach.

All visits may be completed remotely.

Phase: Pilot

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Children, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies