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The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center

3 Things to Know About Glomerular Disease
 3 Things to Know About Glomerular Disease 1024 683 Gina Vitale, PTA
By: Gina Vitale, PTA

Gabriel Cara Fuentes, MD, PhD, offers insights for physicians regarding pediatric glomerular disease treatment and referral. Gabriel Cara Fuentes, MD, PhD, a pediatric nephrologist and principal investigator at the Kidney and Urinary Tract Research Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is focused on a translational approach to improving pediatric care and outcomes. Since arriving at Nationwide…

Featured Researcher: Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD
 Featured Researcher: Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD 150 150 Gina Vitale, PTA
By: Gina Vitale, PTA

Diana Zepeda-Orozco, MD, is a principal investigator in the Kidney and Urinary Tract Research Center within the Abigail Wexner Research Institute, an attending physician and the associate division chief of research for the Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, and an associate professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Zepeda-Orozco…

Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms
 Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates Using Machine Learning Algorithms 480 320 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

A new model accurately identifies neonates at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) — and the factors physicians should address to prevent it — offering the first AKI prediction tool specific to this vulnerable population. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and irreversible, making preventive measures essential to maintaining health. Multiple risk prediction tools exist…

Treating Severe Pediatric Kidney Disease with Simultaneous Bilateral Native Nephrectomy
 Treating Severe Pediatric Kidney Disease with Simultaneous Bilateral Native Nephrectomy 480 320 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

A 15-year review of indications, approaches and outcomes. A recent study published in Pediatric Transplantation and led by Christina B. Ching, MD, pediatric urologist in the Department of Pediatric Urology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offers valuable insights into a very rare clinical procedure: simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomies, or the removal of both kidneys at the…

Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention
 Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention 1024 683 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Research offers promising solutions for urinary tract infection treatment and antibiotic resistance. Urinary tract infections affect millions of people and can contribute to significant morbidity. Research into innate immunity mechanisms has shown great promise for improving urinary tract infection prevention and treatment strategies, especially in populations at high risk, such as patients with insulin resistance.…

Creation of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines for Studying Rare Pediatric Genitourinary Disorders
 Creation of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines for Studying Rare Pediatric Genitourinary Disorders 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Nationwide Children’s researchers create first-ever stem cell lines for rare genitourinary conditions. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have revolutionized medical research by providing powerful tools to study disease mechanisms, especially in rare genetic conditions. These versatile cells, derived directly from patients that have the condition, offer unprecedented opportunities to uncover the underlying genetic and cellular…

Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention
 Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Frontier in Infection Prevention 1024 602 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Research offers promising solutions for urinary tract infection treatment and antibiotic resistance. Urinary tract infections affect millions of people and can contribute to significant morbidity. Research into innate immunity mechanisms has shown great promise for improving urinary tract infection prevention and treatment strategies, especially in populations at high risk, such as patients with insulin resistance.…

Why Aren’t Pediatric Kidney Stone Patients Returning for Follow-up After Surgery?
 Why Aren’t Pediatric Kidney Stone Patients Returning for Follow-up After Surgery? 1024 732 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Kidney stones in children are on the rise, and many of these children miss critical post-op follow-ups. What prevents them from returning, and how can we help? Since 2000, kidney stone cases in the U.S. pediatric population have risen by 6–10% annually, leading to a corresponding increase in surgical interventions. Alarmingly, nearly half of pediatric…

What Is Insulin’s Role in Diabetes-Related Urinary Tract Infections?
 What Is Insulin’s Role in Diabetes-Related Urinary Tract Infections? 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Two studies reveal how impaired insulin receptors compromise immunity in people with diabetes. While excess glucose in the urine is often thought to be the main factor behind urinary tract infections in people with diabetes, two recent studies led by Laura L. Schwartz, PhD, principal investigator in the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center at Nationwide…

Proteinuria Reduction in Nephrotic Syndrome Without Suppressing the Immune System
 Proteinuria Reduction in Nephrotic Syndrome Without Suppressing the Immune System 375 280 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study suggests a distinct, non-immunosuppressive mechanism of action for drugs that ameliorate proteinuria in an NS model. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease in children and adults. NS is characterized by dysregulation of the kidneys’ glomerular filtering units, resulting in massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment…

Loss of RNase 6 Increases Susceptibility to Upper Urinary Tract Infections, Model Shows
 Loss of RNase 6 Increases Susceptibility to Upper Urinary Tract Infections, Model Shows 1024 575 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

The latest in a robust series of studies confirms an important role for RNase 6 in deterring infections of the ureters and kidneys.   Research teams at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have long been studying a superfamily of ribonucleases for their role as natural antimicrobials in the human urinary tract.…

Disrupting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Uptake in Kidney Tubular Cells Bolsters Antioxidant Responses and Protects From Acute Kidney Injury
 Disrupting Mitochondrial Pyruvate Uptake in Kidney Tubular Cells Bolsters Antioxidant Responses and Protects From Acute Kidney Injury 1024 732 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Blocking mitochondrial pyruvate uptake in the kidney was found to upregulate oxidant defense systems, ultimately mitigating the effects of an acute kidney injury (AKI). “The kidney has these reabsorption units, tubular cells, that reabsorb glucose, amino acids and specific ions. These units spend a lot of mitochondrial energy, so they need a lot of ATP…

Refining the Role of Basal Urothelial Cells in Bladder Development
 Refining the Role of Basal Urothelial Cells in Bladder Development 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

Basal keratin 5 urothelial cells (K5-UCs) were found to be age-restricted progenitors in bladders and their progenitor potential could be rescued by exogenous proliferative cues.   “The identity of the bladder urothelium progenitor is controversial and confounded by slow turnover, and a low mitotic index during homeostasis,” says Ashley R. Jackson, PhD, principal investigator in…

Unraveling the Genetic Mystery Behind a Rare Pediatric Disease
 Unraveling the Genetic Mystery Behind a Rare Pediatric Disease 980 429 Wendy Margolin
By: Wendy Margolin

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare, congenital urologic disease, affecting an estimated 1 out of 50,000 births. While most urologists will see fewer than three cases of PBS in their careers, Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Linda Baker, MD, has treated more than 50 patients and met and counseled nearly 200 in the last 15 years.…

The First 3 Years With PBS: Bryson’s Story
 The First 3 Years With PBS: Bryson’s Story 953 269 Wendy Margolin
By: Wendy Margolin

The first time Andrea Williams met her new baby was four days after his birth. Baby Bryson was born with the rare congenital disorder, prune belly syndrome (PBS), and was rushed to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital NICU immediately after birth. His enlarged belly meant he was delivered by C-section at 37 weeks, and it wasn’t…

Improving UTI Detection in Neonates: Antimicrobial Peptides and Cotton Balls
 Improving UTI Detection in Neonates: Antimicrobial Peptides and Cotton Balls 1024 683 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

New research sets the stage for less-invasive urinary tract infection identification in neonates 22-37 weeks gestational age. A team of researchers driving the revolution in urinary tract infection (UTI) identification using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has now expanded their focus from adults and children to newborns – including those born prematurely. Their latest study, published in…

Innovations in Pediatric Nephrology and Urology: Spotlight on Congenital Urinary Tract Obstruction
 Innovations in Pediatric Nephrology and Urology: Spotlight on Congenital Urinary Tract Obstruction 150 150 Erin Gregory
By: Erin Gregory

Congenital urinary tract obstruction poses significant challenges for pediatric patients, compelling innovative approaches in urology. Nationwide Children’s Hospital pioneers research in this field, focusing on understanding the complexities of urinary tract conditions. Two labs within the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center at Nationwide Children’s are spearheading efforts to unravel the intricacies of urinary tract obstruction,…

Is Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid an Effective Bladder Neck Bulking Agent for Patients with Persistent Incontinence Following Bladder Neck Reconstruction?
 Is Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid an Effective Bladder Neck Bulking Agent for Patients with Persistent Incontinence Following Bladder Neck Reconstruction? 1024 575 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Dr. Jayanthi standing in OR

Urinary incontinence caused by bladder neck incompetence is common in children diagnosed with neurogenic bladder. Many patients undergo surgery to increase bladder outlet resistance to incontinence, but some still experience it even after surgery. Endoscopic injection of bulking agents has previously been utilized and studied for use in the bladder neck as follow-up treatment for…

Developing Predictive Tools for CAKUT
 Developing Predictive Tools for CAKUT 1024 575 Leslie Feldman
By: Leslie Feldman

Pediatric nephrologists routinely see infants and children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) — the most frequent cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). Some of these anomalies are not clinically significant, while others result in varying degrees of kidney function impairment. Half of all children receiving dialysis or kidney transplants…

Kidney Support for Babies: Building a Comprehensive and Integrated Neonatal Kidney Support Therapy Program
 Kidney Support for Babies: Building a Comprehensive and Integrated Neonatal Kidney Support Therapy Program 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
Nurse caring for infant in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Kidney support therapy (KST), commonly referred to as dialysis, is a life-saving procedure used to manage complications associated with acute kidney injury and kidney failure, such as fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances, or to remove toxins, such as those in patients with inborn errors of metabolism. Most KST or dialysis machines are designed for adults…

High-Risk Genotype Impacts Kidney Disease Trajectory
 High-Risk Genotype Impacts Kidney Disease Trajectory 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD
conceptual art of DNA

Patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis that possess two variations in the APOL1 gene experience more rapid progression of kidney disease. In a new study, researchers from Nationwide Children’s and other institutions quantified the relationship between a high-risk genotype and kidney disease progression in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The researchers leveraged data from the…

Nephrology Education Ripe With Opportunities to Improve Health Equity
 Nephrology Education Ripe With Opportunities to Improve Health Equity 1024 575 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

The Health Care Justice Committee of the American Society of Nephrology has released recommendations for incorporating anti-racism and social justice concepts into education and mentoring with the goal of improving health equity.   In 2020, leaders in the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) reached out to Ray Bignall II, MD, pediatric nephrologist and assistant chief…

Featured Researcher — Linda Baker, MD
 Featured Researcher — Linda Baker, MD 150 150 Natalie Wilson
By: Natalie Wilson

Linda Baker, MD, a renowned expert in prune belly syndrome (PBS), joined Nationwide Children’s as a research director and principal investigator in the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center and The Ohio State University as a clinical professor of Urology at the end of 2022. Dr. Baker has met, evaluated and cared for over 180 children…

5 Things to Know About Prune Belly Syndrome
 5 Things to Know About Prune Belly Syndrome 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller
Linda Baker, MD

Linda Baker, MD, urologist, principal investigator, and one of the world’s foremost experts on prune belly syndrome, recently joined Nationwide Children’s Hospital as the co-director of the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center. She shares some important things to know about this rare disease. 1. Prune belly is a rare, congenital malformation. Prune belly syndrome (PBS)…

Real-World Urinary Management and Outcomes in Cloacal Exstrophy Among Children and Adults
 Real-World Urinary Management and Outcomes in Cloacal Exstrophy Among Children and Adults 1024 683 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD
Molly Fuchs, MD

Most (94%) older children and adults with cloacal exstrophy are managed by incontinent diversion or clean intermittent catheterization. “The published literature about cloacal exstrophy can be misleading, and there is an impression that with surgical bladder reconstruction, normal bladder function and voiding can be restored. That is to say, a child will be able to…

Is There a Role for D-Mannose, Cranberry or Probiotics in Preventing Pediatric UTIs?
 Is There a Role for D-Mannose, Cranberry or Probiotics in Preventing Pediatric UTIs? 1024 683 Deborah L. Ungerleider, MD, FAAP
By: Deborah L. Ungerleider, MD, FAAP

Alternatives for prophylaxis of UTIs in children may help reduce antibiotic overuse. Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is important, as multiple UTIs can lead to scarring of the kidneys, which can then lead to hypertension or end-stage renal disease.1 UTIs in children are generally treated with antibiotics, which are sometimes also used for…

Featured Researcher — Ashley Jackson, PhD
 Featured Researcher — Ashley Jackson, PhD 150 150 Natalie Wilson
By: Natalie Wilson

Ashley Jackson, PhD, is a principal investigator in The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center at Nationwide Children’s studying renal urothelium, the special surface tissue that lines most of the urinary tract, or the drainage system of the kidneys, to slow kidney disease progression in children with urinary tract obstruction (UTO), or a blockage that prevents…

Novel Compound Shows Promise for Treating Nephrotic Syndrome
 Novel Compound Shows Promise for Treating Nephrotic Syndrome 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

PPARγ selective modulator appear to be more efficacious in reducing proteinuria and comorbidities, and has fewer side effects than a traditional PPARγ agonist in a preclinical model of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome, characterized by high proteinuria, is one of the most common forms of glomerular disease. It is typically associated with edema, hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia, systemic…

Practical, At-Home Parasacral Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder in Children
 Practical, At-Home Parasacral Nerve Stimulation for Overactive Bladder in Children 150 150 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

A new regimen for parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is manageable and results in subjective improvements, though objective improvements were modest. In a new study, researchers from Nationwide Children’s evaluated the effectiveness of a practical, at-home regimen of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for children with overactive bladder. Parasacral TENS involves electrical stimulation…

How the Antimicrobial Protein RNase 7 Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
 How the Antimicrobial Protein RNase 7 Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Researchers identify genetic variation associated with severe and recurrent UTIs. A new study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the antimicrobial protein RNase 7 plays an important role in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest genetic variations in the RNase 7 gene may increase…

Old Drug, New Use
 Old Drug, New Use 1024 575 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
Nationwide Children's style illustration showing a row of houses with a prescription in front of it

Researchers have discovered an adult diabetes drug may provide a new and better way to treat children  with nephrotic syndrome.  Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common kidney diseases seen in children. In most cases the cause is unknown. Nephrotic syndrome involves damage to the filtering units of the kidneys (glomeruli) leading to massive…

Kidney and Urinary Tract Protein Demonstrates Antimicrobial Activity
 Kidney and Urinary Tract Protein Demonstrates Antimicrobial Activity 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

A little-studied peptide found in the urinary tract is a potential biomarker for urinary tract infection risk and could be developed into a novel therapeutic against drug-resistant bacteria.  Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have demonstrated that an understudied protein expressed in the human kidney and bladder kills the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTI).…

Incidence and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
 Incidence and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome 150 150 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

While incidence of severe kidney injury after surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome is low, it may be linked to increased 30-day mortality. Acute kidney injury – the abrupt decline of renal function – following pediatric heart surgery leads to worse outcomes, including increased mortality. The overall incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after pediatric…

Largest Study of Glomerular Diseases Sheds Light on Pediatric Subtypes
 Largest Study of Glomerular Diseases Sheds Light on Pediatric Subtypes 150 150 Nationwide Children's
By: Nationwide Children's

In one of the first papers published from the largest study of glomerular diseases, researchers have found significant differences between patients who have IgA nephropathy and a subtype of the disease, IgA vasculitis, and between children and adults with these diagnoses. The paper is from Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) — a longitudinal observational study of nearly…