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Nephrology

Why Immune Balance Matters in UTI Susceptibility
 Why Immune Balance Matters in UTI Susceptibility 1024 459 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana
Graphic illustration of kidneys and bladder organ visualization. Healthcare concept background with medical icons.

New research identifies PTEN as a main regulator of bladder immunity and suggests potential non-antibiotic prevention strategies. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain among the most common bacterial infections in clinical practice, contributing to significant morbidity and raising concerns about antibiotic resistance. While known risk factors, including lack of circumcision, kidney disease, diabetes and immunosuppression, help…

Lowering Thrombin Levels Offers a Double Benefit in Glomerular Disease Model
 Lowering Thrombin Levels Offers a Double Benefit in Glomerular Disease Model 1024 410 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
microscopy image of podocytes, a type of cell found in the kidney, stained with blue and fluorescent yellow. small red dots mark the cell

Preclinical studies suggest that reducing levels of the clotting enzyme may simultaneously reduce kidney damage and lower risk of blood clots. Preclinical research in an in vivo model now confirms what Bryce Kerlin, MD, and his team first proposed in a publication 8 years ago: excess thrombin directly injures podocytes, and high levels in the…

Featured Researcher: Brian Becknell, MD, PhD
 Featured Researcher: Brian Becknell, MD, PhD 150 150 Gina Vitale, PTA
By: Gina Vitale, PTA

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children worldwide, according to the Journal of Pediatric Urology. Did you know that UTIs can be associated with congenital anomalies, which may cause permanent renal scarring in certain children, resulting in long-term medical needs? The Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Nationwide Children’s…

A New Candidate Therapeutic Target and Biomarker for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
 A New Candidate Therapeutic Target and Biomarker for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome 1024 561 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller
artistic representation of a kidney cross section

New data provides evidence for the role of endothelium in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome pathogenesis.

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…

Genetic Variation Contributing to Nephrotic Syndrome
 Genetic Variation Contributing to Nephrotic Syndrome 1024 683 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

Genetic variants in CR1 have significantly different population-specific frequencies and are linked with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) – the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome — a kidney disorder that causes proteins to leak into the urine causing a variety of complications. FSGS has an…

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.…

Nephrotoxic-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (NAKI) Is Avoidable
 Nephrotoxic-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (NAKI) Is Avoidable 375 280 Pam Georgiana
By: Pam Georgiana

Quality improvement initiative at Nationwide Children’s Hospital leads to significant reductions in NAKI. Nephrotoxic-associated acute kidney injury (NAKI) — an under-recognized but serious risk in pediatric hospital care — affects up to 25% of hospitalized children. It occurs when medications or toxins reduce kidney function by disrupting blood flow, damaging renal cells or triggering inflammation.…

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…

Acute Kidney Injury After Comprehensive Stage Two Palliation in Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
 Acute Kidney Injury After Comprehensive Stage Two Palliation in Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome 150 150 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
By: JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who undergo the Hybrid pathway palliation commonly develop acute kidney injury after the comprehensive stage 2 procedure and may require advanced medical therapy.   In a recent Cardiology in the Young publication, Andrew Yates, MD, associate medical director for the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and…

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,…

Novel Treatment Ameliorates Proteinuria and Dyslipidemia in a Model of Noninflammatory Glomerular Disease
 Novel Treatment Ameliorates Proteinuria and Dyslipidemia in a Model of Noninflammatory Glomerular Disease 150 150 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome — characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, dyslipidemia, and edema — is one of the most common pediatric glomerular diseases. Glucocorticoids are first-line treatment, followed by calcineurin inhibitors for steroid-resistant disease; however, currently available calcineurin inhibitors can have numerous side effects, including dyslipidemia, and require frequent monitoring of drug levels in the blood. Since…

What Treatment is Best for Preventing Kidney Complications in STEC Infections?
 What Treatment is Best for Preventing Kidney Complications in STEC Infections? 150 150 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is participating in a multicenter trial to determine the optimal way to treat children with high-risk STEC infections. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections can lead to systemic disease affecting multiple organ systems, including the kidneys. Up to 20% of children infected by high-risk STEC develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a devastating…

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…

Substantial Variation in Fluid Balance Among Preterm Neonates
 Substantial Variation in Fluid Balance Among Preterm Neonates 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
Nurse caring for infant in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

In neonates, approximately 75 to 90% of the body weight consists of body fluid. The amount varies with gestational age, with higher total body fluid percentages in extremely preterm infants, those born at 22 to 28 weeks of gestation. These extremely preterm infants have immature skin and kidneys and thus immature fluid homeostasis regulatory mechanisms,…

Development of Acute Kidney Injury as a Potential Biomarker of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
 Development of Acute Kidney Injury as a Potential Biomarker of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Regular measurement of serum creatinine levels could help identify necrotizing enterocolitis sooner. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) evaluated serum creatinine levels and the development of acute kidney injury as a potential biomarker of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. The retrospective chart review showed that acute kidney injury is more prevalent in…

Nephrotoxic Medications in the NICU
 Nephrotoxic Medications in the NICU 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD
Nurse caring for infant in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

New study shows treatment with nephrotoxic medications in newborns is associated with the development of acute kidney injury, yet remains common. A multicenter analysis of nearly 50 pediatric hospitals showed that newborns are commonly treated with nephrotoxic medications and, troublingly, the prevalence of acute kidney injury is higher in newborns treated with these drugs. The…

What’s the Scope of Nephritis in Pediatric Patients With IgA Vasculitis?
 What’s the Scope of Nephritis in Pediatric Patients With IgA Vasculitis? 150 150 Jessica Nye, PhD
By: Jessica Nye, PhD

A multicenter study from the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium found that many pediatric patients with IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) are treated with immunosuppressive (IS) agents, and some had evidence of chronic kidney disease as early as 12 months after presentation.   IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common vasculitis in children, usually presenting with typical…

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…

Improving Identification of Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury in the NICU
 Improving Identification of Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury in the NICU 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Approaches at three different institutions all resulted in improved identification and care of acute kidney injury in newborns. In a new study, researchers describe three different approaches to standardizing the identification and care of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), including the approach taken at Nationwide Children’s. They report that…

Short- and Long-Term Kidney Issues in Children Treated for Leukemia
 Short- and Long-Term Kidney Issues in Children Treated for Leukemia 720 480 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

While outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved, researchers are finding long-term effects on kidney function that require monitoring. In a new study published recently in Pediatric Nephrology, researchers from Nationwide Children’s report the incidence of hypertension and kidney issues in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia over a recent nine-year period.…

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…

Identifying Which Children with Nephrotic Syndrome Will Respond to Steroids
 Identifying Which Children with Nephrotic Syndrome Will Respond to Steroids 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

New research identifies potential biomarkers in the plasma of children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is among the most common forms of kidney disease in children. Although glucocorticoids (i.e., steroids) are the primary treatment, approximately 10 to 20% of children with nephrotic syndrome present with or develop steroid resistance. This is only discovered…

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).…

Identifying Early Urinary Biomarkers of Kidney Damage in Type 1 Diabetes
 Identifying Early Urinary Biomarkers of Kidney Damage in Type 1 Diabetes 150 150 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Markers of renal tubule injury and oxidative stress indicate diabetic nephropathy before microalbuminuria. Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of type 1 diabetes. Traditionally, measurement of microalbuminuria is used to screen children with diabetes for diabetic nephropathy. However, evidence suggests that damage to the kidneys may begin soon after diagnosis, much earlier than microalbuminuria can…

Two Novel Biomarkers for Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis Identified
 Two Novel Biomarkers for Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis Identified 1024 575 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

Study identifies two proteins that are elevated in children with UTIs compared to those with culture-negative pyuria. In a new study from Nationwide Children’s, researchers identified two novel biomarkers that could be developed to further fine tune the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. UTIs are common, but challenging to diagnose, in children.…

Does Twinkle Artifact on Ultrasound Indicate a Kidney Stone in Pediatric Patients?
 Does Twinkle Artifact on Ultrasound Indicate a Kidney Stone in Pediatric Patients? 150 150 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

The presence of twinkle artifact on ultrasound is a useful, though imperfect, tool for diagnosing kidney stones in children. For pediatric patients, ultrasound is the recommended imaging modality used to diagnose kidney stones. Several findings are used to identify stones on ultrasound, including the presence of an echogenic focus, posterior acoustic shadowing, or twinkle artifact.…

Diuretic Therapy in Preterm Infants With Acute Kidney Injury Is Common: Should It Be?
 Diuretic Therapy in Preterm Infants With Acute Kidney Injury Is Common: Should It Be? 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck
small baby with nose canula

Lack of efficacy and safety data on diuretic therapy in the critically ill infants is cause for concern. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are beginning to fill in the gaps. Despite the common use of diuretic therapy in preterm infants with acute kidney injury, to date, no large studies have evaluated the patterns of prescription…

Keeping in Touch: Renin-Producing Cells Require Cell Adhesion Molecule to Survive
 Keeping in Touch: Renin-Producing Cells Require Cell Adhesion Molecule to Survive 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may provide insights into the long-term effects of hypertension and antihypertensive medications.  As the main source of renin in the human body, juxtaglomerular (JG) cells are crucial for blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. However, these cells cannot be cultured in vitro, making it challenging to study the…

Indicators of Blood Clot Potential Directly Relate to Nephrotic Syndrome Severity
 Indicators of Blood Clot Potential Directly Relate to Nephrotic Syndrome Severity 150 150 Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES
By: Katie Brind'Amour, PhD, MS, CHES

Researchers in the NEPTUNE network and collaborators at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have confirmed their preclinical studies demonstrating a direct correlation between the severity of disease and prothrombotic biomarkers in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) dramatically increases the risk of a life-threatening blood clot, but until recently, clinicians have had no reasonable biomarker to…

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…

Pediatric Kidney Care: A Complex Issue for Low-Resource Nations
 Pediatric Kidney Care: A Complex Issue for Low-Resource Nations 1024 575 Eric Butterman
By: Eric Butterman

Children are dying from kidney disease at alarming rates in low-resource nations. And some procedures that could reduce this high mortality would be considered simple and low-cost for many countries, says William Smoyer, MD, vice president and director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr.…

Novel Roles of the Urothelium in the Development of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
 Novel Roles of the Urothelium in the Development of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract 150 150 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

In addition to genetic defects, interactions of the developing urothelium with its underlying mesenchyme and superficial plaque may contribute to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUTs) are the leading cause of chronic and end-stage kidney disease in children. Collaborative translational research at Nationwide Children’s…

What Kids and Kidneys Can Teach Pediatricians About Racism in America
 What Kids and Kidneys Can Teach Pediatricians About Racism in America 1024 575 Ray Bignall
By: Ray Bignall

O.N. Ray Bignall II, MD, FAAP, director of Kidney Health Advocacy and Community Engagement, explores how “race modifiers,” structural racism and health disparities are perpetuated in kidney care for kids, highlighting important areas primed for change.

An Imbalance of Immune Cells Leads to Kidney Scarring After Infection
 An Imbalance of Immune Cells Leads to Kidney Scarring After Infection 1024 732 Mary Bates, PhD
By: Mary Bates, PhD

In a preclinical mouse model, researchers identify the immune cell balancing act that determines whether renal scarring will occur following kidney infection More than half of urinary tract infections in children spread from the bladder to the kidneys, causing acute kidney infections that can lead to renal scarring. Renal scarring can have serious repercussions in…

Does Low Baseline Renal Volume Lead to Renal Insufficiency in Children With Cloacal Anomalies?
 Does Low Baseline Renal Volume Lead to Renal Insufficiency in Children With Cloacal Anomalies? 1024 683 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

According to the results of a recent study published in Urology, children with cloacal anomalies have baseline renal volumes similar to those of children without cloacal anomalies, indicating that the increased risk of renal insufficiency in children with cloacal anomalies appears to be due to postnatal renal injury. “Before we can determine if surgical interventions or…

What Are the Clinical Implications of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis?
 What Are the Clinical Implications of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis? 1024 732 Abbie Miller
By: Abbie Miller

The Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium’s most recent study investigates the risk factors for disease progression in children with glomerulonephritis and crescents on kidney biopsy. In patients with glomerulonephritis (GN), the histopathology of the kidney may include crescents, which result from extra-capillary proliferation of cells within the glomerulus. A recent study from the Pediatric Nephrology Research…

Can a Kidney Failure Risk Equation Validated in Adults Predict Kidney Failure in Children?
 Can a Kidney Failure Risk Equation Validated in Adults Predict Kidney Failure in Children? 1024 575 Lauren Dembeck
By: Lauren Dembeck

Novel disease-specific biomarkers are needed to improve prediction models in pediatric disease. Obstructive uropathy is a frequent cause of kidney injury in children, and it is estimated to cause approximately one-sixth of pediatric kidney failure cases in North America. However, risk equations to predict kidney disease progression have not yet been developed for children. To…

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