Balanced IV fluids versus normal saline to protect children's kidneys during sepsis
Comparative effectiveness of balanced fluids versus normal saline to reduce acute and chronic kidney disease in children with sepsis
Compares two common IV fluids to find which one better protects the kidneys of children with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176180 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child comes to the emergency department with suspected septic shock, they would be randomly given either balanced fluid or normal saline as the initial IV resuscitation. The researchers will track kidney function during the hospital stay and for weeks to months afterward to see who develops acute or longer-lasting kidney problems. Data will come from routine lab tests, medical records, and some blood samples collected as part of the ancillary study. No extra invasive treatments are planned beyond the assigned fluid, though follow-up visits or calls may be requested.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children presenting to the emergency department with suspected septic shock who need IV fluid resuscitation are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Adults, children without sepsis, or children who do not require IV fluid resuscitation would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, using the better fluid could lower the chance of acute and chronic kidney problems after sepsis in children.
How similar studies have performed: Adult randomized trials have suggested balanced fluids reduce kidney injury compared with normal saline, but high-quality pediatric data are limited, so this pediatric-focused work is partly novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzgerald, Julie C. Hollows — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Fitzgerald, Julie C. Hollows
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.