Comparing two medications to prevent kidney injury after surgery

The choice of vasopressor to prevent postoperative acute kidney injury after major non-cardiac surgery: a multicenter pragmatic cluster cross-over randomized trial (the VEGA-2 trial)

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10860868

This study is looking at how well two medications, norepinephrine and phenylephrine, can help prevent kidney problems after major surgery for patients who are at risk of low blood pressure during their operation.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10860868 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of two vasopressors, norepinephrine and phenylephrine, in preventing postoperative acute kidney injury (PO-AKI) in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The study will involve multiple medical centers and will use a pragmatic cluster cross-over design, allowing for real-world application of findings. Patients will be monitored for hypotension during surgery, as this condition is linked to a higher risk of kidney injury. The goal is to determine which vasopressor is more effective in reducing the incidence of PO-AKI.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are scheduled for major non-cardiac surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing minor surgeries or those not at risk for postoperative acute kidney injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing kidney injury in surgical patients, enhancing recovery and reducing complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying success with different vasopressors in similar contexts, but this specific comparison is novel.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.