Comparing two strategies to prevent kidney stones
Official title: Randomized Trial of Empiric Versus Selective Preventative Strategies for Kidney Stone Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10811584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at two ways to help prevent kidney stones in kids and others who are at higher risk: one method uses urine tests to personalize treatment, while the other gives treatment without testing first. The goal is to find out which approach works better and is safer, so we can give clearer advice on how to manage kidney stones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129202-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults who have a history of kidney stones or are at high risk for developing them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never experienced kidney stones or those with conditions unrelated to kidney stone disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates two different approaches to prevent kidney stones: selective therapy, which involves testing urine to tailor treatments, and empiric therapy, which applies treatments without prior testing. The study aims to determine which method is more effective and safer for preventing future kidney stone episodes, particularly in children and other high-risk groups. By analyzing the outcomes of both strategies, the research seeks to provide clearer guidelines for managing kidney stone disease. Patients will be monitored for their responses to these preventative measures over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized prevention strategies for kidney stones, reducing pain and improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on dietary interventions for kidney stones, this specific comparison of selective versus empiric pharmacologic strategies is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsi, Ryan — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hsi, Ryan
Related research
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A Probiotic to Prevent Kidney Stones
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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.