Investigating kidney health in children and young adults in a high-risk region for kidney disease

The NINOS cohort: Children's Kidney Health in a High-Risk Region for CKDu

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11006284

This study is looking at the causes of kidney disease in young people in Central America, especially those who work in farming, by tracking the health of over 800 kids and teens to see how their early life experiences might affect their kidneys as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006284 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the causes of MesoAmerican Nephropathy (MeN), a serious kidney disease affecting young individuals in Central America, particularly those working in agriculture. The study involves following a cohort of over 800 youth aged 7-18 years who were previously enrolled, to assess their kidney health and identify potential nephrotoxic exposures that may contribute to early kidney injury. By analyzing biomarkers and renal function over time, the research aims to uncover critical insights into how early life exposures may lead to kidney disease later in life. This longitudinal approach will help in understanding the progression of kidney health in these vulnerable populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults aged 7-18 years living in high-risk agricultural regions of Central America.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the specified age range or who do not reside in high-risk agricultural areas may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and interventions for kidney disease in at-risk youth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding kidney health in similar populations, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-10 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.