Investigating the causes of chronic kidney disease in agricultural communities in Costa Rica
The Chorotega CKDu Epidemiology Field Study
This study is looking into the causes of chronic kidney disease in farmers in Costa Rica, and it will involve 800 people—400 with the disease and 400 without—to help find out what might be making them sick and how to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10884931 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) in the Chorotega region of Costa Rica, where it has become a significant health issue, particularly among agricultural workers. The study will recruit 400 participants diagnosed with CKDu and 400 control participants to assess various risk factors and environmental exposures. Researchers will conduct clinical assessments and collect biological samples, alongside extensive data on lifestyle, demographics, and occupational factors. The goal is to identify the underlying causes of CKDu and improve health outcomes for affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 0-21 who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or are at risk due to their agricultural work environment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not work in agricultural settings or who do not have chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and treatments for chronic kidney disease, ultimately reducing its prevalence and improving the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying environmental and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease in similar agricultural communities, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franceschini, Nora — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Franceschini, Nora
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.