Managing bladder health in young children with spina bifida

Urologic Management to Preserve Renal Function Protocol - Component C

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11141541

This study is looking at the best ways to keep the bladders and kidneys healthy in newborns and young kids with spina bifida, especially those with the myelomeningocele type, so they can grow up healthy and happy.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141541 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the best ways to manage bladder health in newborns and young children diagnosed with spina bifida, particularly those with the myelomeningocele form. It involves early assessment of bladder function through specialized tests and aims to identify children at high risk for kidney damage. By following a structured protocol over the first five years of life, the study seeks to ensure that these children maintain healthy kidney function and achieve optimal bladder outcomes as they grow. The research is conducted at Duke University, which has a strong pediatric urology team dedicated to improving care for these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children diagnosed with spina bifida, particularly those with the myelomeningocele type.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have spina bifida or those with other unrelated urologic conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help preserve kidney function and improve bladder health in children with spina bifida, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, the study builds on existing knowledge about the importance of early intervention in managing bladder health in children with spina bifida.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.