Noninvasive management of kidney disease in children

Ultrabright Plasmonic-Fluor Nanosensor-Enabled Noninvasive Management of Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10593497

This study is testing a new, gentle way to check how well kidneys are working in kids with nephrotic syndrome, using tiny microneedles to take samples from the skin instead of drawing blood, making it easier and less stressful for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10593497 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new, painless method to monitor kidney function in children suffering from nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disease. The approach utilizes advanced microneedle technology to extract bioanalytes from the skin without the need for blood draws, making it easier and less traumatic for young patients. By analyzing the interstitial fluid, the research aims to provide accurate and timely assessments of kidney health, which is crucial for effective treatment. This innovative method could significantly improve the quality of care for pediatric patients with this condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, particularly those who are steroid-resistant.

Not a fit: Patients with nephrotic syndrome who are older than 11 years or those without a confirmed diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective way to monitor kidney function in children, reducing the need for painful blood tests.

How similar studies have performed: Similar innovative approaches in noninvasive monitoring have shown promise in other medical fields, suggesting potential success for this novel method.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.