Protecting kidney health in children with spina bifida
Research Approaches to Improve the Care and Outcomes of People Living with Spina Bifida- Component C
This project is trying a standard urology care plan to protect kidneys in newborns and young children born with spina bifida.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11422051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your child would follow the UMPIRE care protocol from birth through age 10 to try to prevent kidney damage from a neurogenic bladder. Care includes scheduled bladder monitoring, imaging and kidney function tests, and standard treatments such as catheterization and medications when needed. The team will track kidney health, bladder outcomes, and resource use to see if the protocol preserves normal kidney function while using resources efficiently. This work continues earlier follow-up through age 5 to confirm longer-term benefits up to age 10.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Newborns and children with spina bifida who have a neurogenic bladder, especially those from birth up to age 10 and willing to follow a standardized urologic care plan, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Adults with spina bifida, children older than 10, or patients who already have advanced kidney damage are unlikely to benefit from this early-life prevention protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the UMPIRE protocol could keep more children’s kidneys healthy and reduce costly complications and surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Prior funding established the UMPIRE protocol and early follow-up through age 5 showed promise, but effectiveness through age 10 is still being confirmed.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joseph, David B — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Joseph, David B
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.