Protecting kidney health in young children with spina bifida through standardized urology care
Component C. Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE Protocol)
This project will use a standard urology care plan for young children with spina bifida to help keep their kidneys healthy and reduce urinary problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11400842 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Younger children with spina bifida will follow the UMPIRE urology protocol so care and testing are done the same way across visits. Teams will collect and standardize urology test results, track infections, reflux, and kidney function over time, and share data with other centers. The program supports collaborative research projects and uses those findings to improve clinical care at the hospital. Families can expect regular monitoring and coordinated urologic management aimed at preventing long-term kidney damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children born with spina bifida, especially those with neurogenic bladder or early urologic issues, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Adults, people without spina bifida, or children whose kidneys are already severely damaged are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the risk of kidney damage, reduce urinary tract infections, and improve continence and long-term renal outcomes for children with spina bifida.
How similar studies have performed: Standardized urology programs for children with neurogenic bladder have shown promise in reducing infections and protecting kidney function, though broader implementation of the UMPIRE protocol is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Kathryn a. Navarette — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Smith, Kathryn a. Navarette
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.