Using non-invasive nerve stimulation to treat nephrotic syndrome in children
Official title: A Pilot Study of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-10896271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, gentle way to help children with nephrotic syndrome who often have flare-ups or don’t get better with steroids, using a method that stimulates a nerve in the ear to help calm their immune system and reduce inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $323,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131091-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 17 years diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, especially those with frequent relapses or steroid-resistant cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have nephrotic syndrome or those who are older than 17 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a potential treatment for children suffering from nephrotic syndrome, particularly those who frequently relapse or do not respond to steroid therapy. The approach involves non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. By conducting pilot trials, the researchers aim to assess the feasibility and tolerability of this treatment, which could lead to a larger clinical trial in the future. The ultimate goal is to provide a safer alternative to current immunosuppressive medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel and safer treatment option for children with nephrotic syndrome, potentially reducing their reliance on steroids and other immunosuppressants.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of taVNS is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies in other chronic immune-mediated conditions have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this application.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sethna, Christine B — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Sethna, Christine B
Related research
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This work looks at whether proteins that control calcineurin can be used to make better tests and more precise treatments for people with nephrotic syndrome.
-
Investigating the role of a specific protein in childhood kidney disease
This study is looking at how a protein called CD93 might affect kidney health in children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome, and by examining blood and urine samples, researchers hope to find clues that could help doctors better understand and treat this condition.
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.