Imaging tiny kidney blood vessels in adults with proteinuria or active urinary sediment using ultrasound localization microscopy
Official title: Characterization of Renal Microvascular Alterations in Patients With Active Urinary Sediment and/or Proteinuria Using Ultrasound Localization Microscopy
Run by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT07469059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will use a special ultrasound method called Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) to see if it can non-invasively show and measure tiny blood vessels in adult kidneys of people with proteinuria or active urinary sediment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07469059 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with proteinuria greater than 1 g/g creatinine and/or active urinary sediment who are already scheduled for a medically indicated kidney biopsy and can safely receive SonoVue.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to SonoVue, or who do not have significant proteinuria or active urinary sediment are unlikely to benefit from this imaging approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational project will image the renal microvascular architecture in adults who have proteinuria and/or active urinary sediment using Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM). Participants are adults already scheduled for a clinically indicated kidney biopsy; ULM imaging is performed non-invasively, typically with a contrast agent (SonoVue), to capture microvascular flow and structure. The ULM images will be compared with clinical and histologic information to characterize microvascular alterations. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and those with a known allergy or contraindication to the contrast agent are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-invasive way to detect and monitor microvascular kidney damage and potentially reduce reliance on invasive biopsies.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical work and some pilot human studies using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and ULM have shown promise for imaging microvessels, but applying ULM to human renal microvasculature remains relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Evidence of active urinary sediment and/or proteinuria \>1 g/g creatinine * Indication for kidney biopsy as part of study-independent diagnostics * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergic disposition to SonoVue® * Contraindication to the use of SonoVue® * Pregnancy * Breastfeeding mothers
Where it's running
-
University Hospital Erlangen
Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ferdinand Knieling, MD, PhD, MHBA
- Email: ferdinand.knieling@uk-erlangen.de
- Phone: 091318533118
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.