Investigating how kidney disorders affect bone health

The Impact of Glomerular Disorders on Bone Quality and Strength

Observational Columbia University · NCT04528446

This study is trying to see how kidney problems affect bone health in children and adults to find ways to prevent fractures and improve bone strength.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04528446 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to understand the impact of glomerular disease on bone strength and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to impaired bone health. It will involve children and adults diagnosed with glomerular disease, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and biological assessments to evaluate bone quality. The study seeks to identify modifiable risk factors that could lead to strategies for reducing fractures and other skeletal complications in these patients. By leveraging existing cohort data and health system resources, this research represents a significant step in addressing the skeletal fragility associated with kidney disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 5 to 55 years with a diagnosis of glomerular disease who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Not a fit: Patients on chronic dialysis, those who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or individuals with certain malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing fractures and enhancing bone health in patients with glomerular disease.

How similar studies have performed: While this study is among the first to prospectively assess bone quality in glomerular disease, previous studies have indicated a significant association between kidney disorders and increased fracture risk, suggesting a foundation for potential success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for participants with glomerular disease:

1. CureGN participant or CureGN Eligible

   CureGN eligible is defined as having a diagnosis of Glomerulonephropathy (GN). Patients would otherwise be enrolled in be in CureGN study, except for lacking a minor entry criteria, such as:
   1. First diagnostic kidney biopsy within 5 years of CureGN study enrollment
   2. Access to first kidney biopsy report and/or slides or not being interested in study participation.
2. Males or females 5 to 55 years (premenopausal for women)
3. Females must have a negative urine/serum pregnancy test
4. Stable doses of nutritional vitamin D or active vitamin D therapy for at least 3 months before enrollment ((if on either form of Vitamin D)
5. Consent/Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) and if appropriate, child assent

Exclusion Criteria for all participants

1. Chronic Dialysis
2. Solid organ transplantation
3. Lower extremity amputations or non-ambulatory
4. Malignancy requiring chemotherapy or metastatic to bone
5. Metabolic bone disease (e.g., Paget's disease, primary hyperparathyroidism)
6. Endocrinopathy (current hyperthyroidism or untreated hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome)
7. Medical diseases (end stage liver disease, heart or lung disease, intestinal malabsorption)
8. Those treated with bisphosphonates, teriparatide, calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators, estrogen, or phenytoin in the past 12 months
9. Previous bilateral wrist and tibia fractures
10. Pregnant or lactating females
11. Parents/guardians or participants who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Glomerular DiseaseBone Diseases, MetabolicBone FractureKidney Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.