Using ultrasound to visualize kidney issues in children with congenital anomalies

Non-invasive Evaluation of Kidneys in Patient With Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) Using Ultrasound Localization Microscopy

Observational University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT06921733

This study is testing if special ultrasound techniques can help doctors see kidney problems in children with birth defects affecting their kidneys and urinary tract.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages0 Months to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT06921733 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to non-invasively visualize kidney perfusion and microvascularization in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) using Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) and Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS). CAKUT affects a significant number of newborns and can lead to severe health complications, including chronic kidney failure. The study seeks to identify reliable biomarkers for assessing kidney function and damage in young patients, which are currently lacking. By improving the understanding of kidney development and damage in these patients, the study hopes to enhance clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants and young children aged 1 month to 6 years diagnosed with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or those who cannot provide consent from a parent or legal guardian may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to better assess kidney function and predict chronic kidney injury in children with CAKUT.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in the field of kidney imaging, this specific approach using ULM and CEUS in CAKUT patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Minimum Age 1 Month Maximum Age 6 Years Indication for MAG3 Scintigraphy of the Kidney Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract Obstruction Diagnosis Availability of the qualified examiner Consent of the parents/legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

Lack of consent of at least one parent

Where this trial is running

Erlangen, Bavaria

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 Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary TractLower Urinary Tract Obstruction, CongenitalUreteropelvic Junction ObstructionHydronephrosis Congenital
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.