Researchers in NYU Langone’s Division of Pediatric Nephrology work to improve treatments for kidney disease and hypertension and to develop precision medicine treatments for glomerular disease and kidney injury in children and adolescents.

Investigators in the division are conducting observational cohort studies of children with glomerular disease and studying the impact of environmental chemicals on the progression of kidney disease.

The division’s research activities include studies of the effect of a gluten-free diet on difficult-to-manage nephrotic syndrome. Researchers are also developing a platform clinical trial of precision medicine–based treatments for children and adolescents with glomerular disease. Additionally, they are researching biomarkers to assess the onset and severity of acute kidney injury.

Researchers in the division serve as principal investigators for the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network for Children (cNEPTUNE) precision medicine clinical trials for baseline immunosuppression exposure, as well as the Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) prospective observational cohort study. The division maintains industry partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to develop precision medications for glomerular disease.

The pediatric nephrology team is building a clinical program for pediatric kidney transplant in patients who weigh more than 25 kg, or 55 lb. They are working to improve environmental health literacy as a prelude to a clinical trial focusing on reducing chemical exposure and improving outcomes.

The division collaborates with other departments and divisions at NYU Langone to improve the health of children with glomerular disease. Division experts are partnering with the Division of General Pediatrics and the Department of Population Health on a survey study that examines the effects of engaging families and patients in research. The division is also working with the Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute to engage families in clinical research at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street.

Together with pediatric endocrinologists and child and adolescent psychologists, division researchers study the impact of kidney disease on families to provide better treatments and an improved quality of life.