CompletedNot Applicable

Preterm Infants and Nephrocalcinosis

United States56 participantsStarted 2015-04

Plain-language summary

Nephrocalcinosis (NC), defined as calcification of renal tissue, has been reported to occur in 7-41% of premature infants. Causes of NC are likely multi-factorial, and infants born prematurely and with very low birth weight (\<1500 gm) seem to be at the highest risk of developing NC. Recent changes in recommendations for nutrition for the preterm infant such as higher intakes of protein, calcium, and vitamin D may also play a factor in the pathogenesis of NC. Currently, diagnosis of NC often occurs incidentally during ultrasound evaluation for other issues. Because there is no acute symptom or pattern of symptoms in the preterm population associated specifically with NC, it is possible that many cases of NC may not be diagnosed. Presently, it is impractical and costly to screen all infants for NC with renal ultrasound, therefore there is no standard of care regarding screening for NC. NC may have long-term effects. Studies have shown that preterm infants with NC had shorter kidneys and a lower rate of tubule resorption of phosphorus (TRP) than preterm infants without NC. This study will analyze weekly urinalysis for all enrolled subjects prospectively and then look at the incidence of NC at discharge of the enrolled subjects.

Who can participate

Age range

2 Weeks

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Infants whose gestation less than or equal to 32 weeks and/or birth weights less than 1800 gm Exclusion Criteria: * Infants with congenital abnormalities of the heart, lung, GI, or kidneys that will affect renal function.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Urinary calcium to creatinine ratio (UCa/Cr)

Timeframe: 3 months

Urinary crystals

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02438267

SponsorUniversity of Utah

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2017-01

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