Overview

About this study

We hypothesize that clinical studies to investigate the role of individual proteins in kidney stone pathogenesis have likely been confounded by an unknown variety of underlying renal pathologies. Therefore, we propose to examine urinary protein crystallization inhibitors in patient populations that have been carefully phenotyped relative to renal stone precursor lesions by direct endoscopic visualization. In collaboration with Project #1, our second major goal is to use these accurately phenotyped patients in order to adapt modern dual-energy CT technology to develop a reliable noninvasive technique to accurately and noninvasively determine stone composition and visualize the earliest kidney stone precursor lesions. Our long-term goal is to improve CT technology so that it can be used to allow large-scale clinical protocols of accurately phenotyped, hence, homogeneous, patient populations.

In a subset we will sample sterile stone, dental plaque, blood and urine samples for detailed microbiome analysis in order to determine the contribution of micro organisms to stone pathogensis.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

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