AWAKEN 2.0 Study (Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Injury Epidemiology in Neonates)
The AWAKEN 2.0 Study is a large, multicenter, multinational collaboration designed to expand and modernize global understanding of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI). Building on the original AWAKEN study, this project includes over 100 NICUs across more than 30 countries to assess the incidence, risk factors, and short- and long-term outcomes of AKI in hospitalized neonates. The goal of AWAKEN 2.0 is to inform evidence-based clinical practices, improve kidney health monitoring of NICU graduates, and establish a foundation for future interventional studies. AWAKEN 2.0 is funded and supported by the Burroughs Trust, the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative, and PNRC-ESPN.
FIGHT Study (Febrile Infections as a Glomerular Health Threat)
The FIGHT Study evaluates how febrile urinary tract infections and treatment strategies affect long-term kidney health in children with vesicoureteral reflux. Using pragmatic, multicenter clinical data and long-term follow-up, the study compares outcomes between antibiotic prophylaxis and observation while also examining kidney health in adolescents and young adults with prior VUR. Patient and caregiver perspectives are integrated to support patient-centered communication and management strategies that reduce chronic kidney disease risk.
MAP-BPD Study (Molecular Angiogenesis Patterns in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia)
The MAP-BPD Study is a prospective study examining how angiogenesis-related biomarkers are associated with the development of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. The study tests the hypothesis that infants who develop acute kidney injury and severe BPD demonstrate distinct longitudinal patterns of angiogenesis compared with those without significant lung disease. By integrating clinical, demographic, and biomarker data related to kidney function, lung disease, and fluid status, this work aims to improve early identification of infants at highest risk for severe BPD and related complications.
Improving Measurement of Neonatal High Blood Pressure using the Boppli Device
This study evaluates the accuracy and clinical utility of a novel, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring device (Boppli™) in neonates cared for in the NICU. In the first phase, the study compares Boppli™ measurements with standard cuff blood pressures to validate device performance across clinically relevant blood pressure ranges in infants weighing less than 5 kg. If validated, the study will assess the device’s ability to identify neonatal hypertension in infants with persistently elevated blood pressures and evaluate parent, provider, and nursing satisfaction with cuff-free monitoring.
Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury Biorepository
The Acute Kidney Injury Biorepository is a longitudinal collection of biologic samples from neonates with AKI. This resource supports translational research aimed at identifying novel biomarkers, understanding mechanisms of kidney injury, and linking early biologic signals to long-term clinical outcomes. The biorepository serves as a shared platform for collaborative studies focused on advancing precision medicine in pediatric kidney health.
