STARRS-Steroids To Actively Reduce Renal Scarring

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of a child ages 3 months to 6 years with a first urinary tract infection (UTI)? If so, your child may be able to participate in a research study to find out if anti-inflammatory medicine can prevent scarring of the kidneys. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a common infection in children. While most UTIs are not serious, about 1 in 7 children with a UTI will develop kidney damage (scarring). Scarring to the kidney can be caused by the swelling (inflammation) and irritation that comes with an infection. The purpose of this study is to find out if kidney scarring in children with UTIs can be decreased or prevented by using a steroid medication called dexamethasone that prevents inflammation. Dexamethasone is approved by the FDA for use in children and is used often for treating children with asthma or croup, but not approved specifically to prevent inflammation or scarring in the kidneys.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 3 months to 6 years
• No antibiotics in the last 7 days
• Not allergic to dexamethasone

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation involves 3 visits and multiple phone calls over 6 months. Your child’s doctor will treat your child’s UTI in the usual way with antibiotics. In addition, your child will be assigned by chance, like the flip of a coin, to receive either dexamethasone or placebo. The placebo looks and tastes just like dexamethasone but does not contain any dexamethasone.