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Recruiting NCT05588063

NCT05588063 taVNS for FRNS in Children

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT05588063
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor Northwell Health
Condition Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 30 participants
Start Date 2023-01-05
Primary Completion 2027-03-01

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 3 Years
Max Age 17 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulationSham device

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2023-01-05 with a primary completion date of 2027-03-01.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) are exposed to prolonged courses of steroids and other immunosuppressant medications. Given the adverse side effect profiles and variable efficacy of these medications, there is an urgent need to identify novel and safe therapies to treat nephrotic syndrome in children. Stimulation of the vagus nerve, which can be activated non invasively by transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), has immunomodulatory effects mediated by the inflammatory reflex and spleen. taVNS has become a therapy of interest for treating chronic immune mediated illnesses. The aims of the study are (1) To determine the feasibility of protocol implementation and tolerability of taVNS in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children (2) To establish proof-of-concept and generate statistical estimates of variance parameters and effect sizes for treatment response outcomes in children with nephrotic syndrome randomized to taVNS therapy compared with sham therapy (3) To investigate the effects of taVNS on inflammatory markers in children with nephrotic syndrome.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * FRNS * Age 3-17 years * Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 ml/min/1.73 m2 * Minimal change disease (MCD) or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) diagnosis (clinical diagnosis or per biopsy) * Steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (prior history of remission within 4 weeks of steroid therapy) * In remission at time of enrollment (remission defined as UPC \<0.2 or negative dipstick for 3 consecutive days) * Informed consent from the parent or guardian and assent from a minor of ≥ 7. years Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary forms of nephrotic syndrome * SRNS * Steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (relapse within 14 days of stopping steroids or relapse while on steroids) * Exposure to steroids within 14 days of enrollment * Receiving any standing immunosuppression (previous exposure \> 2 months allowed and/or B cell repletion) * Any known inflammatory condition (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosis) * History of cardiac disease (arrhythmias, structural/functional abnormalities) * Implantable electronic devices * Pregnancy * Participants/guardians or participants who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Christine B Sethna, MD, EdM

✉ csethna@northwell.edu

📞 718-470-3491

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT05588063 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 3 Years or older, up to 17 Years, studying Nephrotic Syndrome in Children. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT05588063 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT05588063 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at csethna@northwell.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT05588063 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at New Hyde Park, United States, Philadelphia, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT05588063 clinical trial?

NCT05588063 is sponsored by Northwell Health. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: April 2026  ·  Data Methodology