# LURN II: Enhanced Characterization of Patients with LUTS Using Biopsychosocial Approaches

> **NIH NIH U01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $473,821

## Abstract

The Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) was assembled in 2012 to
increase our understanding of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by identifying important subtypes of
patients with LUTS, and improving the measurement of patient experiences of LUTS. The Network's approach
to defining patient subtypes was based on a re-sampling-based consensus clustering approach using self-
reported patient data, resulting in the identification of novel LUTS-based clusters that are statistically and
clinically distinct. The approach to improving the measurement of patient reports of LUTS was to
systematically develop a new, high-quality item bank based on qualitative input from patient, community
participants, internists, urologists, urogynecologists, and clinical researchers. Finally, in order to understand
some of the pathophysiologic basis underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction, biologic information was
obtained and analyzed from patient samples and imaging. After a successful initial 5-year funding cycle,
LURN is prepared to build on the knowledge gained and take the next steps with the following Specific Aims:
1) To test and refine the original clustering model with a cohort including a wider range of symptom severity
and a wider range of physiological measures, 2) To identify protein biomarker signatures contained within
plasma that can be used to identify specific subgroups of men and women with LUTS 3) To determine
phenotypic characteristics of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by measuring the functional
components of the lower urinary tract, 4) To validate a comprehensive outcome tool for men and women with
LUTS, and 5) To determine the role of psychosocial stress – especially adverse childhood experiences – in the
severity and course of LUTS. The LURN II will recruit 1380 patients, stratified by sex. Our site will recruit 1/6
of these participants (N = 230). We have a multi-method approach to phenotyping patients with LUTS, which
will include questionnaires, laboratory tests, mobile apps, and urodynamics of the bladder and urethra. Data
will be analyzed using resampling-based cluster analyses, as well as longitudinal modelling of symptoms over
time. We hypothesize that our biopsychosocial approach to assessing patients with LUTS will yield clinically-
meaningful patient clusters, which in turn can be linked to causal mechanisms as well as treatment options.
Moreover, we hypothesize that modifiable risk factors will be related to the course of LUTS over time, creating
novel avenues for treatment. The impact of this study will lend itself to an improved understanding of the
causes and nature of LUTS, which will set the stage for clinical trials to improve quality of life for these
patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10481846
- **Project number:** 5U01DK097779-10
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** James William Griffith
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $473,821
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2012-09-30 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10481846

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10481846, LURN II: Enhanced Characterization of Patients with LUTS Using Biopsychosocial Approaches (5U01DK097779-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10481846. Licensed CC0.

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