# Component C. Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE Protocol)

> **NIH ALLCDC U01** · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · 2023 · $25,000

## Abstract

Abstract
The Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young
Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE Protocol) goal is to implement and evaluate a
urologic protocol for young children with spina bifida through the collection of data and
careful study of results, to optimize the long term renal health of these patients. This
proposal aims to: 1) Implement and evaluate the UMPIRE Protocol for young children
with spina bifida, 2) Support standardization of the documentation of urology test
results, 3) Conduct high quality, collaborative research projects with other sites, and 4)
Improve the care and outcomes for SB patients at CHLA. Spina bifida affects about
1600 of the approximately 3.8 million babies born in the country each year, resulting
from incomplete closure of the neural tube and protrusion of the spinal membrane at 28
days gestation, and includes myelomeningocele, lipomeningocele and meningocele. In
myelomeningocele, typical impairments include hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation,
neurogenic bowel, neurogenic bladder, decreased mobility and lack of sensation in
lower extremities, and cognitive dysfunction. Patients with neurogenic bladder are at
high risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections, reflux nephropathy and in
extreme cases if untreated, renal failure. In addition, children with neurogenic bladder
often suffer from significant incontinence of urine that effects social functioning. These
impairments can have significant impact on day-to-day living and can interfere with
school, work and other community activities. Realizing the importance of renal
insufficiency and survival has been pivotal to improved quality of life and life
expectancy. The UMPIRE Protocol is an important vehicle for understanding and
preventing primary and secondary conditions associated with SB, in particular, those
related to renal function. Research resulting from the protocol can help to identify best
practices that can be universally adopted by the community of SB clinics, thereby
leading to improved care for all patients. Achievement of project goals will serve to
increase scientific knowledge about the population through improved clinical care
resulting from identification of best practices through robust research efforts. Our goal
is to improve the care, quality of life, long term health and full inclusion in all elements of
community life for this important population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10652302
- **Project number:** 5U01DD001273-05
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathryn A. Navarette Smith
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** ALLCDC
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $25,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10652302

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10652302, Component C. Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE Protocol) (5U01DD001273-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10652302. Licensed CC0.

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