Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Mediators of Loin Pain in IgA Nephropathy

This study investigates why some people with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney condition, experience pain in their back, often called loin pain. Even though this pain is common, doctors don't fully understand its cause, and current treatments don't always work well. The research aims to find out if there are specific changes in the kidneys, urine, or blood when people with IgAN have loin pain. Participants will undergo MRI scans of their kidneys and provide blood and urine samples. If they experience pain, these tests will be done while they are in pain and again when they are pain-free. By comparing the results, scientists hope to learn more about this pain and eventually develop more effective treatments.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

20 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

02 Jun 2028

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

What is this study about?

If you have IgA nephropathy (IgAN), you might sometimes experience discomfort or pain in your side or lower back, often called loin pain. While this pain can be quite bothersome, doctors don't fully understand why it happens in people with IgAN. This makes it tricky to treat effectively, and sometimes the usual pain medications don't offer much relief.

This study, called an 'observational study,' isn't testing a new treatment. Instead, it's designed to carefully watch and learn about what happens in the bodies of people with IgAN, specifically those who experience loin pain. Researchers want to see if there are any clear changes in the kidneys themselves, or in the blood and urine, when someone is having a pain episode compared to when they are pain-free. They will use special scans and tests to look closely at these differences.

The main idea is that by understanding what's going on behind the scenes when loin pain occurs, doctors might be able to develop better, more focused treatments in the future. It could also help them understand what this pain might mean for the overall health of the kidneys in people with IgAN. So, this research is a step towards improving care for those living with IgAN and loin pain.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand why people with IgAN get loin pain.
It involves MRI scans, blood, and urine tests.
Comparisons will be made between pain episodes and pain-free times.
The goal is to help develop better treatments for loin pain in IgAN.
It's an observational study, not a treatment trial.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) through a kidney biopsy.

There are two groups being recruited: * **Group A** is for people who experience loin pain at least once every six months. You must be able to tell the difference between this loin pain and general back pain. * **Group B** is for people who have IgAN but have never experienced loin pain.

You cannot take part if you have constant loin pain, rarely get loin pain (not in the last 6 months), have other serious kidney diseases, or are currently taking immune-suppressing medicines like steroids or certain other anti-inflammatory drugs. If you've had a kidney transplant, are on dialysis, or are already in another study that might affect your kidney health, you also won't be able to join. Finally, if you have medical implants that aren't safe for an MRI scan (like some pacemakers or certain metal clips), you cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a kidney biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN)?
If you get loin pain, do you usually get it at least every 6 months?
Can you have an MRI (do not have non-MRI-safe metal implants or severe claustrophobia)?
Are you currently NOT on dialysis or haven't had a kidney transplant?
Are you NOT taking strong immune-suppressing medications like steroids for your kidney condition?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several steps. You'll have an MRI scan of your kidneys, which is a special type of scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures without using X-rays. You will also provide samples of your blood and urine for analysis. The researchers will also look at your most recent kidney function test results.

If you're in the group that experiences loin pain (Group A), these assessments will be done when you are having a pain episode and then again when you are pain-free. This allows researchers to compare the changes. The study aims to understand what's happening during these pain periods. The total duration of your participation will depend on how quickly a pain episode and pain-free period occur, but the study visits themselves are designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health, as it's observational and not testing a new treatment. However, your involvement will provide vital information that could help doctors better understand IgAN and potential new pain treatments in the future. The main risks are generally low, mainly related to giving blood samples (like a small bruise) and undergoing an MRI scan, which is usually very safe but might not be suitable for people with certain metal implants or claustrophobia. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospitals of Leicester
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'loin pain'?

Loin pain is discomfort or pain felt in your side or lower back, around where your kidneys are located.

What is IgA nephropathy (IgAN)?

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disease where a certain antibody (IgA) builds up in the kidneys, which can cause them damage over time.

Will I get a new treatment in this study?

No, this study is 'observational,' meaning it's about understanding the disease better, not testing new medications. You'll continue with your usual medical care.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a safe scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, without using radiation.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time you wish, and it will not affect your routine medical treatment or care.

How to find out more

Postgraduate Researcher

ik186@leicester.ac.uk +447539398535 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.