Study: Exome Sequencing in Adults with Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome: A Pilot Study.
Protocol (REB:22-66): Single-centre pilot study to investigate the molecular basis of Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) using exome sequencing in affected probands and available first-degree family members. The study aims to identify inherited and de novo disease-causing mutations in genes associated with hematuria and pain syndromes. The objective is to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of LPHS to better understand its pathophysiology and inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Study: Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanism of LPHS (Loin pain-hematuria syndrome) to understand underlying pathophysiology in search for prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Protocol (REB: 18-29): Single-centre pilot study investigating the molecular basis of Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) by comparing LPHS patients (cases) with isolated hematuria (IH) patients (controls). The study will perform comparative exome sequencing and transcriptomic analysis between groups, along with proteomic analysis of renal biopsy, blood, and urine samples. The objective is to identify disease-causing mutations and differentially expressed genes and proteins associated with hematuria and pain in LPHS.
Study: Factors Contributing to Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization among Patients Starting Intermittent Hemodialysis in Regina
Protocol (REB-23-41): Retrospective cohort study of 360 incident adult hemodialysis patients at Regina General Hospital (2018–2022) to evaluate emergency department utilization within the first year of dialysis initiation. ED visits were categorized (none, single, 2–3, >3), and multinomial logistic regression assessed associations with demographic and clinical factors. The study aims to identify modifiable predictors—particularly dialysis non-adherence and vascular access type—to inform targeted interventions and reduce ED use.
Study: Quality improvement project for patients receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Protocol (REB-25-07): Quality improvement study of approximately 100 adult ICU patients with acute kidney injury receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to evaluate current dosing practices and outcomes. The primary endpoint is the proportion achieving a delivered CRRT dose within the KDIGO-recommended range (20–25 mL/kg/hr), with secondary outcomes including ICU mortality, length of stay, filter life, CRRT duration, and 90-day renal recovery. Data on patient characteristics, timing, prescribed versus delivered dose, and anticoagulation will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests to inform optimization of CRRT practices.
Study: Factors Associated with Emergency Department Visits among Peritoneal Dialysis and Home Hemodialysis Patients
Yet to start– Retrospective chart review of adult patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD) in Regina between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, to evaluate emergency department utilization within one year of dialysis initiation. Demographic, clinical, and dialysis-related variables will be analyzed to identify factors associated with ED visits using multivariable logistic regression. The objective is to determine modifiable predictors and common causes of ED visits to improve home dialysis outcomes.
Study: Finerenone and Risk of Hyperkalemia among CKD patients: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Description: Systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines evaluating the incidence of hyperkalemia and treatment discontinuation in adults with chronic kidney disease treated with finerenone. Randomized clinical trials and prespecified post hoc analyses published up to November 2025 were included from PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. The primary outcome was incidence of hyperkalemia, with secondary assessment of treatment discontinuation rates to inform safety and risk stratification in high-risk CKD populations.
Study: Incidence of Semaglutide-associated Diarrhea: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Description: Systematic review conducted per PRISMA 2020 guidelines to quantify the incidence of diarrhea associated with semaglutide use for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults. Randomized controlled trials and prespecified post hoc analyses published up to November 2025 were identified from PubMed and Medline. The primary outcome was the incidence of diarrhea, with subgroup evaluation by dose, formulation (subcutaneous and oral), and study population to inform safety monitoring and patient counseling.
Study: Phenotypic Characteristics and Clinical Presentation of Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome
Protocol (REB-26-15): Observational phenotyping study of patients with Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) to determine whether LPHS represents a single intrinsic kidney disorder or distinct clinical subgroups with differing etiopathogenesis. Building on preliminary analysis of 24 patients, an additional 75 patients will undergo detailed phenotypic and pedigree assessment using an enhanced 84-item questionnaire. The objective is to stratify patients into clinically meaningful subgroups to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Study: Transcriptomic Profiling (RNA-Seq) of LPHS Patients: Pain Attack vs. Pain-Free Phases.
Protocol (REB: 18-29): Single-centre pilot study conducting RNA-seq–based transcriptomic profiling on paired blood samples from six patients with Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS), with one sample collected during an acute pain episode and a second during a pain-free period. The primary objective is to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with the pain state within the same individual. This within-patient comparative approach aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying pain in LPHS and generate targets for future mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
