Pediatric Kidney Therapy Data Will Be Shared in Houston
Experts will gather in Houston this October to discuss recent clinical findings regarding a device for acute kidney injury.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Children’s Health
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At the 2026 PPETS conference held at Texas Children's Hospital from October 6 to 8, Kevin Chung will present new clinical data on the QUELIMMUNE device. This therapy, which received FDA approval in February 2024, is designed to support pediatric patients experiencing acute kidney injury.
Why it matters
The conference allows specialists to examine innovations in extracorporeal therapy, potentially improving survival outcomes for children with severe kidney complications. Sharing these findings is a critical step in assessing how new interventions can effectively bridge gaps in pediatric intensive care.
Clinical observations from a 21-patient pediatric registry and a 339-participant adult NEUTRALIZE-AKI trial form the basis of current findings. Data indicate a 77% survival rate, though these results are subject to ongoing validation.
The players
Kevin Chung
Chief Medical Officer of SeaStar Medical who will present new clinical data at the conference.
SeaStar Medical
A medical technology company focused on developing therapies that target the immune system to treat acute kidney injury.
Texas Children's Hospital
The Houston-based medical institution serving as the host for the 2026 PPETS conference.
The details
The QUELIMMUNE system functions by neutralizing over-active immune cells, which helps stop the damaging cytokine storms often associated with severe inflammation. The therapy is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing continuous renal replacement therapy systems, providing a targeted approach to managing organ failure in critically ill patients.
Timeline
February 2024: QUELIMMUNE received FDA Humanitarian Device Exemption approval.
February 2026: The SAVE Registry data were published in Pediatric Nephrology.
October 6-8, 2026: The PPETS conference occurs at Texas Children's Hospital.
October 6, 2026: Kevin Chung is scheduled to present at 8:30 am CDT.
Health Landscape
The 2026 PPETS conference marks a focal point for the evolution of extracorporeal support in pediatric medicine. It builds upon established standard-of-care practices by vetting new interventions intended to mitigate the immune-driven complications of organ failure.
Families managing chronic or acute kidney conditions should discuss the latest developments in extracorporeal therapies with their pediatric nephrologist. Understanding the role of immune-modulating treatments can help you ask informed questions about care options available during intensive recovery.
The takeaway
Advancements in immune-neutralizing therapy show promise for improving survival and organ function in pediatric cases of acute kidney injury. Keep track of updates regarding device-based interventions and discuss relevant innovations with your physician to ensure you are aware of current care options.
Further reading
For broader insights on advances in pediatric care, visit our Children’s Health section.
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Will advancements in medical device technology reliably lower mortality rates for patients?
