About PITHIA
We are continuing the work of the PITHIA trial by developing digital tools for donor kidney biopsy assessment.
The original study
The Pre-Implantation Trial of Histopathology In renal Allografts investigated a national service for urgent kidney biopsy assessment before transplantation.
The study asked whether access to this service could increase the use of kidneys from older deceased donors and improve transplant outcomes. Digital slides allowed renal pathologists to assess tissue remotely, without being at the hospital processing the biopsy.
Patients’ concerns about differences in access to transplantation influenced the trial design: participating centres would all eventually receive access to the service.
The trial is now complete.
Clinical leads
Gavin Pettigrew
Gavin is based at the University of Cambridge and was chief investigator of the original PITHIA trial. He is co-leading the current project.
Tobi Ayorinde
Tobi is based at University College London. He wrote the original PITHIA study protocol and helped implement the trial. He is co-leading development of the software and its evaluation with clinical users.
Current work
We are preparing the software for testing with clinical users. Their feedback will help us assess the model outputs and understand how the tools fit into biopsy review.
The longer-term aim is to support timely specialist assessment of donor kidneys across the UK.