CompletedNot Applicable

Modulation of Tissue Sodium in Hemodialysis Patients

Germany10 participantsStarted 2018-05-15

Plain-language summary

Salt (NaCl) intake is implicated in causing hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the commonest cause of death worldwide. The investigators recently established that Na+ is stored in tissues, bound to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in skin and muscle. The resulting local hypertonicity leads to immune cell-driven induction of local tissue electrolyte clearance via modulation of cutaneous lymph capillary density. To visualize these complex processes in man directly, the investigators established Na+ magnetic resonance imaging (23Na-MRI) and investigated Na+ stores in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hemodialysis patients were sodium-"overloaded" and HD treatment lowered tissue Na+ stores in this study. The observed effects were highly variable and independent of Na+ or water removal from the body during a dialysis session. Tissue Na+ mobilization correlated with circulating vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C). The investigators believe that excessive Na+ storage is a reversible condition and therefore susceptible for therapeutic interventions. The investigators hypothesize that lowering dialysate Na+ concentration may favorably affect accelerated tissue Na+ accumulation in hemodialysis patients. Besides, improved tissue Na+ storage, osmostress-induced as well as pro-inflammatory immune cell response should be affected by such a revised dialysis management.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5D, hemodialysis performed for at least 6 months, three times hemodialysis per week, signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy, severe heart failure (NYHA III - IV), severe liver disease (CHILD C), acute infection, pacemaker or other non-MRI suitable conditions, hyponatremia \< 132 mmol/l

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Tissue sodium content

Timeframe: 14 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03525223

SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-09-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Kidney Disease Requiring Chronic Dialysis trials