UnknownNot Applicable

Haemodialysis fMRI Salt Appetite Study

United Kingdom90 participantsStarted 2020-02-17

Plain-language summary

1. Assessing how the rapid removal of salt and water by haemodialysis alters regional brain activity (by measurement of the brain blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal using functional MRI) during tasting of soup of differing salt concentrations. 2. Identify differences in the brain response to salt taste pre- and post-haemodialysis between haemodialysis patients who are either able or unable to control between dialysis weight gain

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

MALE

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

. Main phase 2: \>4 %IDWG
. Main phase 3: \<4 or \>4 %IDWG

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.

1This study involves MRI brain scans before and after a dialysis session while tasting soups with different salt levels — how physically demanding would that timing be for me, given how I usually feel right before and right after dialysis?
2The trial is measuring brain activity related to salt craving, not testing a new treatment — so would joining this study have any direct benefit for managing my fluid or salt intake, or is it purely observational research?
3Since this study focuses on excess fluid gained between dialysis sessions, does my own pattern of interdialytic weight gain make me a potentially relevant candidate to even discuss with you?
4The recruitment status for this trial is listed as unknown — do you know whether this study is still actively enrolling patients, and if not, are there similar studies looking at salt appetite or fluid management in dialysis patients that might be open?
5Because this is a brain imaging study rather than a treatment trial, are there any concerns about the MRI procedure itself given my kidney disease or any other health factors I have?

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

Change in regional brain BOLD signal during tasting of soup of differing salt concentrations (vs. artificial saliva) pre dialysis session verse post dialysis session

Timeframe: 1 week (maximal time between pre and post dialysis scan)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04011254

SponsorImperial College London

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-31

Contact for this trial

Eleanor C Sandhu, MBBS

02033133980 eleanor.sandhu@nhs.net

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dialysis trials

Plain-language summary