Identifying Therapeutic Hemodialysis Targets Through Cerebrovascular Reactivity; RESPIRACT 2
Canada37 participantsStarted 2023-05-20
Plain-language summary
Patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis (HD) suffer from higher rates of brain vascular disease and decreased cognition than the general population. One way to assess brain vascular health and response to HD stress, is to test how the brain's blood flow responds to carbon dioxide (CO2) to measure Cerebrovascular Reactivity (CVR). In this study, the investigators will compare the magnitude and speed of the brain's blood flow response to a step-wise change in CO2 with hemodynamic, dialysis, and cognitive parameters. The goal of the study is to establish therapeutic targets that can be altered during the dialysis procedure to protect the brain from HD stress.
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:
* Patients ≥ 18 years old, receiving hemodialysis treatment at least 3 times per week at a London Health Sciences Centre facility
* English proficiency
Exclusion Criteria:
* Mental incapacity to consent
* Declined to participate
* Severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) /Asthma
* History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke, transient ischemic attack)
* Previous neurosurgery
* History of carotid stenosis or carotid surgery
* History of vasculitis
* Documented Dementia
* Pregnancy
* Not fluent in English
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
1
Baseline RespirAct measurement Pre Dialysis Weekday Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment before HD treatment
2
RespirAct measurement Post Dialysis Weekday Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment after HD treatment
3
Baseline RespirAct measurement Pre Dialysis Weekend Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment before HD treatment
4
RespirAct measurement Post Dialysis Weekend Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment after HD treatment
5
Baseline Doppler measurement Pre Dialysis Weekday Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment before HD treatment
6
Doppler measurement Post Dialysis Weekday Treatment
Timeframe: 20 minutes to complete the assessment before HD treatment
7
Baseline Doppler measurement Pre Dialysis Weekend Treatment
Trial details
NCT IDNCT05445219
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's