Active clinical trials for "Kidney Diseases"

In this study, the investigators will evaluate whether CD4+ TCM producing effector cytokines can be distinguished on the basis of their expression of the IL-7 receptor alpha-chain (CD127). Using CD154 production as a marker of Ag-specific CD4+ T cells, the investigators will also test the hypothesis that the phenotype and function of TCM are influenced by the type of Ag they recognize. TCM specific for two cleared protein Ag, tetanus toxoïd (TT) and hepatitis B surface (HBs), inducing an early stage of CD4+ T cell differentiation will be compared to TCM specific for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a persistent virus inducing an advanced stage of CD4+ T cell differentiation. The primary endpoint is to demonstrate in uremic patients who will begin chronic HD and in patients already chronically hemodialyzed any improvement in CD4+ T cell function ex vivo and in vitro. These analyzes will focus on memory T-cell subsets (i.e. Th17 and Tregs population) using HCO membranes or polyamide dialyzers. The secondary endpoint is a clinical one, namely, to show any improvement in T cell response to HB and TT vaccination (blood antibody titers).

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect and safety of Sulodexide in Filipino patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

The objective of this study is to examine the effect on allograft function and histology of converting African American renal transplant recipients with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) from a tacrolimus-based regimen to a sirolimus-based maintenance immunosuppression regimen. The investigators hypothesize that the conversion from tacrolimus to sirolimus in African American renal recipients will stabilize or improve renal allograft function, and stabilize the histological progression of CAN. This conversion will have the potential to prolong long-term graft survival in African American renal transplant patients. GFR measurements, histological parameters on the allograft biopsy, as well as patient and graft survival, incidence of acute rejection, and specific side effects will be monitored and compared between the sirolimus conversion group and the patients who will be maintained on tacrolimus.

The investigators will study 2 separate groups: Cardiology patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography +/- PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention). Patients undergoing CT examination with contrast medium. All patients will receive intravenous (I.V) hydration for 8-12h before and 36 to 48 h after angiography with 0.45% saline 100ml/h. All patients will receive oral N-acetyl cysteine 1200 mg twice daily, a day before, on the day of the angiography and for another 48 hours. In addition, patients will be assigned to receive oral pentoxyphylline (P group) or placebo (C - control group) tablets 3 times a day one day before, on the day of the procedure and for another 48 hours. Baseline Serum Creatinine (S.Cr) levels in will be taken before angiography and two days after angiography. Radio-contrast nephropathy is defined, in this study, as increase in serum ≥ 25 % of baseline after injection of the radio-contrast agent. Pentoxyfylline is an orally active haemorheological agent for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and a number of other conditions involving a defective regional microcirculation. Pentoxyfylline acts primarily by increasing red blood cell deformability, by reducing blood viscosity and by decreasing the potential for platelet aggregation and thrombus formation (mechanism unclear). Pentoxyfylline has also proven to have a significant anti inflammatory effect as well as anti oxidant effect, mechanisms considered to be important patho-physiological causes of contrast induced nephropathy.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) have been shown to have immunosuppressive and repairing properties. the investigators will infuse expanded MSC into patients who develop Chronic Allograft Nephropathy. The purpose of this study is to find out MSC is more effective in preventing organ rejection and maintaining kidney function.

Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a uremic toxin that accelerates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). AST-120 (Kremezin®; Kureha Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) removes indole, which is the precursor of IS, in the intestine, and reduces the accumulation of IS. This drug has been shown to retard the deterioration of renal function in CKD patients through reducing the levels of IS. IS was reported to promote aortic calcification and stimulate the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). IS also inhibits endothelial proliferation and wound repair. With this background, the investigators will performed the study whether AST-120 improve the endothelial dysfunction in CKD patients.

To observe the effect of intensive medical treatment for type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension: to discover whether or not intensive medical treatment improves proteinuria, and the difference between the clinical meaning of responder and non-responder (criteria: 50% reduced proteinuria continuing 6 months or more during the observation period.)

MTR107 effect on blood pressure throught the dialysis procedure and its ability to prevent Intra dialytic Hypotension

This is a prospective, observational, multi-center study with consecutive enrollment. Up to 500 patients will be enrolled. All (consecutive) adult patients in whom one or more components of the Benephit Infusion System are planned to be used at participating sites are eligible for enrollment. The objective of this post-marketing surveillance study is to collect clinical usage patterns of the Benephit Infusion Systems. As a result, AngioDynamics will be able to (1) Better understand and quantify usage patterns including patient characteristics, adjunctive procedures, and infusion agents, (2) Collect user-interface information and overall customer satisfaction, and (3) Monitor post-marketing device performance and safety for ISO quality adherence.

Activation of renin-angiotensin plays a crucial role diabetic nephropathy. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and Angiotensin I receptor blocker (ARB) has been shown renoprotection whether it was used alone or in combination. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor (DRI) that has shown renal benefits and safety when combined with ARB. However, to date, the safety of add on aliskiren to the combination treatment of ACEI and ARB in diabetic nephropathy patients remains to elucidate.