Active clinical trials for "Kidney Diseases"

Biomarkers such as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) have been used for the early diagnosis of AKI, although with no definitive results. The investigators explored the association between plasma aging biomakers such as sklotho and contrast induced nephropathy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with contrast injection.

The goal of this study is to find the best techniques to take non-invasive images of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients.

This study will compare the results of a clinically ordered abdominal CT angiography to a research non-contrast MR angiogram (MRA). CTA is a "gold-standard" for identifying blockages in the kidney arteries or other blood vessel problems. CTA requires radiation and contrast to obtain useful images. Conversely, the MR abdomen technique being used for the study uses no radiation or contrast and is felt to be a safer option for individuals who have kidney problems. there is benefit to establishing non-contrast MRA as a clinically accurate test.

Gut microbes can influence numerous aspects of human biology. Alterations in the function and composition of gut microbial flora (gut microbiota ) have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, chronic inflammation, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atopic disorders, cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, and obesity. However, little is known whether renal failure alters the composition of gut microbiota and whether an alteration in the gut microbiota of patients with renal failure impacts on the development of co-morbid conditions such as accelerated atherosclerosis, abnormal bone mineral metabolism, and chronic inflammation that are associated with renal failure. Nonetheless, several lines of evidence suggest that renal failure alters the chemical environment of the intestinal lumen, which could impose a selective pressure on the growth of certain gut microbes. The investigators hypothesize that the gut microbiota of patients with renal failure is different from those without renal failure. To test this hypothesis the investigators are conducting a cross-sectional study of gut microbiota in patients with different degrees of renal failure due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

The purpose of this study is to establish normal Magnetic Resonance quantitative values (tissues stiffness, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient values and Blood Oxygen Level Determination values for both renal cortex and medullary tissues and total renal blood flow) for young Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease patients with normal renal function, and normal young adult controls without Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and normal renal function. Hypothesis: Newer Magnetic Resonance quantitative imaging parameters (tissue stiffness, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient, Blood Oxygen Level Determination levels, Magnetization Transfer and renal blood flow) will have different values in young adult ADPKD patients as compared to normal volunteers.

The National Register of Nephrology in 2007 shows, similarly to the European data, a problem of a high mortality rate among Polish dialysis patients. The main reason of death among chronically dialysis patients are cardio - vascular system diseases. According to "The Report on the Condition of Renal Replacement Therapy in Poland in 2007", these diseases are the cause of 53% deaths in Poland. The patients with chronic kidney disease (PChN) are particularly at risk of cardio - vascular complications. These complications occur on average 30 times more often than in the whole population, and among young dialysis people, these complications occur 300 times more often. In the development of cardio - vascular complications polyunsaturated Omega-3 acids (especially eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA and docosahexaenoic acid - DHA) take a special position. The reaction of polyunsaturated Omega-3 acids on the cardiovascular system results from the enrichment of phospholipids of cell membranes within EPA and DHA. It should be noted that their impact is dependent on the type of acid and on the dose. Docosahexaenoic acid reacts with lipids and lipoproteins, blood pressure, heart rate, amount of glucose, and eicosapentaenoic acid is responsible for antiplatelet effect. This project is aiming at defining and elaborating on the connection between Omega-3 acids, and cardiovascular complications, their influence on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and moreover, a better understanding of the effects of therapeutic and pharmacological therapies in patients at different stages of chronic kidney disease. Carrying out this project will be a good start to shape an international project in this area.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a debilitating condition in which there is a gradual decline of renal function associated with increased overall mortality. Most dietary guidelines for CKD focus on limiting protein intake (nitrogen) and high phosphorus-containing foods. However, increasing dietary fiber has been proposed to increase fecal nitrogen excretion which may ameliorate the progress of CKD. We therefore plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical trials to assess the effect of fiber on urea and creatinine as classical markers of a state of uremia in individuals with CKD. We hypothesize that increasing fiber intakes will improve urea and creatinine levels in individuals with CKD.

Environmental toxins exert damaging health effects in workers. Thousands of responders who worked or volunteered on the World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery effort following the September 11, 2001 attacks suffer from health conditions or may be at increased risk for worsening health. In a pilot study, investigators identified the first evidence of kidney damage in subjects with very high exposure at Ground Zero. Specifically, noted was a preliminary association between the intensity of particulate matter exposure and albuminuria, a marker of early chronic kidney disease (CKD), systemic endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. The long-term goal is to minimize the risk of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals exposed to inhaled toxins. The primary objective of this research is to quantify the risk of kidney damage among first responders to the WTC attack and to determine the relationship to particulate matter exposure as well as determine an association between renal and cardiovascular damage in first responders and to explore potential mechanisms. The central hypothesis is that exposure to inhaled particulate matter causes systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that result in chronic kidney and cardiovascular damage. This hypothesis will be investigated in a subgroup of participants from a previously conducted NIOSH-funded study "Pulmonary Function Abnormalities, Diastolic Dysfunction and WTC Exposure: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment" ("WTC-CHEST," PI Mary Ann McLaughlin). The proposed study will capitalize on unique resources in WTC-CHEST, including the standardized collection of data on particulate matter exposure and shared risk factors for CKD and cardiovascular disease, and cardiopulmonary function testing. The output from this proposal is anticipated to have a broad impact on understanding the health effects of inhaled particulate matter.

The aim of this study is to evaluate quality of life (QOL) and depression in peritoneal dialysis patients compare to hemodialysis patients and assess hydration effect on QOL and depression over time.

There were 2 study periods in this study. In the Period 1, CP-690,550 was to be administered approximately 1 to 2 hours following hemodialysis. If significant non-renal clearance of the drug occurred such that dialyzability of CP-690,550 could not be assessed in Period 1, a second period (Period 2) will be conducted. In Period 2, a single dose of drug will be administered approximately 4 hours prior to hemodialysis.