Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

A Study to Support the Development of the Enhanced Fluid Assessment Tool for Patients With Acute Kidney Injury

This study is looking to create a new and improved way for doctors and nurses to assess fluid levels in hospital patients who suddenly develop kidney problems, known as Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). When kidneys aren't working well, fluid can build up or a patient can become too dry. Knowing the right fluid balance is incredibly important because too much or too little can cause more harm. Currently, checking fluid levels can be tricky and isn't always accurate. This research hopes to find the best methods to measure fluid and then combine them into an easy-to-use tool. The goal is to make sure patients with AKI get the best possible fluid management, helping them recover better.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

120

Start

09 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Acute Kidney Injury

What is this study about?

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) happens when your kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should. This can be caused by things like not drinking enough, having low blood pressure, taking certain medicines, or getting an infection. When your kidneys aren't working properly, harmful waste and too much fluid can build up in your body. It's really important for doctors and nurses to know if you have too much or too little fluid, as both can cause more problems for your kidneys and overall health.

At the moment, checking how much fluid a patient has can be tricky and sometimes isn't very accurate. This means it can be hard for healthcare professionals to decide on the best treatment. This study wants to change that by developing a new and improved way – called an Enhanced Fluid Assessment Tool – to help them measure fluid levels more accurately in patients with AKI.

Firstly, the researchers will look at all the different ways doctors and nurses currently check fluid levels and figure out which ones are most helpful. Then, they'll use this information to choose the very best methods and combine them into a handy new tool. Finally, they'll test this new tool to make sure it's easy to use in hospitals and truly helps healthcare staff make better decisions about a patient's fluid needs.

Key takeaways

The study aims to create a better tool for measuring fluid in patients with sudden kidney problems.
Early and accurate fluid assessment is very important for patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Current methods for checking fluid levels can be inaccurate.
The study involves three main parts: finding useful methods, combining them into a tool, and testing the tool.
A Body Composition Monitor (BCM) will be used to help assess fluid levels.
This research hopes to improve the care for patients with AKI in hospitals.

Who may be eligible?

If you're an adult patient (over 18 years old) who has developed a sudden kidney problem (AKI) within three days of being admitted to hospital, you might be able to take part in some parts of this study. However, there are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join.

For example, you can't take part if you already have long-term kidney failure that needs dialysis, or if you're receiving care at the very end of your life. Also, if you have a pacemaker, that would prevent you from joining because one of the fluid assessment methods used in the study can interfere with pacemakers.

Other reasons you might not be suitable include if your kidney problem started more than three days after being admitted to hospital, if doctors can't find your kidney function test results from before your illness, or if you have a serious heart condition called acute coronary syndrome.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been diagnosed with a sudden kidney problem (AKI) within 3 days of coming to hospital?
Do you *not* have long-term kidney failure that requires dialysis?
Do you *not* currently have a pacemaker?
Are you *not* receiving care at the end of your life?
Have you *not* had a heart attack or similar serious heart condition recently?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This study involves different stages. If you are a patient taking part, it would involve allowing doctors and nurses to use a special device called a Body Composition Monitor (BCM). This device helps measure your body's fluid levels. You would also be asked about any symptoms you're experiencing related to fluid balance. The study is about developing and testing the new tool, so there isn't a specific drug or long-term follow-up beyond your hospital stay for this research.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to the development of a better tool for fluid assessment, which could improve care for all patients with AKI in the future. There are very few direct risks; the Body Composition Monitor is a safe, non-invasive device. However, as with any study, there's always a small chance of unforeseen discomfort. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Lister Hospital
Stevenage, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?

AKI is when your kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should, often because of dehydration or infection.

Why is checking fluid levels important?

Having too much or too little fluid can cause more harm to your kidneys and body, so getting it right is crucial.

What is a Body Composition Monitor (BCM)?

It's a device that helps measure your body's fluid levels, using gentle, undetectable electrical signals that are completely safe.

Will I get any new medicine in this study?

No, this study is about developing a new way to check fluid levels, not about new medicines.

Can I stop being part of the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.