RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

MEMRI and Kidney Disease

This study aims to discover if a unique type of MRI scan, called MEMRI, can help doctors predict which patients with kidney problems might develop longer-term heart issues or ongoing kidney disease. Kidney damage, whether from sudden injury (AKI), a kidney transplant, or conditions like vasculitis, can sometimes lead to heart problems and chronic kidney disease. Currently, there isn't a good test to identify these at-risk individuals early on. MEMRI uses a safe substance (manganese) that helps special MRI scans show how your heart and kidneys are working at a cellular level. By understanding these processes better, researchers hope to find new ways to help patients with kidney conditions avoid future health complications.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

120

Start

07 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

07 Nov 2029

Acute Kidney Injury Kidney Transplant Vasculitis Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD)

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at how problems with your kidneys might affect your heart. When kidneys are damaged, whether it's a sudden injury, a kidney transplant, or conditions like vasculitis, it can sometimes lead to serious heart problems and long-term kidney disease. Currently, we don't have a reliable way to predict which patients with kidney issues will go on to develop these complications. This means it's hard to give them the right preventative care early enough.

The study uses a special type of MRI scan called MEMRI. MRI scans use strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body without using X-rays. For MEMRI, a small amount of manganese is given, which is a bit like calcium. This manganese helps the MRI scan show how well your heart and kidney cells are working. The researchers want to see if changes shown on these MEMRI scans can act as an early warning sign for heart and kidney problems.

By understanding these early signs, doctors might be able to identify patients at higher risk sooner. This could lead to better treatments and ways to prevent serious health issues, ultimately improving the health and well-being of people with kidney conditions. The study is also looking at whether these cellular changes improve when kidney injuries get better, or if they continue in those who go on to develop chronic kidney disease or heart problems.

Key takeaways

The study investigates a new MRI technique (MEMRI) for kidney patients.
It aims to find early signs of heart and long-term kidney problems.
Manganese helps the MRI show how heart and kidney cells work.
Your participation could help doctors predict future health risks for patients.
The study includes various kidney conditions like sudden injury, transplants, and vasculitis.
Participation involves special MRI scans, blood, and urine tests.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be 18 years old or older and be able to understand and sign a consent form. If you're a woman, you must not be pregnant or breastfeeding; you'll have a pregnancy test if needed.

The study is looking for specific groups of people. This includes those with a recent sudden kidney injury, people who have had stable long-term kidney disease for at least six months, and individuals with new or returning vasculitis (a condition causing inflammation of blood vessels) that affects their kidneys. They are also looking for people who have recently had a kidney transplant or have experienced kidney transplant rejection.

There are also reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have certain types of metal implants that aren't safe for an MRI, or if you have a kidney condition called polycystic kidney disease. You also can't participate if you're in critical care, on a surgical ward, or taking certain heart medications.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?
Do you have a sudden kidney injury, long-term kidney disease, vasculitis affecting your kidneys, or a recent kidney transplant?
Are you able to have an MRI (no metal implants unsafe for MRI)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you not in critical care or on a surgical ward?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have several assessments. These will include MRI scans, blood tests, urine tests, and checks on your heart health. The MRI scans will include a special type called MEMRI, where you'll receive a small, safe injection of manganese to help the pictures. The researchers will be looking at how your kidneys and heart react to this. You'll have several visits for these tests, and the medical team will explain everything to you in detail. The total duration of your participation will depend on the specific group you are in and will involve follow-up visits to track your health over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by closely monitoring your kidney and heart health, contributing to a better understanding of your condition. However, at this stage, the primary benefit is to help future patients, as this is a research study to develop a new diagnostic tool. There are some potential risks associated with the procedures, such as minor discomfort from blood tests, or potential reactions to the manganese used in the MRI, though these are typically rare. You will be fully informed about these before you consent. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Lothian
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is MEMRI?

MEMRI is a special type of MRI scan that uses a substance called manganese to help create clearer pictures of how your heart and kidney cells are working.

Is manganese safe?

Yes, a small, safe amount of manganese is used in this study, which is similar to calcium and is taken up by your cells to help the scan.

Will this study help me directly?

This study is mainly for research, aiming to find new ways to help future patients. However, you will receive close monitoring of your health during the study.

How long will I need to be involved?

The time you spend in the study will depend on your specific health condition and the number of follow-up visits required, which will be explained to you.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Hannah Preston, MBCHb

v1hprest@ed.ac.uk 447889742171 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.