Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of Standard vs. Shorter Filter Lifespan During Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

This study is for very ill patients who have sudden kidney failure, called Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and are receiving a treatment called Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). CRRT uses filters to clean the blood, similar to dialysis. The research wants to compare how often these filters are changed. The main goal is to find out if changing the filters more frequently, as part of a planned schedule, can help reduce the chance of patients getting new infections. Previous information suggested that filters used for longer might lead to more infections. The study also aims to make sure that changing filters more often can be done reliably and consistently in a hospital setting.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Universität Münster

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Acute Kidney Injury

What is this study about?

When someone is very unwell and their kidneys suddenly stop working properly (this is called Acute Kidney Injury, or AKI), they might need a special treatment called Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, or CRRT. This treatment acts like an artificial kidney, filtering waste products and extra fluid from the blood.

CRRT uses filters to do this job, and just like any filter, they need to be changed. Our medical experts have noticed that if these filters are used for a longer time, there might be a higher chance of patients developing new infections. This study wants to investigate this further.

The main aim of this research is to see if a plan to change filters more often can be successfully put into practice for very ill patients. More importantly, it wants to find out if changing these filters more frequently can actually lead to fewer new infections for patients receiving CRRT. If this is true, it could help make treatment safer for people with AKI.

Key takeaways

The study explores changing CRRT filters more often for severe AKI.
The main goal is to see if this reduces new infections.
It aims to make CRRT treatment safer for very ill patients.
Participation involves adjusting filter change times, not new drugs.
Eligibility is for critically ill adults with severe sudden kidney failure.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 or over who are very unwell and have severe acute kidney injury (sudden kidney failure) requiring CRRT treatment. You or your legal representative would need to agree to take part by signing a consent form.

You would probably not be able to join if you already have long-term kidney failure, rely on dialysis permanently, or have had a kidney transplant. Also, if you have certain types of kidney disease like glomerulonephritis, or if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system (like high-dose steroids), you likely wouldn't be eligible.

Other reasons you might not be able to join include having certain chronic inflammatory diseases, having previously received kidney treatment during your current hospital stay, or if you are already in another study that affects your immune system.

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?
Do you have sudden, severe kidney failure (AKI) that needs CRRT?
Do you not have long-term kidney failure or rely on full-time dialysis?
Are you not currently taking strong immune-suppressing medications (like high-dose steroids)?
Have you not had a kidney transplant?
Are you not in another medical study affecting your immune system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study focuses on how often the filters are changed during your existing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) treatment. You wouldn't need to take any new medications. The healthcare team would follow a specific plan for changing your CRRT filters, either at the standard time or more frequently, depending on which group you are in. Researchers will then observe and record information about your health, particularly focusing on whether you develop any new infections. All assessments and observations would happen as part of your normal hospital care while you are receiving CRRT for your acute kidney injury. The total duration of your participation would be for as long as you are receiving CRRT during your hospital stay.

Potential risks and benefits

One potential benefit of taking part could be a reduced risk of new infections if changing filters more often proves to be effective. There are no direct physical risks from participating beyond those already associated with your ongoing CRRT treatment, as this study mainly involves adjusting the timing of filter changes. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Münster
Verified postcode
Münster, Germany

Common questions

What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?

AKI is when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly over a short time. It's not the same as long-term kidney disease.

What is CRRT?

CRRT is a treatment that cleans your blood when your kidneys are not working. It's like a gentle form of dialysis, often used for very ill patients.

Will I get a new medication in this study?

No, this study is about the timing of changing filters during your existing CRRT, not about new medications.

Will my care change if I don't join the study?

No, your medical care will remain the same whether you choose to join the study or not.

Who is paying for this study?

The information provided doesn't specify who is funding the study, but the researchers are testing an existing treatment method.

How to find out more

Alexander Zarbock, MD

zarbock@uni-muenster.de +49-251-8347255 Official trial record

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