RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment For Kidney Transplantation - Utility of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in the Assessment of Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplantation

This study is about making kidney transplants safer for patients by better understanding their heart health beforehand. Many people with kidney failure face heart problems, and while a kidney transplant helps, heart issues can still be a major concern afterwards. Currently, the ways we check heart risk before a transplant don't always pick out those who are most vulnerable. This research will use a special X-ray scan of the heart, called a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA), to see if it can accurately identify people at high risk of heart problems in the future. If successful, this scan could become a standard tool to help doctors make more informed decisions and give patients the best possible care before their kidney transplant.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

332

Start

24 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2032

Cardiovascular Diseases Kidney Transplant; Complications

What is this study about?

When you have kidney failure, your heart can be affected, sometimes leading to serious issues like heart attacks or strokes. A kidney transplant can often improve your health a lot, but even after a successful transplant, heart problems can still be a big worry and are a common reason why people get very sick or even pass away.

At the moment, doctors check your heart health before a transplant, but the ways they do this don't always perfectly predict who might be at the highest risk of heart trouble in the future. This means some people might go into a transplant with hidden risks that aren't fully understood.

This study aims to explore a new way to check your heart, using a special scan called a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA). It's like a detailed X-ray of the blood vessels around your heart. We know this scan can be very good at spotting heart problems in people with healthy kidneys, and researchers want to see if it can do the same for people waiting for a kidney transplant. The main goal is to find a more effective way to assess your heart health, so doctors can make the best plans for your care before your transplant.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve heart checks before kidney transplants.
Uses a special heart scan called a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA).
May help doctors identify patients at higher risk of heart problems.
Could lead to safer and more effective transplant care.
Participation involves this specific heart scan.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 16 years old and currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant because of kidney failure. You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a medical reason that prevents you from having the special heart scan, such as an allergy to the dye used in the scan. Also, if you're having a more complex transplant that involves other organs at the same time, like a kidney and pancreas, this study might not be suitable for you.

Quick self-check

Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you have kidney failure and are you on the waiting list for a kidney transplant?
Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
Do you have any medical reasons that prevent you from having an X-ray scan with dye (like an allergy)? (If you do, you probably can't join.)
Are you being considered for a transplant of only a kidney, not other organs at the same time?

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

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the summary. However, typically, participating in a study like this would involve having the special heart scan (CT coronary angiogram). This scan usually takes a short amount of time, perhaps an hour or so, and involves lying still while an X-ray machine takes pictures of your heart. You might also have some blood tests and fill out questionnaires about your health. There would likely be follow-up appointments to see how you are doing over time. The total duration of your involvement in the study would depend on the study design, but generally, medical studies involve a period of observation and data collection.

Potential risks and benefits

The main potential benefit of this research is helping doctors discover a better way to assess heart health for people awaiting kidney transplants, which could ultimately lead to better care and improved health outcomes for future patients. For participants, the direct personal benefit is less certain, though it could provide more information about your own heart health. Potential risks associated with the CT coronary angiogram include exposure to radiation (which is very low) and potential allergic reactions to the dye used in the scan, though these are rare. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA)?

It's a special type of X-ray scan that takes detailed pictures of the blood vessels surrounding your heart to check for any narrowing or blockages.

Why is this study important for kidney transplant patients?

Heart problems are common for people with kidney failure, even after a transplant. This study hopes to find a better way to check your heart health before surgery, to make transplants safer.

Will I get special treatment if I join the study?

The main goal is to improve care for future patients. While you might get more detailed information about your own heart, the study isn't designed to provide special treatment beyond standard care.

What is 'informed consent'?

It means you fully understand what the study involves, including any risks and benefits, and you freely agree to take part. You'll sign a form to show this.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without having to explain why, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Gavin B Chapman, MBChB

gchapma2@ed.ac.uk 00447713349318 Official trial record

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