Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

What Are the Determinations of Adult Progressive CKD? The Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) Study

The RIISC study is focused on understanding why chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses in some people and not others. CKD affects many adults and can lead to serious health problems. Researchers are especially interested in individuals whose kidney function is declining or who have a certain level of protein in their urine, as these are signs of higher risk. By gathering detailed information about these patients, including their overall health and specific markers, the study aims to identify the key factors that cause CKD to worsen. This knowledge could help doctors better predict who is at risk and develop more targeted treatments to slow down or even prevent the progression of kidney disease. The study involves carefully looking at the health of people with CKD at the start and then tracking them over time.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

932

Start

01 Oct 2010

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Chronic Kidney Disease

What is this study about?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where your kidneys don't work as well as they should. It affects many people in the UK, and for some, it can gradually get worse over time. When CKD gets worse, it's called 'progressive CKD,' and it can lead to serious health problems. Doctors know that a steady decline in kidney function and the presence of protein in the urine are important signs that someone might be at higher risk of their CKD progressing.

However, we don't fully understand all the reasons why some people's CKD gets worse while others' stays stable. This is where the Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) study comes in. The main goal of RIISC is to take a very close look at people who are at higher risk of their CKD getting worse. By collecting lots of information about these individuals — from their overall health to specific details about their blood vessels and even their mouth health — researchers hope to pinpoint exactly what causes CKD to progress.

What they learn from this study is really important. Understanding these factors better means doctors could get much better at predicting which patients are most likely to experience worsening kidney disease. This knowledge could also help in developing new and improved treatments that are specifically designed to help those at risk, ultimately aiming to prevent or slow down the progression of CKD and improve the lives of people living with this condition.

Key takeaways

The RIISC study aims to understand why Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) gets worse in some people.
It focuses on adults at higher risk of their kidney disease progressing.
The study involves collecting detailed health information over time, not giving new treatments.
The findings will help predict who is at risk and develop better CKD management.
Participation includes regular check-ups and information gathering.
You can withdraw from the study at any point without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for the RIISC study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. The study is looking for people whose kidney disease is showing signs of getting worse, or those with more advanced kidney disease.

Specifically, you might be suitable if your kidney function (measured by something called eGFR) has shown a significant drop over a year or five years. Another way you might qualify is if you have consistently shown a certain level of protein in your urine (measured by a test called ACR) on several occasions. Finally, if you have been diagnosed with CKD stage 4 or 5, and are not yet on dialysis, you might also be suitable.

However, some people cannot take part. You won't be able to join if you are already receiving kidney replacement therapy, like dialysis, or if you are taking medications that suppress 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?
Has your kidney function (eGFR) shown a significant drop over a year or five years?
Have you had several urine tests showing a certain level of protein (ACR)?
Have you been diagnosed with CKD stage 4 or 5 and are not on dialysis?
Are you currently NOT on dialysis or taking medicines that suppress your immune system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any new medicines or treatments. Instead, it's about closely monitoring your health. If you join, you would have regular appointments where researchers collect detailed information about your health. This could include things like blood tests, urine tests, and checks of your blood pressure and overall health. They will also look at specific aspects of your health, such as your blood vessel health and even your oral health, to get a very complete picture.

These appointments will happen at the start of the study and then be repeated over time as follow-up visits. The study aims to follow participants for a number of years, allowing researchers to see how your health changes over time. You should discuss the exact number and frequency of visits, and the total length of your participation, with the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't involve trying new treatments, so there aren't direct medical risks from experimental interventions. The main 'risks' would be the time commitment for appointments and routine blood or urine tests, which carry minimal risks like bruising. The potential benefits are mostly for future patients, as the information gathered will help improve our understanding of CKD and lead to better ways to predict and manage it. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

CKD is a long-term condition where your kidneys don't work as well as they should, gradually getting worse over time.

What does 'progressive CKD' mean?

Progressive CKD means that your kidney disease is slowly getting worse, or 'progressing', over time.

What is the main goal of the RIISC study?

The study aims to understand why some people's CKD gets worse and to find better ways to predict and manage it.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this study does not involve new treatments or medications. It's about collecting information to better understand CKD.

How long will I be involved if I join?

You will have regular check-ups over several years, allowing researchers to track your health over time. The exact duration will be discussed with you.