Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

National Unified Renal Translation Research Enterprise - Chronic Kidney Disease

This study, called the National Unified Renal Translation Research Enterprise (NURTURE), is looking into chronic kidney disease (CKD). Around 10% of adults have CKD, which can increase risks of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Researchers want to identify earlier who is most at risk of their kidney disease getting worse. They will use information from blood and urine samples, and sometimes kidney tissue, to find new warning signs. By understanding these risks better, doctors can focus care on those who need it most, helping them avoid serious health issues. People at lower risk might need less frequent checks.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

3,004

Start

27 Jul 2016

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2032

Chronic Kidney Diseases

What is this study about?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should. This can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and eventually, kidney failure, where you might need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Right now, it's hard to tell exactly who will get these serious problems and whose kidney disease will stay stable.

This research project, called NURTURE, wants to change that. They aim to find better ways to predict which people with CKD are most likely to get worse over time. They plan to do this by looking at things already known to be risk factors, plus new markers found in blood and urine, and sometimes kidney tissue. By finding these early warning signs, doctors can give more focused care to those who need it most, potentially preventing serious issues. For people at lower risk, it might mean they don't need to visit the clinic as often.

The study also includes a group of people without CKD, known as 'controls.' Comparing data from people with and without CKD helps researchers understand the disease better and identify what makes it progress in some individuals. This valuable information could change how CKD is managed in the future, leading to improved health for many.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve prediction of CKD progression and related risks.
It involves people with CKD and healthy volunteers (controls).
Participation includes clinic visits and possibly annual questionnaires.
Researchers will collect medical history, blood, and urine samples.
Better predictions could help doctors focus care on those most at risk.
Your contribution could help shape the future of CKD care.

Who may be eligible?

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you might be able to join this study if you are over 18 and have certain levels of kidney function (eGFR between 15-59 ml/min, or above 60 ml/min if you also have a lot of protein in your pee). You need to have seen a specialist kidney doctor at least once and be willing to come for two study visits. It's important that you haven't had a recent severe kidney injury or heart event, and you shouldn't have had an organ transplant.

They are also looking for healthy volunteers, called 'controls,' who don't have CKD. You can join the control group if you are over 18, don't have kidney disease, and are willing to come for just one study visit. Even if you have high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, you might still be able to join the control group, as long as your kidney function is normal and you haven't had an organ transplant or a previous nephrectomy (kidney removal).

In both groups, you'll need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part. The research team will talk you through everything to make sure it's right for you.

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 over 18 years old?
Do you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and have seen a kidney specialist?
OR, do you not have CKD and are willing to be a healthy volunteer (control)?
Are you able to attend clinic visits and give blood/urine samples?
Have you avoided a major heart or kidney problem in the last 3 months?
Have you not had an organ transplant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you have chronic kidney disease and join the study, you'll have two main visits to the clinic over 12 to 18 months. During these visits, the research team will review your medical history, ask about your lifestyle (like smoking, alcohol, and diet), and collect blood and urine samples. You might also be asked about any medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies you take. After these initial visits, you won't need to come back to the clinic. Instead, for the next 14 years, you will receive a questionnaire by post once a year. This questionnaire asks about your quality of life and any healthcare you've used in the past year. The researchers will also quietly collect information about your health outcomes from your medical records.

If you join as a healthy volunteer (without CKD), your involvement is much shorter. You will only need to attend a single study visit where a similar medical history and sample collection will take place. For all participants, before anything happens, you will be given full information about the study and asked to read and sign a consent form, making sure you fully understand what you're agreeing to.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future patients with kidney disease by providing valuable information that might lead to better ways to predict and manage their condition. It may not directly benefit your own health, but you would be contributing to important medical research. As with any medical procedure, there are minor risks, such as discomfort or bruising from blood tests. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

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

Royal Derby Hospital
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom
Salford Royal Hospital
Verified postcode
Salford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

CKD means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should, which can cause other health problems.

Will this study cure my kidney disease?

No, this is a research study to understand CKD better, not a treatment. It aims to help people with CKD in the future.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you have CKD, you'll have two clinic visits over 12-18 months, then yearly questionnaires for 14 years. If you're a control, it's just one visit.

What will I have to do during the study visits?

You'll have a chat about your health, and they'll take blood and urine samples. It's similar to a routine check-up.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal and health information will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous.