Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Application of Functional Renal MRI to Improve Assessment of Chronic Kidney Disease

This research is investigating a special type of MRI scan, called multiparametric renal MRI, for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We want to find out if this advanced scan can give us a clearer picture of how the kidneys are working and changing over time. The main goal is to see if this detailed information can help doctors better understand the disease, predict how it might progress, and make more informed decisions about treatment. Ultimately, the hope is to improve how we care for people with kidney disease. The study will involve looking at how the scan performs compared to standard tests and tissue samples from the kidney, and will follow participants over several years.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

486

Start

01 Jun 2021

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2033

Chronic Kidney Diseases

What is this study about?

This study is about making it easier for doctors to understand and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should, which can lead to serious health problems over time. Currently, getting a full picture of kidney health often involves invasive procedures like kidney biopsies, where a small piece of kidney tissue is removed and examined.

Researchers are investigating whether a special type of MRI scan, called multiparametric renal MRI, can provide all this important information without needing a biopsy. This MRI is different because it looks at many different aspects of kidney health, not just basic pictures. The goal is to see if this scan can show how a person's kidney disease is progressing and help doctors choose the best treatments for them. If successful, this could mean less invasive and more comfortable ways to monitor and treat CKD.

The study is divided into three main parts. First, a small group of people will have the MRI to make sure it's comfortable and works well. Then, a larger group will have the MRI at the start and again two years later, and their health will be followed for up to ten years to see how their kidney disease develops. Finally, in a smaller group, the results from the MRI will be carefully compared with information from routine kidney biopsies, to see exactly what the scan can tell us about kidney damage inside the kidney.

Key takeaways

This study uses a special MRI to help understand kidney disease.
It aims to improve how doctors diagnose and treat chronic kidney disease.
Participants will have at least one kidney MRI scan.
Your health records will be followed for several years.
The study compares MRI results with other tests, including some kidney biopsies.
It's exploring a less invasive way to monitor kidney health.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be between 18 and 75 years old. You must also have chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is considered moderate to severe (this is often called G3 or G4), or have milder CKD (G1 or G2) but with a significant amount of protein in your urine. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to participate yourself.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have a specific type of inherited kidney disease called ADPKD, or if you've recently had acute kidney injury. Also, if you're currently receiving strong medication for a kidney condition called glomerulonephritis, or have certain blood cancers like multiple myeloma, you wouldn't be eligible. If you've had an organ transplant or only have one kidney, that would also exclude you.

Finally, because the study involves MRI, you can't participate if you have something in your body that isn't safe for MRI scans, like a pacemaker or certain metal implants. If you experience severe claustrophobia (fear of small spaces), the MRI scanner might also be difficult 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 between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have chronic kidney disease (G3/G4 or G1/G2 with lots of protein in your urine)?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Do you have any MRI-unsafe metal in your body (like a pacemaker)?
Have you recently had acute kidney injury or certain other kidney conditions?
Do you have severe claustrophobia?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would first have a special MRI scan of your kidneys. This scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures, and you would lie still in the scanner for a period. For some, another MRI might be needed two years later. Information about your kidney health will then be collected over many years, up to 10 years, by looking at your medical records through the UK Renal Registry. A small number of participants, who have already had a kidney biopsy as part of their usual care, will also have their biopsy results compared with the MRI pictures. There are no study medications involved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help advance our understanding of chronic kidney disease, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment for future patients. There's no direct personal benefit expected from participating, as the study is for research purposes. The main risk involved is the MRI scan itself, which is generally safe but carries common risks like discomfort from lying still, noise, and for some, claustrophobia. If you have any metal implants or devices, there could be risks if they are not MRI-safe. You are free 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.

Royal Derby Hospital
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as well as they should, leading to health problems over time.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body, without using X-rays.

Will I get any test results back from the study?

This study is for research, so you won't routinely receive individual results. Any important findings will be shared with your usual healthcare team.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement could range from a single MRI scan to having one scan at the start and another two years later, with your health data followed for up to 10 years.

Is the MRI scan painful?

The MRI scan itself is painless, but you need to lie still in a small space, and the machine can be noisy. You will be able to talk to the staff during the scan.