Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multimorbidity and Sarcopenia Feasibility Study in Chronic Kidney Disease

This research study aims to understand how body composition, including muscle and fat, differs in people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared to healthy individuals. We know that losing muscle can affect general health as people get older, and this process seems to start earlier and be more common in those with CKD. Currently, there isn't much information about this. By learning when and how muscle loss (also known as sarcopenia) affects people with CKD, we hope to guide future studies and develop new treatments. Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life and general health for people with chronic kidney disease.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

12 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

02 Nov 2025

Chronic Kidney Diseases Sarcopenia

What is this study about?

This study wants to learn more about how our bodies change, specifically looking at muscle and fat, in people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). We will compare these changes with what we see in people who have healthy kidneys. We know that as people get older, sometimes their muscles can weaken or shrink – this is called sarcopenia. It's like your body's natural strength and size decreasing.

For people with kidney disease, this muscle loss often happens sooner and more quickly than in others. We don't fully understand why this is or exactly how it affects them. By understanding these changes better, specifically when and how sarcopenia affects people with CKD, we can start thinking about new ways to help. This research could then lead to better treatments and advice that might improve daily life and overall health for people living with kidney problems.

Ultimately, this is a first step to gather information. The more we know, the better we can plan future studies and develop effective solutions to help people with CKD maintain their muscle health and quality of life.

Key takeaways

This study investigates muscle and fat changes in people with kidney disease.
It aims to understand why muscle loss (sarcopenia) is common and early in CKD.
Participants will have two visits over one year, involving blood tests and body composition checks.
No new medications are given; it's an observational study.
The goal is to inform future treatments and improve patient care for CKD.
Healthy volunteers are also needed for comparison.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and able to understand and agree to participate. We are looking for two main groups of people: those who have chronic kidney disease (stages 3 to 5) and are already being cared for by a kidney specialist in a hospital, and healthy volunteers who have normal kidney function.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you are pregnant, or if you have certain existing health conditions that affect your muscles, such as muscular dystrophy. Also, if you've had a kidney transplant or if you have a pacemaker fitted, you wouldn't be able to participate. This helps make sure that the study results are clear and not confused by other health issues.

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 chronic kidney disease (stages 3-5) and see a kidney specialist?
Or are you a healthy person with normal kidney function?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker or a known muscle-wasting disease?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will have two visits to the clinic, about one year apart. During both of these visits, we will take some measurements to assess your body composition (this means looking at how much muscle and fat you have) and how well your kidneys are working. We will use two different tests to check your kidney function: one using a blood test called Cystatin C eGFR, and another using Creatinine eGFR, which is also a blood test. There will be no new medications given as part of this study. The total duration of your participation will be approximately one year, from your first visit to your second.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help researchers better understand how chronic kidney disease affects muscle health, which could lead to improved care for others in the future. While there are no direct personal benefits from participating, your contribution is valuable. The risks involved are minimal and mainly involve the discomfort of having blood samples taken during your visits. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as well as they should. It's a long-term condition that usually gets worse over time.

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the natural loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that can happen as people get older. It can make everyday activities harder.

Will I have to take new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. We are only observing and taking measurements.

How many visits will I need to make?

You will need to attend two visits in total, with about a year between them.

What is a 'Bioimpedance Analysis'?

Bioimpedance analysis is a quick, safe, and easy way to estimate your body composition, like how much muscle and fat you have. It involves placing electrodes on your skin.