RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

KTRSensor Scotland Study: An Observational Study Into Predictors and Diagnosis of Kidney Transplant Rejection

This study is for people in Scotland who have recently received a kidney transplant. Researchers are looking closely at how new kidneys are doing after surgery. The main aim is to discover if certain natural signals, found in your urine, can help doctors predict whether a transplanted kidney might run into problems, like rejection, at an early stage. By understanding these signals better, the hope is to improve how doctors care for patients with new kidneys, potentially leading to better long-term health and fewer complications. This is an "observational" study, meaning researchers will collect information during your usual check-ups without giving you any new treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

200

Start

16 May 2025

Estimated completion

13 May 2028

Kidney Transplant Kidney Disease, Chronic

What is this study about?

This study, called the KTRSensor Scotland Study, is looking into how we can make kidney transplants even more successful. When someone receives a new kidney, doctors want to make sure it works well for as long as possible. Sometimes, the body's immune system can see the new kidney as foreign and try to reject it, even with medication. This study aims to find better ways to spot these problems early on.

Researchers will be collecting information from people across Scotland who have recently had a kidney transplant. They are particularly interested in looking at your urine samples. They believe that tiny natural markers, also known as biomarkers, in your urine might act like an early warning system. If they can identify these markers, it could help doctors understand if a new kidney is at risk of rejection much sooner.

Ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve how doctors look after people with kidney transplants. By getting better at predicting and understanding potential issues, doctors can offer more tailored care, which could lead to fewer complications and better health outcomes for patients. This is an important step towards making kidney transplants even more successful in the future.

Key takeaways

Aims to find early signs in urine that predict kidney transplant problems.
Only for adults who had a kidney transplant in Scotland.
No new medications or treatments are given.
Participation fits into your usual hospital appointments.
Your contribution could help improve future kidney transplant care.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are an adult, aged between 18 and 99 years old, and have recently had a kidney transplant in Scotland. This includes kidney transplants that might have also involved a pancreas or special pancreatic cells called islets.

To be considered, you must be attending your regular follow-up appointments at the same hospital where you had your transplant. You also need to be able to provide urine samples throughout the study period.

However, you won't be able to take part if you've had a kidney transplant before, or if your follow-up appointments are at a different, smaller hospital away from the main transplant centre. Also, if you find it difficult to provide urine samples consistently for the study, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have a kidney transplant (possibly with a pancreas too) in Scotland?
Do you attend your follow-up appointments at the main transplant hospital?
Are you able to consistently provide urine samples when needed?

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

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will fit in with your regular hospital check-ups after your kidney transplant. You won't need any extra visits. During these routine appointments, researchers will collect extra urine samples from you, as well as some blood samples, for their analysis. They will also gather information about your health from your medical records. You won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of this study, as it's purely observational. The study will follow you over time during your standard post-transplant care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't change your medical care and doesn't involve any new treatments, so there are no direct risks to your health beyond what's involved in your routine check-ups. The main benefit is knowing that your contribution could help doctors learn more about predicting kidney transplant problems, potentially leading to better care for future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (2)

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

A biomarker is like a natural signal in your body, such as in your urine, that doctors can measure to understand how your body is doing or to spot potential health issues early.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, this is an 'observational' study. You will continue to receive all your normal care and treatment for your kidney transplant. The study won't affect that.

Do I need to come to extra appointments?

No, all study activities, like providing samples, will happen during your routine follow-up appointments at your transplant hospital.

How long will I be in the study?

The study will follow you over time as part of your standard care, linking information gathered from your regular check-ups.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information will be kept strictly confidential and your privacy will be protected.

How to find out more

Alexander J Le Saint-Grant, MBChB

Lex.LeSaint-Grant@ed.ac.uk +44 131 651 8100 Official trial record

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