RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

β2M Post-HD Rebound Prediction

This study is for people with serious kidney disease who are receiving haemodialysis. It focuses on a small protein called β2-microglobulin (β2M), which healthy kidneys normally remove from the body. In people with kidney disease, β2M can build up and potentially cause problems. The study wants to understand how β2M levels change in the blood before, during, and after dialysis sessions. By measuring these changes, researchers hope to find a better way to assess how effectively dialysis is clearing β2M, which could help improve the quality of dialysis treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

24 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Renal Disease, End Stage

What is this study about?

This study focuses on a protein called β2-microglobulin (we'll call it β2M for short). β2M is naturally found in your body, and healthy kidneys are very good at filtering it out of your blood. However, if your kidneys aren't working properly, like in people with end-stage kidney disease, β2M can build up. High levels of β2M have been linked to certain health issues over time for people on dialysis.

When you have haemodialysis, it helps remove β2M from your blood. But what's interesting is that after dialysis, β2M from your body's tissues can move back into your bloodstream. This means the levels of β2M in your blood can rise again shortly after a dialysis session. Researchers want to understand this "rebound" effect better because it's important for knowing the true amount of β2M cleared during dialysis.

The main goal of this study is to measure β2M levels at different times during and after dialysis. By doing this, the researchers hope to create a tool that can more accurately predict how much β2M is actually being cleared by dialysis. This could eventually lead to better ways to monitor and potentially improve your dialysis treatment, helping ensure you get the most effective care.

Key takeaways

This study is for adults with end-stage kidney disease on haemodialysis.
It investigates how a protein called β2M changes before, during, and after dialysis.
The goal is to improve how we measure dialysis effectiveness for β2M.
Participation involves extra blood samples during two dialysis sessions.
Your regular dialysis treatment will not be changed by taking part.
Findings could help improve dialysis care in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and already receiving regular haemodialysis for at least three months because of end-stage kidney disease. It's also important that you are able to understand the study and willingly agree to participate.

There are a couple of reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you've had a serious infection in the last two weeks, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if for any reason you're unable to understand the study information and give your consent, you wouldn't be eligible.

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?
Are you currently receiving haemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease?
Have you been on haemodialysis for at least three months?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?
Have you not had a serious infection in the last two weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your involvement would include providing blood samples during two of your regular dialysis sessions. During the first session, blood samples would be taken before dialysis starts, at several points during the session, and then again one and two hours after your dialysis finishes. At the beginning of your next dialysis session, one final blood sample would be taken.

Alongside the blood tests, the study team would perform a physical check-up. They would also look at your usual dialysis records, information about your diet and fluid intake, and your routine monthly blood and urine test results. You would also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask about your symptoms during dialysis, how tired you feel, and how long it takes you to recover after your treatment. The study involves collecting this information over a short period related to two of your dialysis sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but the information gathered could help improve understanding of dialysis for future patients. The main risk involved is the discomfort of extra blood draws, which are generally safe but may cause slight bruising or soreness. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stevenage, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is β2-microglobulin (β2M)?

It's a small protein in your body that healthy kidneys normally filter out. In kidney disease, it can build up.

Why is this study important for people on dialysis?

It aims to find a better way to measure how well dialysis removes β2M, which could help improve dialysis quality.

Will taking part in this study change my dialysis treatment?

No, your dialysis treatment will continue as normal. This study simply collects extra information during your regular sessions.

How many times will I need to give blood samples?

You'll provide samples during two of your regular dialysis sessions, plus a few samples after the first session and one before the next.

What do the questionnaires ask about?

They ask about how you feel during and after dialysis, including symptoms, fatigue, and recovery time.

How to find out more

Shaza Adam, Clinical research Fellow

shaza.adam@nhs.net 00447365073834 Official trial record

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