Clinical Research Directory

Mindfulness for Saudi Hemodialysis Patients

This study aims to evaluate whether an MBI improves sleep quality, emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress), emotion regulation, and trait mindfulness among adults with ESRD on HD. A randomized two-arm pre-post design was conducted with N = 38 patients at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH), Saudi Arabia (n = 19 intervention; n = 19 control). The intervention comprised 30-minute guided sessions, 3 times a week for 5 weeks during HD sessions. The control group received the study intervention after the study. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).

The FILTRATE Trial: High-Rate Ultrafiltration for Intravascular Congestion

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a personalized, high-rate fluid removal strategy guided by ultrasound is as safe and effective as the standard fluid removal rate for patients with advanced kidney disease who are hospitalized due to severe fluid overload (congestion). When patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis are admitted to the hospital with excess fluid, doctors often need to remove this fluid quickly to relieve symptoms like severe shortness of breath. However, traditional guidelines recommend conservative fluid removal rates-called ultrafiltration (UF) rates-between 10 and 13 mL/kg/h to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure (intradialytic hypotension). Despite these guidelines, doctors in real-world hospital settings frequently use higher rates to provide urgent relief, though this practice lacks strong scientific backing. This study utilizes advanced bedside ultrasound protocols (such as lung ultrasound and VExUS) to objectively measure the amount of fluid congestion inside the patient's blood vessels. The researchers hypothesize that patients with high ultrasound markers of congestion can safely tolerate higher fluid removal rates because their blood vessels are overfilled, meaning fluid can be pulled out faster without causing blood pressure drops. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during their first in-hospital hemodyalisis session: * Standard Group: Receives a standard fluid removal rate of 10 mL/kg/h. * High-Rate Group: Receives a higher fluid removal rate of over 13 mL/kg/h (with a safety ceiling up to 15 mL/kg/h). The study will compare the two groups over the first 24 hours to monitor blood pressure stability (safety) and check for improvements in ultrasound congestion scores, shortness of breath, and the need for supplemental oxygen (effectiveness).

Microvasculature Ultrasound Super-resolution in Transplant Delayed Graft Function

This pilot study is testing a new ultrasound imaging method called Super-Resolution Ultrasound (SRU) to look at blood flow and tiny blood vessels in transplanted kidneys in very detailed images after kidney transplant surgery. The goal is to see whether changes in the kidney's small blood vessels can help predict how well the transplanted kidney will work early after transplant, including whether delayed graft function may occur. Investigators hope this technique can become a safe, noninvasive way to evaluate transplanted kidneys without needing as many invasive biopsies. It may also help doctors better assess donor kidneys at higher-risk of suboptimal functioning.

Feasibility of Intradialytic Monitoring During CKRT

This is a pilot observational cohort study to understand whether advanced monitoring techniques can be applied during continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), which is the most common form of dialytic therapy provided in critically ill patients.

Study of Patient Preferences in Dialysis Treatment Choice: a Discrete Choice Experiment

Background Compared to in-center dialysis, home dialysis is associated with better quality of life and lower healthcare system costs. However, barriers remain to its wider adoption. Chronic disease, particularly at an advanced stage, is a major driver of socioeconomic vulnerability. Among dialysis patients, the proportion of individuals covered by France's Universal Health Protection scheme (PUMA) is higher than in the general population. Similarly, those from the most disadvantaged social classes are overrepresented among dialysis patients compared to the overall French population. Dialysis can also lead to job loss. Financial compensation schemes may influence the choice of home dialysis. In France, patients who perform dialysis at home-either independently or with help from a trained family caregiver-are eligible for a "third-person compensatory allowance" (DTP). For some socioeconomically vulnerable patients, eligibility for DTP may influence their decision to opt for home treatment. The DTP is specific to the French healthcare system but could be considered in other countries, particularly within the European Union. Indeed, in most countries with income levels comparable to France, the additional cost of home dialysis is borne by the patient. This study aims to determine whether receiving financial compensation plays a role in choosing a dialysis modality (home-based versus in-center or assisted home dialysis). Objectives To investigate factors associated with patient preferences regarding renal replacement therapy. Methods A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted comparing two options: home dialysis (PD and HHD, with DTP) versus in-center hemodialysis (no DTP). Perspectives If financial compensation influences patients' choices toward home dialysis, the DTP model could be used to address barriers to home-based treatment.

Deceased Donor Kidney Storage at 10 Celsius Versus Conventional Storage

The goal of this clinical trial is to test how storage temperature of deceased donor kidneys affects kidney function after transplant in adult patients receiving a kidney transplant. The main question it aims to answer is: • Do patients that receive a kidney transplant stored at 10 °C have improved post-transplant kidney function? Researchers will compare patients who receive kidneys stored at 10 °C versus kidneys stored at 4°C (on ice, i.e. conventional storage) to see if kidneys stored at 10 °C have improved function. Participants will: * Be made aware of and consent to receive a kidney transplant that had been stored at 10 °C * Have their urine collected 24 hours after surgery to be analyzed for research

Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

This project aims to examine the effects of six-month treatment with selective SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with end-stage kidney disease on chronic peritoneal dialysis. Methods: A prospective, open label, single-arm interventional clinical trial, will conduct at Nizwa Hospital from March 1st, 2026, to August 31th , 2026, and includes thirty (30) end-stage kidney disease diabetic and non-diabetic patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis, will receive selective SGLT2i Dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily (OD). Clinical and laboratory parameters will be assessed at baseline, then three and six months after drug initiation. The primary outcomes are:1- change in ultrafiltration volume, 2- change in Kt/V (dialysis adequacy), 3. Change in the mean 24-hour urine volume.