Clinical Research Directory

A Pilot Trial of Chinese Medicine for Patients With Dialytic Hypotension

To evaluate the epidemiological status of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution in patients with dialytic hypotension, and design a clinical study based on a Zheng-based herbal formulation to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM

Ultrasound-Based Prediction of Hemodynamic Instability During CVVHDF Initiation

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the ability of transthoracic echocardiographic and bedside ultrasonographic parameters to predict intradialytic hypotension and hemodynamic instability at the initiation of continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) in adult intensive care unit patients.

Blood Pressure Slopes and Ultrafiltration in Hemodialysis Patients

Kidney failure has been recognized as one of the most costly chronic conditions among United States Veterans. Approximately 13,000 Veterans develop kidney failure each year, and most require hemodialysis initiation. Hemodialysis patients suffer significantly increased risk of death and hospitalizations, and excessive body fluid is a major cause of this. While empiric aggressive fluid removal during dialysis is one approach to limit fluid overload, this can cause dangerous decreases in blood pressure during dialysis that independently contribute to the high death rate. In this study, I aim to test a new strategy that prescribes fluid removal based on a patient's recent blood pressure patterns during dialysis. This clinical trial will compare my strategy to standard care and assess the outcomes of overall blood pressure change between dialysis treatments in addition to the number of times the blood pressure becomes dangerously low during dialysis. Another aim is to determine how differences in the structure and function of the heart influence blood pressure during dialysis.

Improved Hemodynamic Tolerance of Intermittent Hemodialysis Sessions in Intensive Care Unite Using Citrate- vs Acetate-based Dialysate

During intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), the occurrence of intradialytic hemodynamic instability (IHI) is frequent in ICU and impacted morbidity and mortality. Bicarbonate dialysate buffer improves hemodynamic tolerance compared to acetate dialysate buffer. However, bicarbonate dialysate buffer still contains a lower concentration of acetate, which could contribute to hemodynamic instability. Recently, citrate-based dialysate in bicarbonate hemodialysis instead of acetate have been proposed. They have the appropriate authorizations for routine use. The aim of this study is to compare acetate- vs citrate-based dialysate in terms of hemodynamic tolerance and effectiveness.

Trial of Variable Dialysate Bicarbonate

QTc prolongation and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common in hemodialysis (HD) patients and are associated with sudden cardiac death. It is known that higher dialysate bicarbonate is associated with more QTc prolongation during HD sessions. This study aims to assess the effects of lower (30 mEq/L) versus higher (35 mEq/L) dialysate bicarbonate in adult maintenance HD patients admitted to the hospital. The investigators will randomly assign subjects to lower versus higher dialysate bicarbonate concentrations during their hospital stay for up to a maximum of six HD sessions or until their hospital discharge.

Using a Hypotension Prediction Index to Prevent Low Blood Pressure During Dialysis in ICU Patients

This single-center, crossover randomized controlled trial (HyPIR-ICU) investigates whether a Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI)-guided management strategy can reduce intradialytic hypotension (IDH) during prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) in critically ill patients. All participants must have an indwelling arterial catheter for continuous hemodynamic monitoring.

Predictive Value of Carotid Ultrasonography for Intradialytic Hypotension

This multicenter, prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of carotid corrected flow time (FTc) and peak flow velocity variability (PFVV) for hypotension during maintenance hemodialysis. Conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City Second People's Hospital, Wuhu Hospital of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Wuhu Jinghu District Hospital, and Wuhu Guangji Hospital, the study will include adult patients (≥18 years) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on long-term hemodialysis for at least three months. Patients with acute kidney injury, severe cardiac conditions, or other factors affecting results will be excluded. Ultrasound assessments of FTc and PFVV will be performed once, at 1 hour after dialysis initiation. Blood pressure will be monitored during the procedure. The primary outcome is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff points of FTc and PFVV in predicting intradialytic hypotension. The estimated sample size is 183 participants, with analysis performed using ROC curves and multivariate regression. The protocol complies with ethical standards and aims to develop a simple, non-invasive, real-time tool to improve patient safety and individualized management during hemodialysis.

Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index and Intradialytic Hypotension

This multicenter, prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index (IVCCI), along with IVC maximum diameter (IVCmax) and IVC minimum diameter (IVCmin), for intradialytic hypotension in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The study will be conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu City Second People's Hospital, Wuhu Hospital of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Wuhu Jinghu District Hospital, and Wuhu Guangji Hospital. Eligible participants are adults aged 18 years or older with diagnosed end-stage renal disease (ESRD), receiving regular hemodialysis for at least three months. Patients with acute kidney injury, severe cardiac conditions, or other factors likely to influence results will be excluded. Ultrasound measurements of IVCCI, IVCmax, and IVCmin will be performed once, precisely at 1 hour after dialysis initiation. IVCmax will be measured during inspiration when the IVC is at its largest, and IVCmin during expiration when it is at its smallest. Blood pressure will be monitored continuously during the procedure. The primary objective is to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff values of IVCCI, IVCmax, and IVCmin for predicting hypotension, aiming to provide a simple and non-invasive tool to facilitate personalized dialysis management and reduce intradialytic hypotension. A sample size of 188 participants is estimated, with data analyzed using ROC curves and multivariate regression methods. The study protocol adheres to ethical standards and regulatory requirements, demonstrating potential to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Pleth Variability Index for Predicting Low Blood Pressure During Maintenance Hemodialysis

What is this study about? We are studying whether the Pleth Variability Index (PVI)-a simple, non-invasive measurement from a pulse oximeter-can help predict low blood pressure (hypotension) during routine maintenance hemodialysis. Low blood pressure during dialysis is a common and potentially serious complication. Our goal is to find out if monitoring PVI can help identify patients at risk, so that early action can be taken. Who can join? Adults aged 18 to 80 years. Patients who have been receiving maintenance hemodialysis regularly for more than 3 months. Those who are willing and able to participate and sign an informed consent form. Who cannot join? Patients with severe heart rhythm problems, severe peripheral circulation problems, or swelling that makes PVI measurement unreliable. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients allergic to the dialysis filter or unable to cooperate with the study procedures. What will happen during the study? PVI Measurement: Your PVI will be checked with a simple fingertip device before starting dialysis and again 30 minutes after dialysis begins. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Your blood pressure will be closely watched throughout the dialysis session. Data Collection: Information about your age, medical history, medications, lab results, dialysis settings, and other standard measurements will be recorded. What are the benefits and risks? Benefits: By identifying patients at higher risk for low blood pressure during dialysis, the study may lead to safer and more comfortable dialysis treatment in the future. Risks: All measurements used in this study are safe and non-invasive, with no extra risk compared to routine care. Your Rights and Safety Participation is completely voluntary-you may leave the study at any time without affecting your medical care. The study has been reviewed and approved by the hospital's ethics committee. Your privacy and personal data will be strictly protected.

The Efficacy and Safety of Guilu Erxian Jiao in the Treatment of Intradialytic Hypotension

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Guilu Erxian Jiao, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, can help manage intradialytic hypotension (IDH), a drop in blood pressure that occurs during hemodialysis in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does Guilu Erxian Jiao reduce the frequency and severity of low blood pressure during dialysis? 2. Is Guilu Erxian Jiao safe to use in patients receiving hemodialysis? Researchers will compare standard care plus Guilu ErXian Jiao to standard care alone to see if Guilu Erxian Jiao improves blood pressure stability during dialysis. Participants will: 1. Take Guilu Erxian Jiao once daily in addition to standard care, or receive standard care alone, for 4 weeks, then switch treatments after a 4-week washout period (crossover design). 2. Undergo follow-up assessments at weeks 2 and 4 after each treatment phase. 3. Have their blood pressure monitored before, during (hourly), and after each dialysis session. 4. Report dialysis-related symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. 5. Receive routine laboratory tests and safety monitoring throughout the study.

This Study Evaluates the Impact of the Sodium Management Tool (SMT) on Hemodialysis Patient Outcomes Compared to Standard Care

Title of the Study: Sodium Management Tool in Hemodialysis Patients Brief Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the Sodium Management Tool (SMT) can improve patients clnical outcomes. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does the SMT help reduce weight gain between dialysis sessions? Does the SMT improve dialysis tolerance by reducing symptoms like low blood pressure and muscle cramps? Researchers will compare standard dialysis to dialysis using the SMT to see if clinical outcomes are better in dialysis that use the SMT. Participants will: Receive dialysis three times per week with either standard dialysis or SMT-activated dialysis Switch between standard dialysis and SMT-activated dialysis after 4 weeks Have their blood pressure, sodium levels, and symptoms monitored during treatment Report their symptoms and thirst levels in a questionnaire Some participants may continue for an additional 4 weeks with a personalized SMT setting based on their symptoms and weight changes. This study will help determine whether the SMT can improve sodium balance and make dialysis more comfortable for patients.

Effect of Dialysate Cooling Versus Sodium Profiling in Management of Intradialytic Hypotension Among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health issue. Dialysis patients have a tenfold greater relative risk of cardiovascular death than the general population. Dialysate cooling prevents intradialytic hypotension (IDH). This is achieved by inducing vasoconstriction and activating the sympathetic nervous and therefore improving hemodynamic stability . Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of HD. There is no consensus on the definition of IDH, but (IDH) is commonly defined as a drop in blood pressure during dialysis procedure and/ or hypotensive symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, cramps, blurred vision, and fatigue . The pathophysiology of IDH is diverse. It could be the result of an inadequate cardiovascular response to the reduction in blood volume that occurs when the ultrafiltration volume is large . One process may involve an imbalance between a reduced effective circulating volume and the compensatory plasma refilling mechanism, wherein fluid from the interstitial and intracellular space is translocated into the intravascular compartment . Cold dialysis reduces HD-induced brain damage by protecting the cerebral vascular beds from harmful perfusion . In the heart, long- term cold dialysis improved resting ejection fraction and reduced left ventricular mass and end-diastolic volumes while preserving aortic distensibility, decreasing the risk for future cardiovascular events . Risk factors associated with IDH include old age, female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, long dialysis vintage, high intradialytic weight gain, high dialysis dose, anemia, diabetes, low pre-dialysis BP, high osmolarity, and high body mass index . It can be applied universally and reduce the need for nursing involvement . Further, no additional cost is needed to conduct fixed reduction of dialysate temperature. While there are various methods of reducing dialysate temperature, optimal temperature or methods of temperature reduction to prevent IDH remain uncertain To study the effect of dialysate cooling (0.5- 1 C lower than pre- dialysis core body temperature) Vs traditional sodium profiling on: 1. Reduction the episodes of IDH . 2. Net dry weight achievements. 3. Post dialysis fatigue.

Prevention of Intradialytic Hypotension by Inhibiting Bradykinin B2 Receptor

Currently, there is no medication available to adequately treat patients undergoing hemodialysis who are suffering from intradialytic hypotension (IDH). Medical interventions such as Trendelenburg positioning, saline bolus administration, reduction of ultrafiltration rate, interruption of the hemodialysis, and other medical treatments are the methods of choice to treat the hypotensive condition of these patients and thus to maintain the systolic blood pressure. Patients suffering from IDH have a higher reported mortality rate due to the given stress on their cardiovascular system. New treatments, therefore, would give clinicians an additional alternative to current existing approaches and might help patients to maintain their blood pressure during hemodialysis. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of icatibant in the prevention of systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop in patients on hemodialysis suffering from recurrent IDH episodes during hemodialysis.