Can adding urea to dialysis prevent dangerous brain swelling?

NCT ID NCT06366230

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding urea to the dialysis fluid can prevent dialysis disequilibrium syndrome — a set of neurological symptoms like headache, confusion, and seizures — in people with kidney failure who need urgent dialysis for severe electrolyte problems. Researchers will enroll 20 adults with very high blood urea levels who also have dangerous potassium or acid imbalances. The goal is to see if this simple addition allows safe, aggressive dialysis without causing brain-related side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

urea (added to dialysis fluid)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could make aggressive dialysis safer for patients with very high blood urea, reducing the risk of confusion, seizures, or coma during treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants. The approach is experimental and may not prevent disequilibrium or could cause other complications.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acidosis cerebellar ataxia, intellectual disability, and dysequilibrium chronic kidney disease end stage renal failure Hyperkalemia metabolic acidosis dialysis disequilibrium syndrome prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94110, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••