END STAGE RENAL DISEASE

This phase 3 trial tested a lab-grown blood vessel (Human Acellular Vessel, or HAV) against the standard surgically created fistula in 242 people with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis. The goal was to see which option works better for providing reliable access to filter b…

This study tested a device called Carry Life UF in 28 adults with end-stage kidney disease who use continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at home. The device adds glucose to the dialysis fluid already in the belly to help remove more fluid over a 5-hour session. Researc…

This study tested whether kidneys from donors with hepatitis C can be safely transplanted into patients without the virus. After transplant, recipients took a 12-week course of the antiviral drug Epclusa to cure any infection. The goal was to see if this approach could help more …

This study looked at 159 kidney transplant patients to compare two types of IV fluids given during the first week after surgery. The goal was to see which fluid causes fewer electrolyte problems and helps the new kidney work better. Results will help doctors choose the best fluid…

This study looked at how a tacrolimus tablet (TacroBell) works in people who received a kidney transplant. The goal was to measure drug levels in the blood and see how well patients tolerated it. 128 adults who were getting a kidney from a deceased or living donor took part. The …

This study tested a new dialysis filter (ELISIO-HX) in 22 adults with kidney failure to see if it was safe and worked well. The main goal was to make sure the filter did not lower albumin levels (a key protein in the blood) while also improving removal of certain waste products. …

This study tested whether giving donor stem cells to kidney transplant patients could allow them to safely stop taking anti-rejection drugs after one year. It involved 88 people who received a kidney from a matched sibling. The goal was to see if the body would accept the new kid…

This early-stage study tested a new approach to help kidney transplant recipients stop taking anti-rejection drugs. Eight adults received donor stem cells along with a special mix of medications to see if their bodies would accept the new kidney without needing lifelong drugs. Th…

This phase 3 trial tested a sirolimus-coated collagen implant placed around a new dialysis fistula during surgery. The goal was to see if it helps the fistula mature faster and stay usable for dialysis. 136 people with kidney failure on hemodialysis took part. The implant is a on…

This study tested an experimental drug called MK-2060 in 506 adults with end-stage kidney disease who need regular dialysis through a special tube (graft) in their arm. The goal was to see if the drug could prevent dangerous blood clots from blocking the graft, which would requir…

This study tested two different combinations of immunosuppressant drugs in 88 adults who received a new kidney. The goal was to see which plan better protects kidney function over the short term. All participants took lifelong anti-rejection medication, so this is about managing …

This study looked at the safety of a home hemodialysis system called HemoCare for people with end-stage kidney disease. 25 patients who had already used the system in a previous study continued using it at home with a trained care partner. The goal was to monitor for any side eff…

This study looked at whether using a patient's genetic information to set the starting dose of the anti-rejection drug tacrolimus leads to better drug levels in the blood after a kidney transplant. 280 adults receiving a kidney transplant were randomly assigned to get either a st…

This study tested two different drugs (Simulect and ATG) given at the time of kidney transplant to prevent organ rejection in patients with a high risk of rejection. Sixty sensitized patients (those with antibodies against many potential donors) were enrolled. The goal was to see…

This study tested a special collagen implant that slowly releases sirolimus around a new dialysis fistula (the blood vessel connection used for dialysis). The goal was to see if it helps the fistula mature and stay usable for dialysis. The trial involved 269 adults with advanced …

This study looked at whether taking vitamin C by mouth can safely lower the amount of erythropoietin (a drug for anemia) needed by people with end-stage kidney disease on regular dialysis. Sixty adults on stable dialysis with low iron levels and moderate anemia took part. Researc…

This study tested a drug called imlifidase in 64 people with very high antibody levels (cPRA ≥99.9%) who were waiting for a kidney transplant. The goal was to see if imlifidase could help them receive a kidney from a deceased donor and improve kidney function after one year compa…

This study tested a drug called imlifidase in 113 highly sensitized kidney patients who had a positive crossmatch against a deceased donor. The drug was given before transplant to reduce the risk of rejection. The main goal was to see how many patients still had a working kidney …

This study tested ways to reduce low blood pressure episodes during dialysis in over 1,400 kidney failure patients. Researchers trained healthcare providers and encouraged patients to be more involved in their care. The goal was to make dialysis sessions safer and more stable.

This study tested whether face-to-face nutrition education about potassium could help people on maintenance hemodialysis control their potassium levels. Fifty adult patients with high potassium took part. The goal was to reduce complications and improve quality of life.

This study examined whether adding a monthly blood-cleaning procedure (hemoperfusion) to regular dialysis can reduce the risk of death, especially from heart or brain problems. Researchers reviewed records of 879 adult dialysis patients over 10 years, comparing those who received…

This study tested a new dialysis filter (Clearum HS) in 20 adults with end-stage kidney disease who were already on dialysis. The goal was to see if the new filter safely removes waste products like urea as well as or better than standard filters. Participants used their usual fi…

This Phase 2 trial tested whether thymalfasin, a synthetic version of a natural immune-boosting protein, could prevent COVID-19 infection in 189 kidney dialysis patients. These patients are at high risk due to weakened immune systems and frequent clinic visits. The study measured…

This pilot study tested an optimized dialysis technique using a special membrane and biofeedback software to see if it helps kidney failure patients recover faster after treatment. 18 patients on standard dialysis who took at least 4 hours to recover were observed. The study meas…

This study looked at two different nerve block techniques to control pain after a kidney transplant. Forty adults who had a kidney transplant received either an erector spinae plane block or a transmuscular quadratus lumborum block. The goal was to see which method better reduces…

This study tested whether combining music and acupressure can reduce pain when needles are inserted for dialysis. 72 patients were split into four groups: music plus acupressure, acupressure alone, music alone, or usual care. The results suggest that the combination may offer a d…

This study looked at whether online laughter therapy could help people on hemodialysis feel less depressed, anxious, and stressed, and improve their quality of life. Sixty-nine adults who were on dialysis took part. They did laughter therapy sessions online. The results showed th…

This study looked at whether a 26-week exercise program, including home-based resistance training and cycling during dialysis, could reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life in 133 adults with end-stage kidney disease on chronic hemodialysis. Participants were assessed a…

This study tested whether virtual museum visits using VR glasses during hemodialysis can reduce common symptoms and anxiety. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either a virtual museum tour or standard care. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug activity improves well…

This study tested whether guided breathing exercises (4-7-8 breathing and diaphragmatic breathing) can help reduce pain, anxiety, and improve comfort during the needle insertion for dialysis. 90 adults on hemodialysis were split into three groups: two doing different breathing ex…

This study tested whether teaching good sleep habits and having motivational conversations could help people on hemodialysis sleep better and improve their quality of life. Forty patients took part, and the results suggest these approaches can improve sleep hygiene, sleep quality…

This study looked at whether a simple home-based exercise program could help reduce anxiety and depression in people receiving hemodialysis. 54 adults on dialysis were split into two groups: one did home exercises for 6 months, the other did not. Researchers measured changes in d…

This study tested whether breathing in pure lavender oil can reduce headaches and anxiety in people undergoing hemodialysis. 62 patients were split into two groups: one received lavender inhalation during dialysis, the other standard care. Researchers measured headache severity a…

This study tested whether doing art therapy during hemodialysis sessions can reduce common symptoms like fatigue and discomfort, and improve patients' sense of spiritual well-being. Sixty adults on dialysis took part; half received at least 30 minutes of art therapy per session w…

This study tested two drug-free methods to help people on dialysis sleep better and feel more comfortable. Sixty patients in Cyprus received either reflexology (a special foot massage) or sleep hygiene education. Both approaches improved sleep and comfort, but reflexology worked …

This study tested if doing hand grip exercises for six weeks helps the arm blood vessel connection (fistula) used for dialysis grow stronger and work better. 34 adults with kidney failure on dialysis were randomly assigned to either do the exercises or receive standard care. The …

This study tested whether a type of counseling called interpersonal psychotherapy could help people on hemodialysis adjust to their illness and feel less depressed. 48 adults on dialysis for at least 6 months took part. For 8 weeks, some received the counseling while others got u…

This study tested a communication tool called 'Best Case/Worst Case' for older adults with advanced kidney disease. Doctors were trained to discuss best, worst, and most likely outcomes for treatment options. The goal was to see if this approach helps patients receive more pallia…

This study tested a program called DIAL-SDM that trains kidney doctors and coaches older patients (65+) with advanced kidney disease to have better conversations about dialysis. The goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable. 102 patients, their caregivers, and 2…

This study tested a new way for doctors to discuss CPR with older, seriously ill patients and their families. The goal was to improve the quality of these conversations by focusing on the patient's values and explaining why CPR may not help. Researchers compared this approach to …

This study looked at 49 kidney transplant patients to see how two different induction therapies—thymoglobulin and basiliximab—affect B cells, a type of immune cell. Researchers compared the B cell profiles between the two groups and with data from patients who had chronic antibod…

This study looked at how kidney doctors (nephrologists) think about choosing the right dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure. Researchers interviewed 25 doctors across Belgium to understand their beliefs and attitudes. The goal is to find out if doctors' own views a…

This pilot study looked at how hemodialysis changes the electrical properties of skin and muscle in 18 adults on chronic dialysis. Researchers measured these changes to better understand fluid shifts during treatment. The goal was to gather knowledge, not to test a new treatment.

This study looked at whether a special planning tool, called a POST form, helps older adults (65+) get the medical care they prefer at the end of life. Researchers worked with 389 people, including those with dementia, to see if their treatment matched their wishes. The goal was …

This early-stage study tested a single dose of the experimental drug KBP-5074 in 11 people with severe chronic kidney disease, including some on dialysis. The main goal was to check safety and how the drug moves through the body. No treatment benefits were measured; the study onl…

This study aimed to understand the personal views and experiences of people receiving dialysis. Researchers asked 26 adult dialysis patients to rank statements about their treatment. The goal was to capture their perspectives, not to test a new drug or change their care.

This study tested whether trained transplant recipients, called navigators, could help kidney failure patients complete the steps needed to get a kidney transplant. About 167 adults on dialysis took part, with some receiving navigator help and others usual care. The goal was to s…

This study tested whether a program of videos and text messages (called KidneyTIME) helps people with kidney failure learn more about getting a kidney from a living donor. 422 adults who were already being evaluated for a kidney transplant took part. The study compared those who …

This early-stage study tested a single dose of the experimental drug MK-2060 in 14 people with stage 4 chronic kidney disease to check its safety and how the body processes it. The trial was originally planned to also test multiple doses and include people on dialysis, but those …

This study tested a new device called EchoMark LP, which is implanted near a surgically created blood vessel connection (fistula) used for dialysis. The device works with a special ultrasound system (EchoSure) to measure blood flow, depth, and diameter of the fistula. The trial i…

This study tested a home education program for nearly 1,000 people with chronic kidney disease. Participants received videos, postcards, and text messages about kidney transplant options. The goal was to see if this approach could increase knowledge about living and deceased dono…

This study looked at whether getting an islet transplant after a kidney transplant helps people with type 1 diabetes avoid kidney failure or death. Researchers reviewed data from 327 people in France who had a kidney transplant between 2000 and 2017. They compared those who also …

This study looked at small pieces of donor kidney tissue to see if certain substances could predict how well the organ would work after transplant. Researchers tested blood, urine, and biopsy samples from 24 kidney transplant recipients. The goal was to find early signs of organ …

This study looked at 90 adults on hemodialysis to see if vitamin D levels are connected to early signs of artery hardening (atherosclerosis). Researchers measured vitamin D in the blood and checked for artery changes. The goal was to understand the relationship, not to test a tre…

This study looked at whether people on hemodialysis know how to safely disconnect themselves from the dialysis machine during an emergency, like a fire or power outage. Researchers tested 620 patients from multiple countries using a checklist. The goal was to see if patients coul…

This study looked at whether it is safe to stop regularly checking blood flow in the arm veins used for dialysis. Instead, doctors would only treat problems when they cause symptoms during dialysis. The goal was to see if this approach reduces the number of procedures and medical…

This study tested a decision-making tool for people waiting for a kidney transplant. 100 participants used an online education tool and discussed their options with a doctor. The goal was to see if the tool helps patients feel more prepared and confident when deciding whether to …

This study tested a program called SPIRIT that helps kidney dialysis patients and their families plan for end-of-life care. The program involved two face-to-face sessions to improve communication and decision-making. Researchers enrolled 852 patients and their surrogates from dia…

This study tested a program that teaches kidney transplant waitlist patients and their friends or family about kidney disease, transplantation, and live donation. The goal was to help patients find a live donor by having a 'champion' advocate for them. Researchers looked at how w…

This study aimed to find out how often people in Reunion Island start dialysis as an emergency and what social or medical factors lead to that. Researchers followed 233 adult patients beginning dialysis at local centers. The goal was to gather information to improve care and redu…