Treatment Trials

67 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

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Investigation of the Genetics of Hematologic Diseases
Description

The purpose of this study is to collect and store samples and health information for current and future research to learn more about the causes and treatment of blood diseases. This is not a therapeutic or diagnostic protocol for clinical purposes. Blood, bone marrow, hair follicles, nail clippings, urine, saliva and buccal swabs, left over tissue, as well as health information will be used to study and learn about blood diseases by using genetic and/or genomic research. In general, genetic research studies specific genes of an individual; genomic research studies the complete genetic makeup of an individual. It is not known why many people have blood diseases, because not all genes causing these diseases have been found. It is also not known why some people with the same disease are sicker than others, but this may be related to their genes. By studying the genomes in individuals with blood diseases and their family members, the investigators hope to learn more about how diseases develop and respond to treatment which may provide new and better ways to diagnose and treat blood diseases. Primary Objective: * Establish a repository of DNA and cryopreserved blood cells with linked clinical information from individuals with non-malignant blood diseases and biologically-related family members, in conjunction with the existing St. Jude biorepository, to conduct genomic and functional studies to facilitate secondary objectives. Secondary Objectives: * Utilize next generation genomic sequencing technologies to Identify novel genetic alternations that associate with disease status in individuals with unexplained non-malignant blood diseases. * Use genomic approaches to identify modifier genes in individuals with defined monogenic non-malignant blood diseases. * Use genomic approaches to identify genetic variants associated with treatment outcomes and toxicities for individuals with non-malignant blood disease. * Use single cell genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to investigate biomarkers for disease progression, sickle cell disease (SCD) pain events and the long-term cellular and molecular effects of hydroxyurea therapy. * Using longitudinal assessment of clinical and genetic, study the long-term outcomes and evolving genetic changes in non-malignant blood diseases. Exploratory Objectives * Determine whether analysis of select patient-derived bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor/stem (HSPC) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can recapitulate genotype-phenotype relationships and provide insight into disease mechanisms. * Determine whether analysis of circulating mature blood cells and their progenitors from selected patients with suspected or proven genetic hematological disorders can recapitulate genotype-phenotype relationships and provide insight into disease mechanisms.

Conditions

Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, Erythrocyte Disorder, Leukocyte Disorder, Hemostasis, Blood Coagulation Disorder, Sickle Cell Disease, Dyskeratosis Congenita, Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, Congenital Thrombocytopenia, Severe Congenital Neutropenia, Fanconi Anemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myeloproliferative Diseases

Expanded Access of Deferasirox to Patients With Congenital Disorders of Red Blood Cells and Chronic Iron Overload
Description

This is an open-label, non-randomized, multi-center trial designed to provide expanded access of deferasirox to patients with congenital disorders of red blood cells and chronic iron overload from blood transfusions who cannot adequately be treated with locally approved iron chelators.

Conditions

Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Diamond Blackfan Anemia, Myelofibrosis

Allo-HCT MUD for Non-malignant Red Blood Cell (RBC) Disorders: Sickle Cell, Thal, and DBA: Reduced Intensity Conditioning, Co-tx MSCs
Description

The main purpose of this project is to cure patients with high risk Sickle cell disease and other red cell disorders including thalassemia and diamond-blackfan anemia by bone marrow transplantation. The patients enrolled in this study will be those who lack matched sibling donors and therefore have no other option but to undergo bone marrow transplantation using matched but unrelated bone marrow or umbilical cord blood from the national marrow donor program registry. Since bone marrow transplantation for these disorders using matched unrelated donors has two major problems i.e. engraftment, or , the process of new marrow being accepted and allowed to grow in the the patient; and graft-versus-host disease, or the process where the new marrow "rejects" the host or the patient, this study has been devised with methods to overcome these two problems and thus make transplantation from unrelated donors both successful in terms of engraftment and safe in terms of side effects, both acute and long term. In order to accomplish these two goals, two important things will be done. Firstly, patients will get three medicines which are considered reduced intensity because they are not known to cause the serious organ damage seen with conventional chemotherapy. These medicines, however, do cause intense immune suppression so these can cause increased infections. Secondly, in addition to transplantation of bone marrow from unrelated donors, patients will also transplanted with mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the bone marrow of their parents. Mesenchymal stromal cells are adult stem cells that are normally found in the bone marrow and are thought to create the right background for the blood cells to grow. They have been shown in many animal and human studies to improve engraftment. In addition, they have a special property by which they prevent and are now even considered to treat graft versus host disease. Therefore, by using a reduced intensity chemotherapy regimen before transplant and transplanting mesenchymal stromal cells, we hope to improve engraftment while at the same time decrease the potential for severe side effects associated with a conventional transplant which uses extremely high doses of chemotherapy.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

The Genetics and Functional Basis of Inherited Platelet, White Blood Cell, Red Blood Cell, and Blood Clotting Disorders.
Description

Blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as a fluid portion termed plasma. We primarily study blood platelets, but sometimes we also analyze the blood of patients with red blood cell disorders (such as sickle cell disease), white blood cell disorders, and disorders of the blood clotting factors found in plasma. Blood platelets are small cell fragments that help people stop bleeding after blood vessels are damaged. Some individuals have abnormalities in their blood platelets that result in them not functioning properly. One such disorder is Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Most such patients have a bleeding disorder characterized by nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising (black and blue marks), heavy menstrual periods in women, and excessive bleeding after surgery or trauma. Our laboratory performs advanced tests of platelet function and platelet biochemistry. If we find evidence that a genetic disorder may be responsible, we analyze the genetic material (DNA and RNA) from the volunteer, and when possible, close family members to identify the precise defect.

Conditions

Glanzmann Thrombasthenia

Erythrocyte Ghost Mediated Retinal Diagnosis
Description

Instead of the usual procedure of injecting ICG dye directly into an arm vein, now the dye can be placed inside of RBCs. When a small volume of the RBC's with the dye is injected into a person's arm, the individual RBCs can be seen as they flow through the retinal blood vessels.

Conditions

Retinal Disease

Red Blood Cell Survival in Sickle Cell Disease
Description

This is a single-arm, mechanistic clinical trial to measure predictors of senescence and the in vivo survival of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) receiving chronic transfusion therapy (CTT). Chronic transfusion in patients with SCD is a common treatment. The efficacy of RBC transfusion therapy to treat or prevent complications of SCD may be hampered by variable survival of the transfused donor RBC. The overall aim is to see how long RBC survive in SCD patients who are chronically transfused. When a study participant has a regular blood transfusion the researchers will label a small portion of the RBCs that are transfused with biotin. The participant will return at Day 1, weekly for 3 months and monthly for 3 months to measure how long those RBCs survive. An optional sub-study using INTERCEPT RBCs will mirror the main study but will use INTERCEPT RBCs that have biotinylated for 1 RBC unit.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

Genotype -Phenotype Correlation of PKLR Variants With Pyruvate Kinase, 2,3-Diphosphglycerate and Adenosine Triphosphate Activities in Red Blood Cells of People With Sickle Cell Disease
Description

Background: Some people with the same disorder on a genetic level have more complications than others. Researchers want to look for a link between the PKLR gene and sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. The PKLR gene helps create a protein, called pyruvate kinase that is essential in normal functioning of the red blood cell. Differences in the PKLR gene, called genetic variants, may cause some changes in the pyruvate kinase protein and other proteins, that can affect functioning of the red blood cell adding to the effect of SCD. Researchers can study these differences by looking at DNA (the material that determines inherited characteristics). Objective: To study how the PKLR gene affects sickle cell disease. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-80 of African descent. They may have sickle cell disease or not. They must not have had a transfusion recently or have a known deficiency of pyruvate kinase. They cannot be pregnant. Design: Participants will be screened with questions. Participants will have blood drawn by needle in an arm vein. The blood will be genetically tested. Not much is known about how genes affect SCD, so the test results will not be shared with participants or their doctors. ...

Conditions

Sickle Cell, PKLR Variants, Adenosine Triphosphate Activities

Determination of Red Cell Survival in Sickle Cell Disease and Other Hemoglobinopathies Using Biotin Labeling
Description

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of the blood. SCD causes red blood cells (RBCs) to die early. This can lead to a shortage of healthy cells. SCD and other blood disorders can be managed with drugs or cured with a bone marrow transplant. Researchers want to know how long RBCs survive in people with SCD and other blood disorders before and after treatment compared to those who had a bone marrow transplant. Objective: To learn how long RBCs survive in the body in people with SCD and other blood disorders compared to those whose disease was cured with a bone marrow transplant. Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older with SCD or another inherited blood disorder. People whose SCD or blood disorder was cured with a bone marrow transplant are also needed. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood and urine tests. Participants will have about 7 tablespoons of blood drawn. In the lab, this blood will be mixed with a vitamin called biotin. Biotin sticks to the outside of RBCs. This process is called "biotin labeling of RBCs." The next day, the participant s own biotin-labeled RBCs will be returned to their bloodstream. Participants will return regularly to have smaller blood samples (about 2 teaspoons) drawn. These samples will be tested to detect the percentage of cells that have biotin labels. These visits may be every 2 weeks, 4 weeks, or some other interval. Participants will continue this schedule for up to 20 weeks or until biotin can no longer be detected....

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Hemoglobinopathy

Osmotic Fragility in Red Blood Cells of Pediatric Patients With Cholestatic Liver Disease
Description

Objective: The investigators propose to perform ektacytometry on 20 pediatric patients over age one with cholestatic liver diseases and a direct bilirubin level of greater than 2 gm/dl. The most common diagnoses will be extrahepatic biliary atresia, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, Alagille syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis. The investigators will correlate the osmotic fragility and deformability with direct bilirubin levels, serum cholesterol levels, serum bile acid levels, and vitamin E levels. Design/Methods: This pilot study will be a single center, prospective cross-sectional investigation of red blood cell ektacytometry in pediatric patients with extrahepatic cholestasis who are followed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The study will include all participants with cholestasis regardless of the etiology in order to maximize the number of participants. While the population will be heterogeneous, the investigators will stratify participants according to diagnosis, recognizing that only a few participants may fall into each diagnostic category. Ektacytometry will be the method utilized to measure osmotic fragility and deformability of the RBC membrane. The ektacytometry of red cells from cholestatic patients will be compared to that of red cells obtained from contemporaneous age-matched controls recruited among patients without liver disease or red cell membrane defects undergoing blood sampling for evaluation of other entities including but not confined to functional abdominal pain.

Conditions

Cholestasis, Red Cell Membrane and Enzyme Abnormalities

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Description

Patients with a low blood count (anemia) with stable or unstable coronary artery disease consistently show worse clinical outcomes. It is unclear whether this association is confounded since anemic patients tend to be also sicker i.e. have lower ejection fractions or more comorbidities and this would be the reason for the worse outcomes rather than anemia. The coronary arteries are a unique vascular bed insofar that across the cardiac circulation oxygen extraction is close to maximal at rest. Thus increases in demand can only be met by increases in blood flow and hemoglobin concentration since oxygen extraction is maximal at rest. It is natural to assume that maximization of oxygen delivery in the setting of active coronary syndrome (ACS) is beneficial to the patient since oxygen extraction and coronary blood flow is fixed. In fact, in most intensive care units patients with ACS are transfused to a HCT of 30%. However, retrospective analysis of trial data showed at best mixed results in clinical outcome when patients with ACS were transfused and in fact in some studies showed consistently worse outcomes than non-transfused patients. Similar disappointing results have recently published in patient who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study is designed to determine the effect of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on oxygen consumption, cardiac, microcirculatory and endothelial function in patients with active coronary artery disease. For this study active coronary artery disease will be defined as the patient having undergone within the past 4 days of recruitment either a myocardial infarction due to atherothrombosis (AHA type I myocardial infarction) or surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting. In specific this study will test the hypothesis whether RBC transfusions improves cardiac and vascular function in patients with a hematocrit of less than 30% with active coronary artery disease. Aims of this study are to determine whether RBC transfusion in patients with active coronary artery disease and anemia: * increases oxygen delivery to the peripheral tissues. * increases whole-body oxygen consumption. * decreases nitric oxide bioavailability, endothelial, microcirculatory, and myocardial function, and/or increases platelet aggregation

Conditions

Acute Coronary Syndrome, Anemia

Sickle Cell Disease and CardiovAscular Risk - Red Cell Exchange Trial (SCD-CARRE)
Description

The SCD-CARRE trial is a Phase 3, prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled, parallel two-arm study aimed to determine if automated exchange blood transfusion and standard of care administered to high mortality risk adult SCD patients reduces the total number of episodes of clinical worsening of SCD requiring acute health care encounters (non-elective infusion center/ER/hospital visits) or resulting in death over 12 months as compared with standard of care.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

A Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Crizanlizumab (5 mg/kg) Compared With Placebo in Adolescent and Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients Who Experience Frequent Vaso-Occlusive Crises (SPARKLE)
Description

A phase III, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to assess efficacy and safety of crizanlizumab (5 mg/kg) versus placebo, with or without hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide therapy, in adolescent and adult Sickle Cell Disease patients with frequent vaso-occlusive crises.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

A Study to Evaluate the Long-term Safety of Inclacumab Administered to Participants With Sickle Cell Disease
Description

This study is an open-label study to evaluate the safety of long-term administration of inclacumab in participants with sickle cell disease (SCD). Participants in this study will have completed a prior study of inclacumab.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Vaso-occlusive Crisis, Vaso-occlusive Pain Episode in Sickle Cell Disease

Red Blood Cell - IMProving trAnsfusions for Chronically Transfused Recipients
Description

Red Blood Cell - IMProving trAnsfusions for Chronically Transfused recipients (RBC-IMPACT) is an observational cohort study to assess donor, component, and recipient factors that contribute to RBC efficacy in chronically and episodically transfused patients. The objective of the study is to determine how specific genetic and non-genetic factors in donors and recipients may impact RBC survival after transfusion - in short, what factors on both the donor and recipient side may improve the efficacy of the transfusion.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, Pediatric Cancer

A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Inclacumab in Participants With Sickle Cell Disease Experiencing Vaso-occlusive Crises
Description

This Phase 3 study will assess the safety and efficacy of inclacumab, a P-selectin inhibitor, in reducing the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in approximately 240 adult and adolescent participants (≥ 12 years of age) with sickle cell disease (SCD). Participants will be randomized to receive inclacumab or placebo.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Vaso-occlusive Pain Episode in Sickle Cell Disease, Vaso-occlusive Crisis

A Study of a Single Dose of Inclacumab to Reduce Re-admission in Participants With Sickle Cell Disease and Recurrent Vaso-occlusive Crises
Description

This Phase 3 study will assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of inclacumab, a P-selectin inhibitor, for a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) after an index VOC in participants with sickle cell disease (SCD). Participants will be randomized to receive either inclacumab or placebo.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Vaso-occlusive Crisis, Vaso-occlusive Pain Episode in Sickle Cell Disease

An Efficacy and Safety Study of Luspatercept (ACE-536) Versus Placebo in Subjects With Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-Associated Myelofibrosis on Concomitant JAK2 Inhibitor Therapy and Who Require Red Blood Cell Transfusions
Description

The purpose of this Phase 3 study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Luspatercept compared with placebo in subjects with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)-associated Myelofibrosis (MF) and anemia on concomitant Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor therapy and who require red blood cell count (RBC) transfusions. The study is divided into Screening Period, a Treatment Phase (consisting of a Blinded Core Treatment Period, a Day 169 Response Assessment, a Blinded Extension Treatment Period, and an Open-label Extension Treatment Period), and a Posttreatment Follow-up Period. Following the Day 169 Response Assessment, subjects who did not show clinical benefit will have the option to unblind. Subjects who were on placebo during the Blinded Core Treatment Period will have the opportunity to crossover into the Open-Label Extension Treatment Period and receive Luspatercept.

Conditions

Myeloproliferative Disorders, Myelofibrosis, Primary Myelofibrosis, Post-Polycythemia Vera Myelofibrosis, Anemia

Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Long-term Mitapivat Dosing in Subjects With Stable Sickle Cell Disease: An Extension of a Phase I Pilot Study of Mitapivat
Description

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disorder that causes episodes of acute pain and progressive organ damage. Ways to manage SCD have evolved slowly. Treatments do not always work. Researchers want to see if a drug called mitapivat can help people with SCD. Objective: To test the long-term tolerability and safety of mitapivat (or AG-348) in people with SCD. Eligibility: Adults age 18-70 with SCD who took part in and benefited from NIH study #19H0097. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. They will give a blood sample. They will have an electrocardiogram to test heart function. Participants will repeat some of the screening tests during the study. Participants will complete 6-minute walk tests to measure mobility and function. They will have transthoracic echocardiograms to measure heart and lung function. They will have dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans to measure bone health. They will complete online questionnaires that measure their overall health and well-being. Participants will take the study drug in the form of a tablet twice a day. Participants will keep a study diary. They will record any symptoms they may have. Participation will last for about 54 weeks. After 48 weeks, participants can either keep taking the study drug for 48 more weeks or be tapered off of the study drug to complete the study. Those who are on the study for 1 year will have 10 study visits. Those who are on the study for 2 years will have 14 study visits.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Hemolytic Anemia

A Dose-Finding Study of AG-348 in Sickle Cell Disease
Description

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin in their red blood cells. Researchers are investigating the safety and efficacy of an investigational medicine called AG-348 (mitapivat sulfate) to determine if it will help people with SCD. Objective: To test the tolerability and safety of AG-348 in people with SCD. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older with SCD. Design: Participants will have 8 visits over approximately 14 weeks. At the first visit participants will be screened with a medical history, a physical exam, blood and urine testing, and an EKG. During the following 5 visits, participants will stay at the clinic for 1 night each. Participants will take study drug in increasing doses up to visit 6, after which the drug will be tapered off. All visits will include physical exam, blood, and urine tests. The last visit will occur 4 weeks after stopping the drug. Participants will provide DNA from the blood samples they provide. The DNA will be tested for an inherited gene that can cause differences in response to the study drug. Researchers may also test other genes to see if they can find any genes that interact with SCD.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

Study of Two Doses of Crizanlizumab Versus Placebo in Adolescent and Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Description

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 doses of crizanlizumab (5.0 mg/kg and 7.5 mg/kg) versus placebo in adolescent and adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with history of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) leading to healthcare visit.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Red Blood Cell ATP Release and Vascular Function in Humans
Description

Previous work demonstrates that the red blood cells of older adults do not release a potent vasodilator (ATP) as well as the red blood cells of younger adults. The investigators are targeting a pathway within the red blood cell using fasudil hydrochloride to determine if both the release of ATP from red blood cells and blood flow responses to low oxygen (hypoxia) and exercise in older adults can be improved.

Conditions

Cardiovascular Diseases

Adverse Effects of Red Blood Cell Transfusions: A Unifying Hypothesis (Aim 3)
Description

Transfusion of red blood cells is often used in critically ill patients with low red blood cell counts to prevent disease progression and death. Recent studies suggest that the use of "aged" versus "fresh" red blood cells are associated with worse clinical outcomes. There is evidence that red blood cells work with the cells lining our blood vessels to produce a variety of substances that normally cause arteries to relax and increase blood supply. Two of these substances are called nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The investigators are trying to determine the nature of these substances in human beings when they are transfused "aged" versus "fresh" red blood cells. The purpose of the study is to test the effects of transfusing "aged" versus "fresh" red blood cells in volunteers with traditional cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and tobacco use) on 1) the degree of relaxation in the arteries and subsequent changes in blood flow, 2) blood levels of oxidant molecules, 3) inflammation, and 4) stem cells. A similar study with healthy volunteers are further described in NCT00838331.

Conditions

Cardiovascular Diseases

Evaluation of Two Epoetin Alfa Dosing Strategies in Subjects With Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis
Description

The purpose of this study is to compare two different dosing methods of epoetin alfa and their effectiveness in maintaining hemoglobin levels between 10.0 to 11.0 g/dL in in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving hemodialysis.

Conditions

Renal Insufficiency, Chronic, Anemia, Renal Dialysis, Erythrocyte Transfusion

Propanolol and Red Cell Adhesion Non-asthmatic Children Sickle Cell Disease
Description

Propanolol is a beta blocker which has been found to inhibit the ability of epinephrine to upregulate sickle red cell adhesion to laminin and endothelial cells in vitro. The purpose of this pilot study is to administer one dose of propanolol to children with sickle cell disease and to measure pre and post dose red cell adhesion. The hypothesis is that a single dose of propanolol will decrease red cell adhesion to laminin and endothelial cells as compared to baseline.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

An Open-label Trial to Determine Increased Red Blood Cell Production in Subjects With Anemia of Chronic Disease
Description

The objective of this study is to measure the change in blood values after the administration of an amino acid based erythropoietin stimulating system.

Conditions

Anemia of Chronic Disease

Effects of Stearidonic Acid-Containing Foods on Eicosapentaenoic Acid Levels in Red Blood Cells and Omega-3 Index
Description

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of stearidonic acid when used as a food ingredient on eicosapentaenoic enrichment of red blood cell membranes and Omega-3 Index in men and women.

Conditions

Sudden Cardiac Death, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Cardiovascular Disease

Evaluation of Spectra Optia Red Blood Cell Exchange in Sickle Cell Patients
Description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the Spectra Optia system red blood cell exchange (RBCx) protocols (exchange and depletion/exchange) in study participants with sickle cell disease.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease

Effects of Transfusion of Older Stored Red Cells
Description

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of transfusion of fresh and stored blood on patients. The investigators hope to test: * whether a similar effect (older stored blood is associated with worse outcomes) is seen in chronically transfused patients with hemoglobinopathies. This patient population will also allow the investigators to test whether iron- chelation therapy is beneficial in this setting. * whether washing or cryopreserving the red blood cells has any effect on this outcome. These findings may explain the immunomodulatory effects of older stored blood in patients and will help us develop safer transfusion products for patients.

Conditions

Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia

Conversion Study From Epoetin Alfa to Monthly Peginesatide Injection in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis
Description

The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of a dialysis center switching its dialysis patients from using Epoetin alfa to peginesatide injection on hemoglobin levels and other parameters.

Conditions

Chronic Kidney Disease, Anemia

Red Blood Cell Lifespan
Description

Background: A low amount of red blood cells in the blood of patients with limited kidney function is a well known problem. Besides the lack of substances in the blood like iron or erythropoietin the shortened survival of red blood cells leads to the low red blood cell count. Red blood cells of patients on kidney replacement therapy (dialysis) die earlier than those of healthy persons. They live only about 70 days compared to 120 days in healthy humans. Today little is known about the causes for the shorter survival of the red blood cells in patients on dialysis. Because inflammation leads to a shorter life of the red blood cells in people suffering from several diseases leading to inflammation we would like to learn about the role of inflammation in the shortened life of red blood cells of dialysis patients. When red blood cells are dying the content is broken down to several substances. One of these substances is the gas carbon monoxide (CO). The carbon monoxide is exhaled with the breath. The more red blood cells die the more CO is exhaled. That's why we can calculate the lifespan of the red blood cells when we measure the amount of CO in breath at the same time as the red blood cell count in the blood. Aim of the study: We aim to learn about the influence of inflammation of on red blood cell survival in dialysis patients. To look for factors with effect on inflammation or red blood cell survival, for example type of dialysis access, medication or kind of dialysis treatment. Study procedures: Over the course of the 18 month study, 6 observational assessments will take place. If the patient experiences a situation with increased inflammation during the study period (for example any kind of infection or intervention) up to two more study visits will take place. Each study visit will include blood sampling, performed without the need for an extra needle stick, and a breath sampling in order to calculate the red blood survival and to measure markers for inflammation in the blood. The breath sample will be taken using the easy to use GaSampler device developed by a company called Quintron especially for medical breath sampling. In order to get a sample of air at the patient's home for calculation of carbon monoxide produced in the body we will ask the patients to take home an open empty plastic bottle before each study visit. The bottle should be kept overnight on a table or sideboard in the apartment. Before leaving home for hemodialysis or in clinic visit the patient will seal the plastic bottle with the top, take it to the dialysis center and hand it to the research staff. Risks: The amount of the additional blood drawn is 30 ml; this is the amount 2 tablespoons, at each study visit. This does not harm the patient. The breath sampling does not imply any risk.

Conditions

Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis