Kidney Sodium Functional Imaging
This study is looking into how well kidneys handle salt, which is key for them to keep the right amount of water in your body. This is especially important in hot weather when we sweat a lot. We use a special type of MRI scan, called a Sodium-23 MRI, to take pictures and measure the salt levels in your kidneys without surgery. We want to see if kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney stones, change how your kidneys manage this salt. By understanding these changes, we hope to find better ways to diagnose and manage kidney diseases, helping people stay healthier in the long run. Around 200 adults will take part, attending two short appointments.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When it's hot, our bodies lose water through sweat. Our kidneys are amazing organs that help us hold onto water to keep our blood healthy and prevent us from getting too dehydrated. They do this by creating a special balance of salt (sodium) inside them, which helps to pull water back into the body. Think of it like a sponge that sucks up water where there's more salt.
Sometimes, in people with kidney conditions like chronic kidney disease or kidney stones, this delicate salt balance might not work as well. We don't fully understand if or how this balance changes in different kidney diseases. This study aims to find out if this important salt balance is different in people with various kidney problems.
To do this, we'll use a special type of MRI scan called a Sodium Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An MRI is a safe way to take detailed pictures inside your body using strong magnets and radio waves. The Sodium-23 MRI specifically helps us measure the amount of salt in different parts of your kidneys. By looking at these pictures, we hope to learn more about how kidneys function in people with different health conditions and how we might improve their care in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study uses a special MRI to measure salt in kidneys.
- It aims to understand kidney function in chronic kidney disease and kidney stones.
- Participation involves two 2-hour visits to a hospital in London, Ontario.
- Eligibility includes adults aged 18+ with various kidney conditions or healthy controls.
- Information gathered could help improve future kidney disease diagnosis and management.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older. We are looking for healthy adults as well as people with different stages of chronic kidney disease or those who are on dialysis, as long as you've been on it for at least three months.
However, some people will not be able to join. This includes if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Also, if you have any medical devices in your body that are not safe for an MRI scan, like a pacemaker, certain metal implants, or if you have severe claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) that would prevent you from having an MRI, you won't be able to participate. This is because MRI scanners use strong magnets and it's essential for your safety that you don't have certain metals or electronics inside you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have suitable health to safely undergo an MRI scan (e.g., no pacemakers or certain metal implants)?
- Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?
- Do you either have chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, or no kidney, heart, or liver disease (for healthy volunteers)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will have two visits, each lasting about two hours. These visits will take place at either Robarts Research Institute or St. Joseph's Hospital in London, Ontario.
During your first visit, you will have a special Sodium MRI scan of your kidneys. Before the scan, we'll check your blood pressure and heart rate three times. You will also be asked to provide a small urine sample and have some blood taken for tests. If you have been treated for kidney stones, you'll need to collect all your urine over a 24-hour period sometime in the week before your MRI scan. The second visit is likely for a follow-up or additional checks, but the summary does not specify its exact purpose beyond it being a second visit.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeLondon, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a Sodium MRI?
A Sodium MRI is a special type of scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to measure the amount of salt (sodium) in different parts of your kidneys. This helps us understand how your kidneys are working.
Will the MRI hurt?
No, an MRI scan is not painful. You'll lie still on a bed that slides into the scanner. It can be a bit noisy and some people find small spaces uncomfortable, but the staff will be there to help you.
How long will I be in the study?
You will have two visits, and each visit will last about two hours. The time between visits isn't specified, but the total active participation time will be around four hours spread across these two days.
Do I need to do anything special before my visits?
If you've had kidney stones, you'll need to do a 24-hour urine collection at home in the week leading up to your MRI appointment. Otherwise, specific preparation instructions will be provided when you book your appointment.
What kind of kidney problems are you studying?
We are studying various kidney conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), and a genetic condition called ADPKD (Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease).
How to find out more
Christopher W McIntyre, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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