Arterial Stiffness in Children and Young People With Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease
This study explores why arteries, which carry blood around the body, can stiffen more quickly in young people (aged 10-25) who have kidney disease and high blood pressure. Normally, arteries stiffen slowly with age, but conditions like kidney disease can speed this up, even in children. High blood pressure is also known to cause artery stiffness. Researchers want to understand if this stiffness is only due to high blood pressure, or if other things linked to kidney disease, like certain body responses or waste products, also play a part. The goal is to find ways to prevent or treat artery stiffness, protecting heart and kidney health for the future. Participants will have check-ups including blood tests, scans, and blood pressure monitoring.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When we get older, our arteries, which are like tubes carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body, naturally become a bit stiffer over time. However, for some young people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), this process can happen much faster, even during childhood and teenage years. It's also known that high blood pressure can make arteries stiff. Many young people with CKD also have high blood pressure.
Doctors have noticed that young people with CKD are at a higher risk of having stiff arteries compared to healthy young people. This stiffness is thought to be linked to problems with the heart and worsening kidney damage. We don't fully understand why this happens. It's probably not just the usual ageing process seen in older adults. It could be due to how the heart and main artery (aorta) work together, or maybe changes in the body's 'stress' response, or even high levels of waste products in the blood because the kidneys aren't working as well.
This study aims to find out if artery stiffness in young people with kidney disease is only caused by high blood pressure, or if these other factors also play a role. To do this, we'll compare young people with CKD to a similar group of healthy young people and those with high blood pressure but no kidney disease. By understanding the causes, we hope to discover better ways to prevent or treat artery stiffness, which could help protect their heart and kidney health in the long run.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates why arteries stiffen in young people with kidney disease and high blood pressure.
- It aims to find out if stiff arteries are only due to high blood pressure, or if other factors are involved.
- Understanding the causes could lead to better ways to prevent or treat heart and kidney problems in the future.
- Participation involves non-invasive tests like blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, and scans.
- You can be aged 10-25 with chronic kidney disease, or be a healthy control from a previous study.
- Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people aged between 10 and 25 years old. For those with kidney disease, you will need to have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which means your kidneys haven't been working properly for at least three months. This includes young people who are on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant. You also need to be able to have all the study tests, such as 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, heart scans, and artery assessments.
We are also looking for a comparison group of young people, also aged 10 to 25. These individuals would have already taken part in similar research studies and agreed for their anonymous information to be used for future research like this one.
However, some conditions mean you wouldn't be able to join. This includes if you have any heart problems like congenital heart disease (a heart problem from birth), have had heart surgery, or have heart failure. Also, if you have an irregular heartbeat or if you can't have some of the tests, like the 24-hour blood pressure monitor, artery assessments, or an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to participate.
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 between 10 and 25 years old?
- If you have kidney disease, has it been diagnosed for at least 3 months? (This includes if you're on dialysis or have had a transplant).
- Are you able to have tests like 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, heart scans, and artery assessments?
- Do you have any serious heart conditions, irregular heartbeats, or a history of heart surgery? (If yes, you might not be eligible).
- If you don't have kidney disease, have you participated in a similar research study and agreed for your anonymous data to be used?
- Are you comfortable having the required study investigations?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have a number of tests and check-ups. These include:
* **Blood pressure checks:** We'll measure your blood pressure in the clinic, and you'll also wear a small device for 24 hours to monitor your blood pressure as you go about your day. * **Blood and urine tests:** These will check your kidney health, look for markers related to blood pressure, and assess your general heart health. * **Artery stiffness tests:** We'll use special gentle methods to measure how stiff your arteries are. * **Scans:** You'll have an MRI scan of your heart and the main artery (aorta), and an echocardiogram, which is a type of ultrasound scan of your heart. * **Other measurements:** We'll also measure your height, weight, and body composition.
Some young people with kidney disease who have higher blood pressure will be asked to have a second set of these tests later on, once their blood pressure is better controlled. A smaller group of participants might also be offered a few extra optional tests, such as those looking at breathing and blood flow in your legs. These will be discussed with you and your family.
Your study visits will mainly be arranged through the Evelina London Children's Hospital, with some young adults also seen at Guy's Hospital. The study coordinator will help arrange these appointments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Evelina London Children's Hospital and Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'arterial stiffness'?
It's when the tubes (arteries) that carry blood from your heart become less flexible and more rigid. This can make your heart work harder.
What kind of tests will I have?
You'll have blood pressure checks, blood and urine tests, heart and artery scans (like MRI), and measurements of your height and weight. These are all common and generally safe tests.
Do I have to do all the tests?
Most participants will have a standard set of tests. A smaller group might be offered extra optional tests, which you can discuss and decide about with the researchers and your family.
Where will the study visits take place?
Study visits will primarily be at Evelina London Children's Hospital. Young adults may also have appointments at Guy's Hospital.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Benjamin Boxer, BSc, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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