RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Bicarbonate HD Study

This study is for people in the UK with long-term kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease) who are having regular dialysis. We are trying to understand what affects the level of a substance called bicarbonate in their blood. Bicarbonate is important because it helps keep the body's acid levels balanced, and if it's too low, it can cause problems. We will collect information like diet and bicarbonate levels before and after dialysis sessions. The main goals are to see how well different dialysis methods control bicarbonate and to explore if personalising dialysis treatment, instead of using a standard approach for everyone, could be more effective. This could help improve care for people on dialysis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

12 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Metabolic Acidosis CKD on Hemodialysis Patients

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us better understand how to look after people who have advanced kidney disease and are on dialysis. When kidneys don't work properly, they struggle to keep the body's acid levels balanced. A key substance for this balance is bicarbonate. If bicarbonate levels are too low, it's called 'metabolic acidosis', which can make people feel unwell and is a common issue for those with kidney failure.

The main aim of this study is to observe and collect information from patients who are already receiving dialysis. We want to find out what factors might influence their bicarbonate levels. This includes things like their diet, medical history, and how their regular dialysis treatment is set up. By gathering this information, we hope to get a clearer picture of why bicarbonate levels might go up or down.

Ultimately, the study aims to see if different ways of doing dialysis are better at controlling bicarbonate levels. It also wants to explore the idea that dialysis might work better if it's tailored to each individual patient, rather than giving everyone the same treatment. This could mean adjusting the dialysis solution to suit a person's specific needs, which might lead to better health outcomes and a more comfortable experience for patients on long-term dialysis.

Key takeaways

The study explores how bicarbonate levels are affected in people on dialysis.
It aims to understand if different dialysis methods or personalised treatment could be better.
Participation involves sharing medical history, a food diary, and extra blood tests during routine dialysis.
There are no new medicines or treatments involved in this observational study.
The findings could help improve future dialysis care for kidney patients.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also have end-stage kidney disease, meaning your kidneys have stopped working well enough, and you have been on regular dialysis treatment for at least three months. You should be receiving dialysis three times a week.

It's important that you are able to understand what the study involves and can agree to take part freely. If for any reason you can't give your consent, you wouldn't be able to join.

People who have sudden, new kidney problems (called acute kidney injury) or those with severe lung conditions like very bad COPD would not be suitable for this study. Also, if you can't give your informed consent, you cannot take part.

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 long-term kidney failure (End-Stage Renal Disease)?
Have you been on regular dialysis for at least 3 months?
Do you receive dialysis 3 times a week?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medicines or treatments. This is an 'observational' study, meaning we will mostly be collecting information from you while you go about your normal dialysis routine.

Your involvement would include providing some personal details, information about your medical history, and your past experience with dialysis. You would also be asked to complete a simple food diary for two days, where you write down what you eat and drink. We would also take some extra blood samples to measure your bicarbonate levels at three specific times: once before your first dialysis session, once after that first session, and then again before your second dialysis session. The study will only last for a short period while this information is collected.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any new medications or treatments, so there are no known direct medical risks from participating. Any blood tests will be taken at the same time as your routine blood tests, so you won't need extra needles. The main potential benefit is that the information we learn could help improve how dialysis is given in the future, potentially leading to better health for people with kidney disease. It's important to remember that you can decide to stop being part of the study at any time, without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stevenage, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is bicarbonate and why is it important?

Bicarbonate is a natural substance in your blood that helps keep your body's acid levels balanced. If it's too low, it can make you feel unwell, especially with kidney disease.

What is 'metabolic acidosis'?

This is a medical term for when the body has too much acid because bicarbonate levels are too low. It's a common issue for people with kidney failure.

Will I get any new medicine if I join?

No, this study doesn't involve any new medicines or treatments. It's about observing and collecting information from your current dialysis routine.

How long will my involvement in the study last?

Your involvement will be quite short, focused on collecting information and blood samples over a couple of dialysis sessions and a two-day food diary.

Who is doing this study?

This is a single-centre study, meaning it's being conducted at one hospital or clinic to gather specific information about kidney patients on dialysis there.

How to find out more

Enric Vilar

enric.vilar@nhs.net 01438 284230 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.