i4i ADEPT Version 1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Adsorbent Device to Promote Toxin Removal during Haemodialysis
IRAS ID
126136
Contact name
Kolitha Basnayake
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
In kidney failure, toxic waste products which are normally removed in the urine build up in the bloodstream. This is associated with sustained inflammation, which has been linked linked to vascular disease, This is a major cause of sickness and death in this group of patients. Dialysis only effectively removes smaller sized, water soluble waste products, leaving behind larger molecules and those which are are bound to proteins. These accumulate over time and reduce life expectancy and quality of life. Improving patient survival on dialysis remains challenging and improving patient outcomes requires novel developments.
Many of these larger molecules, and those bound to proteins, can be removed by sticking them to a porous surface (termed adsorption). Currently, no cost effective and efficient adsorption devices are available. A range of novel adsorbent materials have been recently developed which are able to remove these larger and protein-bound compounds, and these can be produced relatively cheaply for use alongside haemodialysis without producing any harmful side effects. When fully tested these could enhance dialysis and offer a more effective therapy for patients with kidney failure.
Previously, a pilot study successfully showed that a prototype carbon monolith adsorption device can effectively remove waste products which cause inflammation, from blood without significantly affecting normal blood biochemistry. The aim of the current project is to scale up and optimise this device, so that it may be used in conjunction with current standard haemodialysis treatment, thus improving the removal of inflammatory molecules and other toxic substances.
Healthy volunteers will be recruited to donate whole blood for testing the performance of the carbon monolith device. Blood transfusion products which have passed their use-by date will also be obtained for use in experiments testing larger versions of the device.
The entire project is expected to take two years to complete.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1058
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion