Kids Kidney Research

Kids Kidney Research and the BAPN (British Association for Paediatric Nephrology) are committed to furthering research into childhood kidney disease.   Kids Kidney Research is delighted to announce that, via the BAPN, its is funding an exciting new multi-centre research project, entitled “An Investigation Into The Optimal Reduction In Dialysate Temperature On Systemic Haemodynamics And Myocardial Stunning In Paediatric Haemodialysis”. 

Patients on dialysis have a very high risk of developing heart and vessel (cardiovascular) disease. In 20-30 yr olds, the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease is the same as that of an 85yr old.

Haemodialysis places a lot of strain on the heart. It can result in a drop in blood pressure and symptoms such as headaches and stomach cramps. A low blood pressure is a signal for the heart to work harder to deliver blood to all the organs in the body. The heart itself requires blood to work normally. If its blood supply falls below a critical level this injures the heart muscle (myocardial ischaemia). Injured heart muscle segments are unable to move (contract) normally, thereby reducing overall function. Adults develop myocardial ischaemia during haemodialysis. If this results in a temporary reduction in heart function, we refer to this as myocardial stunning. Repeated episodes of myocardial stunning can cause myocardial hibernation, where ‘hibernating' segments of the heart have a permanent reduction of function.

The aim of the study is to examine whether cooling the dialysate improves blood pressure and reduces myocardial stunning in children on haemodialysis.  Secondly the researchers wish to establish  the optimal dialysate temperature that will benefit the heart by reducing myocardial stunning and also improve children’s symptoms on haemodialysis.

Full details of the project can be found by clicking here 

Kids Kidney Research is very grateful to the BAPN for their support of this important new project.