The goal of this study is to determine whether hemodialysis with citrate slows the progression of vascular calcification. Participants will be dialyzed with one of two standard dialysis solutions, one with and one without citrate, for 12 months and then switched to the other solution for 12 months. Vascular calcification will be measured on mammograms that will be performed at 6-month intervals and additional blood samples will be obtained at 6-month intervals.
Vascular calcification is a significant problem in dialysis patients that leads to poor outcomes. Currently there is no therapy that directly addresses this problem. Some of the dialysis solutions (dialysates) currently in use contain citrate, a potent inhibitor of calcium precipitation. In particular, citrate can bind to nascent hydroxyapatite crystals and prevent their propagation. Blood citrate levels are greater after dialysis with citrate dialysates than with non-citrate dialysates, which could slow vascular calcification. However, this has never been investigated. Prior research has shown that arterial calcification can be easily detected and reliably measured on routine digital mammograms, with sufficient sensitivity to follow progression. Mammography is more sensitive in detecting arterial calcification than other imaging and associated with far less radiation and cost. This will allow the researchers to detect differences between citrate and non-citrate dialysates in a safe and convenient way. Participants will be dialyzed with one of two standard dialysis solutions, one with and one without citrate, for 12 months and then switched to the other solution for 12 months. Vascular calcification will be measured by mammography every 6 months. The endpoint will be the difference in the rate of progression of breast arterial calcification (BAC) between dialysis with citrate and non-citrate dialysates.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
54
Dialysate is generated during dialysate from two concentrates (acid concentrate and bicarbonate concentrate) mixed with treated water. When used, citrate is provided in the acid concentrate. The acid concentrate with citrate is approved for this use by the FDA and will be used according to standard procedures without altered dialysis machine settings.
Dialysate is generated during dialysate from two concentrates (acid concentrate and bicarbonate concentrate) mixed with treated water. The acid concentrate without citrate is approved for this use by the FDA and will be used according to standard procedures without altered dialysis machine settings.
Emory Dialysis at Northside
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Emory Dialysis at Greenbriar
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Emory Dialysis at North Decatur
Decatur, Georgia, United States
Emory Dialysis at Candler
Decatur, Georgia, United States
Length of Calcified Artery Segments
Rate of progression of breast arterial calcification (BAC) is calculated by linear regression of 3 mammograms over one year in each treatment arm (Months 0, 6 and 12 versus Months 12, 18 and 24). Progression of calcification is quantified as the length of calcified artery segments per year, measured in millimeters. Slower progression of vascular calcification, indicated by lower values, is a desirable outcome.
Time frame: 3 measurements during 12 months of treatment for each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)
Serum Ionized Calcium (iCa)
Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to hemodialysis (HD) and after HD. The values are the mean milligrams (mg) of ionized calcium per deciliter (dL) of blood from two measurements during each study period.
Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)
Serum Magnesium (Mg)
Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to and after hemodialysis (HD). The values are mean milligrams (mg) of magnesium per deciliter (dL) of blood from two measurements during each study period.
Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)
Plasma Citrate
Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to hemodialysis (HD) and after HD. The values are the mean from two measurements during each study period.
Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)
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