How bicarbonate levels in dialysis affect heart stability and rhythm
Official title: Association of Dialysate Bicarbonate with Hemodynamic Instability and Arrhythmia
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10829336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the amount of bicarbonate in the dialysis fluid affects blood pressure and heart health for people on hemodialysis, with the goal of finding the best levels to help keep patients safe and healthy during their treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,283 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK127248-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10829336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, particularly those experiencing hemodynamic instability or arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on hemodialysis or those with stable cardiac conditions unrelated to dialysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of dialysate bicarbonate on patients undergoing hemodialysis, particularly focusing on how it relates to blood pressure stability and the risk of heart arrhythmias. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which bicarbonate levels can influence cardiac health during dialysis sessions. By analyzing patient data and conducting clinical assessments, the research seeks to identify optimal bicarbonate concentrations that could improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. The findings could lead to better management strategies for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dialysis protocols that enhance heart stability and reduce the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that bicarbonate levels can influence cardiovascular health, suggesting that this investigation could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ravi, Katherine Scovner — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ravi, Katherine Scovner
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.