Assessing kidney injury mechanisms in sepsis patients using PET imaging

Mechanisms of Acute Kidney Injury in Severe Infections

Observational Uppsala University Hospital · NCT06372444

This study is testing how kidney injury happens in people with sepsis and acute kidney injury by using special imaging to look at blood flow and inflammation in their kidneys.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages30 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
Trial IDNCT06372444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate renal perfusion and inflammation in patients suffering from sepsis and acute kidney injury (AKI) using positron emission tomography (PET). It will involve 10 critically ill patients with sepsis and AKI, alongside 5 healthy volunteers for comparison. The study will utilize marked water for renal perfusion assessment and a novel PET tracer that binds to neutrophil elastase to measure inflammation in the kidneys. Additionally, a CT scan will be performed simultaneously to provide anatomical imaging, and plasma levels of inflammatory mediators will be analyzed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 30 years with sepsis and at least stage 1 acute kidney injury.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic renal failure, those on dialysis, or individuals with unstable vital functions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of kidney injury mechanisms in sepsis, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using PET imaging in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding kidney injury mechanisms.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with sepsis and AKI

* \> 30 years
* At least AKI stage 1 according to KDIGO where the last plasma creatinine is measured within 24 hours of the examination

Healthy volunteers

* \> 30 years
* No previously known kidney disease
* Normal plasma creatinine value

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic renal failure (CKD stage \>3a) or dialysis
* Instability in vital functions that makes PET-CT examination unsuitable
* Claustrophobia or other reasons that make the patient unable to lie still during the examination.
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Uppsala

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SepsisAKI - Acute Kidney InjuryPositron Emission Tomography
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.