Early renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury after heart surgery

Early Application of Renal-Replacement Therapy in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT05175053

This study is testing if starting kidney treatment right away after heart surgery can help patients with kidney problems recover better and reduce the risk of dying compared to waiting for treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment202 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Seongnam and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05175053 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of early initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. It is a multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 202 patients, who will be divided into two groups: one receiving early RRT within 6 hours of AKI diagnosis and the other receiving delayed RRT based on specific clinical indications. The primary goal is to determine whether early RRT can reduce surgical mortality compared to the standard delayed approach. The study aims to provide clearer guidelines on the timing of RRT initiation in post-operative AKI patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients who have undergone cardiac surgery and developed AKI classified as KDIGO stage 2 within 7 days post-surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone renal replacement therapy or have AKI due to obstructive nephropathy or prior kidney transplantation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce mortality rates in patients experiencing acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of early RRT in similar patient populations, but this specific approach is being tested for the first time in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients within 7 days after cardiac surgery
* Acute kidney injury (AKI) described as Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage 2 (urine output \<0.5mL/kg/h for ≥6h or 2-fold increase in serum creatinine compared with baseline)

Exclusion Criteria:

* previous renal replacement therapy
* AKI secondary to obstructive nephropathy
* previous kidney transplantation

Where this trial is running

Seongnam and 1 other locations

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 Acute Kidney InjuryPost Cardiac SurgeryRenal Replacement Therapy
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.