Exploring the relationship between gut microbiome and cachexia in chronic kidney disease patients

Association of Cachexia and Gut Microbiome in Dialysis Patients : Investigation of the Interactions With Uremic Toxins and Inflammation.

Observational Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06986265

This study looks at how the gut bacteria might affect weight loss and muscle wasting in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment157 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversité Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Brussels and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06986265 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the links between cachexia and the gut microbiome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis. It will establish a prospective cohort of patients receiving various forms of dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Researchers will collect clinical data, biological samples, and assess body composition, inflammatory markers, and uremic toxins over time to better understand the role of the gut microbiome in CKD cachexia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with stage V kidney failure who have been on maintenance dialysis for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with severe nonadherence to dialysis, active cancer, or chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for cachexia in CKD patients, potentially enhancing their quality of life and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of the gut microbiome in CKD cachexia has been poorly explored, similar studies in other conditions have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosis of kidney failure (stage V)
* Maintenance dialysis for at least 3 months
* Understanding of the trial procedures and ability to adhere to the trial protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe nonadherence to the dialysis procedure
* Life expectancy below 1 year
* Chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
* Bariatric surgery
* Active cancer
* Pregnancy
* Antibiotics consumption in the month preceding the inclusion
* Gastro-intestinal surgery, colonoscopy, or probiotics consumption in the 3 months preceding the inclusion
* Drugs influencing body composition initiated ≤ 1 month : systemic corticosteroids, anabolic drugs as insulin or testosterone, post-menopausal hormone therapy, injectable contraceptives.
* Known endocrinological disorders potentially leading to hypo- or hypermetabolism, untreated or treated for ≤ 1 month : disorders of thyroid gland, adrenal glands...
* Patients under weight loss drugs : GLP1 agonists, orlistat

Where this trial is running

Brussels 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 Chronic Kidney DiseasesCachexiacachexiaProtein energy wastingmicrobiotachronic kidney diseasedialysis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.