Eye-brain-kidney connections in chronic kidney disease

A Study on the Eye-Brain-Kidney Interaction Mechanisms in Chronic Kidney Disease Based on Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Beijing Friendship Hospital · NCT07358572

This study will see if changes in brain network connectivity and retinal blood vessels are linked to cognitive decline and kidney function in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Friendship Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT07358572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective, single-center observational cohort will enroll adults aged 18–70 with CKD stages 1–5 at Beijing Friendship Hospital. Participants will complete neuropsychological testing (including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), blood tests for biomarkers, and multimodal imaging—3.0T brain MRI, multiparametric kidney MRI, and retinal OCT/OCTA—at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up. The study will analyze relationships among retinal microvasculature, brain connectivity and perfusion measures, cognitive performance, and kidney function over time. Findings aim to establish an integrated eye–brain–kidney framework using noninvasive imaging and clinical data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–70 years old with clinically diagnosed CKD stages 1–5 who can undergo MRI and eye imaging and are willing to complete cognitive testing are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with MRI contraindications, prior stroke or other central nervous system diseases, severe unstable cardiac conditions, or who are pregnant or lactating are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify noninvasive imaging markers that help detect or monitor cognitive decline and kidney disease progression earlier.

How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional studies have reported links between retinal microvascular changes, brain imaging markers, and cognitive impairment, but longitudinal multimodal eye–brain–kidney cohorts are relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-70 years.
2. Patients clinically diagnosed with CKD stages 1-5.
3. No contraindications for MRI examination (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, claustrophobia, cochlear implant, hearing aid, coronary stents implanted before 2015) and able to complete the MRI scan.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with recent or prior cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction.
2. History of epileptic seizures or psychiatric disorders.
3. Patients with claustrophobia.
4. Pregnant or lactating patients.
5. Presence of other central nervous system diseases (e.g., tumor, trauma).
6. Unstable angina, congestive heart failure (NYHA class III or IV), or acute myocardial infarction.
7. Any systemic or other diseases deemed unsuitable for clinical trial participation.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Kidney Diseases, Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.