Imaging kidney sodium levels using MRI
Official title: Kidney Sodium Functional Imaging: Evaluation of Kidney Medullary Sodium Content Using 23Na MRI in Kidney Disease
Run by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT05014178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special MRI can show differences in sodium levels in the kidneys of people with various kidney diseases to help improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05014178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with chronic kidney disease stages 1-5 or healthy controls without kidney disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the corticomedullary gradient in patients with various kidney diseases by utilizing sodium Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Approximately 200 participants will be recruited from the London Health Sciences Regional Renal Program, where they will undergo a sodium MRI scan of their kidneys along with blood pressure measurements, urine samples, and blood work. The study seeks to determine if the sodium gradient in the kidneys is altered across a spectrum of kidney diseases, which could enhance management strategies for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to assess kidney function and improve management of chronic kidney diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of sodium MRI in kidney imaging is a novel approach, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in assessing kidney function in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * For healthy controls: lack of kidney disease, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and peripheral edema * For CKD stage 1-5: Estimated GFR \< 90 mL/min/1.73m² * For patients on maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: more than 3 months duration of therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant, breastfeeding or intending pregnancy * Contraindication to MRI * Inability to tolerate MRI due to patient size and/or known history of claustrophobia. * Mechanically implanted, electrically, or magnetically activated device or any metal in their body which cannot be removed, including but not limited to pacemakers, neurostimulators, biostimulators, implanted insulin pumps, aneurysm clips, bioprosthesis, artificial limb, metallic fragment or foreign body, tattoos, shunt, surgical staples (including clips or metallic sutures and/or ear implants.)
Where it's running
-
Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher W McIntyre, MD
- Email: christopher.mcintyre@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 5196858500
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.