Timing of kidney treatment in critically ill patients

Early vs Late CRRT, a Propensity Matched Multicenter Cohort Study

Observational Karolinska University Hospital · NCT03629977

This study is trying to find out if starting kidney treatment earlier can help critically ill patients with kidney injury feel better and have better outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT03629977 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the optimal timing for initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI). Utilizing a large-scale intensive care database, the study aims to analyze data from over 60,000 patients across three hospitals in Stockholm. The researchers hypothesize that early initiation of RRT may lead to better patient outcomes, addressing a significant knowledge gap in current clinical practice. The study will also explore the variability in RRT timing and its impact on morbidity and mortality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill patients over 18 years of age admitted to intensive care units in Stockholm.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years, those with do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders, or those expected to die within 12 hours of starting RRT may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights that improve treatment protocols for patients with acute kidney injury in intensive care settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested benefits of early RRT, indicating that this approach may be promising, although conflicting results exist.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\*Critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units in Stockholm at: Karolinska University Hospital (Solna and Huddinge) and at Södersjukhuset.

\*Patients over 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \<18 years
* Patients with DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation)-orders
* Patients dying within 12 hours of commencing renal replacement therapy.

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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 InjuryUremiaFluid OverloadDialysisComplicationsCritical Illness
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.