Using Azacitidine to Prevent Kidney Damage After Surgery

Study of the Effect of Demethylating Agent Azacitidine on Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury-chronic Kidney Disease Continuum

PHASE1; PHASE2 · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05325099

This study tests if the drug azacitidine can help prevent kidney damage in patients who have had heart surgery by targeting specific cells that contribute to kidney problems.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT05325099 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of azacitidine, a demethylating agent, to prevent the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. The study focuses on understanding the role of pericytes, which are cells involved in kidney scarring, and how their epigenetic modifications contribute to kidney damage. By administering azacitidine, the researchers aim to reverse these modifications and reduce fibrogenesis, potentially improving kidney outcomes for affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients who have experienced stage 2 or stage 3 acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease or other serious conditions such as decompensated heart failure or active cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients recovering from acute kidney injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using azacitidine for this purpose is novel, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of targeting epigenetic modifications in kidney injury.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with cardiac surgery associated-AKI, stage 2 and stage 3

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic kidney disease
* Decompensated heart failure (EF \< 45%)
* Liver cirrhosis, child B or C
* Acute infection
* Acute bleeding
* Long-term use of immunosuppressant other than azacitidine
* Patients with active cancer other than acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
* Leukopenia, anemia or thrombocytopenia
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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: Acute Kidney Disease

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.