Using citrate anticoagulation for kidney treatment during ECMO

Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy During Veno-venous ECMO: a Crossover Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Milano Bicocca · NCT05148026

This study is testing if using a special blood thinner called citrate can help patients on kidney treatment while they are also on life support for breathing problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Milano Bicocca Academic / other
Locations1 site (Monza)
Trial IDNCT05148026 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) while on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) for acute respiratory failure. The research aims to determine if adding RCA can improve anticoagulation in the CRRT circuit, which often experiences thrombosis due to slower blood flow compared to the ECMO circuit. Patients will be assessed in a prospective, cross-over design, comparing outcomes with and without RCA. The study is conducted in an intensive care unit setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include ICU patients on vv-ECMO for acute respiratory failure who require CRRT for acute kidney injury.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have pre-existing coagulation disorders, or contraindications to heparin or citrate anticoagulation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the safety and efficacy of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients undergoing ECMO.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of RCA in CRRT is established, this specific application in the context of vv-ECMO is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients admitted in ICU
* V-V ECMO support for acute respiratory failure
* CRRT therapy for acute kidney injury

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Pre-existing coagulation disorders
* Contraindication to heparin or citrate anticoagulation
* Moribund patients

Where this trial is running

Monza

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 ARDS, HumanAcute Kidney InjuryExtracorporeal Membrane OxygenationARDSRenal Replacement Therapy
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.