Using remote ischemic preconditioning to improve kidney transplant outcomes

Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning in Transplantation (RIPTRANS) - A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT03855722

This study is testing if a special treatment given to organ donors can help kidney transplants work better and faster for the recipients.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment496 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHelsinki University Central Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Helsinki)
Trial IDNCT03855722 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on kidney transplant outcomes by applying RIPC to brain-dead organ donors. The primary goal is to determine if RIPC can reduce the rate of delayed graft function in kidney transplants. Participants will include organ donors and their corresponding organ recipients, with a focus on those undergoing transplantation at Helsinki University Hospital. The study will compare outcomes between those receiving RIPC and those receiving a sham treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult organ recipients over 18 years old receiving kidneys from brain-dead donors at Helsinki University Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients who are hemodynamically unstable, under 18 years old, or participating in another prospective trial may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved kidney transplant outcomes and reduced complications for recipients.

How similar studies have performed: While RIPC has shown promise in animal models and heart surgery, its application in transplantation is less studied, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Donor Inclusion Criteria:

* Brain-dead organ donor with a plan of harvesting at least one kidney

Donor Exclusion Criteria:

* Haemodynamically unstable donor
* Age below 18 years
* Planned organ recipients are recruited to another prospective trial, which prevents participation in this trial.

All organ recipients receiving organs (kidney, liver, pancreas-kidney, heart, lungs) from a randomized donor will be recruited providing that the recipient surgery is performed at Helsinki University Hospital, recipient is over 18 years old, and recipient gives written informed consent to participate in the trial.

Where this trial is running

Helsinki

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: Transplant Dysfunction

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.