Acute kidney injury happens when the kidneys suddenly stop filtering waste from the blood, often during serious illness, surgery, or from certain medications. It affects millions of people each year in hospitals. Some cases resolve completely with supportive care, but AKI can lead to chronic kidney disease or require dialysis in severe cases.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that protect kidney cells during injury, improve blood flow to the kidneys, and reduce inflammation that damages filtering units. Researchers are studying biomarkers that detect AKI earlier than current tests, and testing whether earlier intervention prevents long-term damage. Cell therapy and regenerative approaches are being explored for severe cases.
Early detection biomarkers
New blood and urine tests can detect kidney injury hours before creatinine rises, the current standard. Trials are testing whether catching AKI earlier allows interventions that prevent permanent damage.
Kidney protection drugs
Several drugs aim to protect kidney cells from dying during injury caused by sepsis, surgery, or contrast dye. These include drugs that improve kidney blood flow and reduce oxidative stress in kidney tissue.
Remote monitoring
Studies are testing whether continuous monitoring of kidney function in high-risk patients prevents AKI or catches it at a reversible stage. This includes tracking urine output and real-time lab values in hospital settings.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on AKI stage, underlying cause, baseline kidney function, and whether AKI occurred in the hospital or community setting.
What types of trials are currently open
- Prevention trials — Testing drugs or fluids given before surgery or contrast scans to prevent AKI in high-risk patients.
- Treatment trials — Testing medications that reduce kidney inflammation or protect kidney cells once AKI has started.
- Biomarker studies — Evaluating new tests that detect kidney injury earlier than creatinine, the current standard blood test.
- Dialysis timing trials — Comparing outcomes when dialysis is started early versus waiting for clear indications in severe AKI.
- Observational studies — Following patients who have had AKI to understand long-term kidney outcomes and what predicts recovery versus progression to chronic kidney disease.
Recently added Acute Kidney Injury trials
Donate blood and urine samples to help predict kidney complications from heart surgery
This study aims to discover and validate new biomarkers for predicting CSA-AKI before cardiovascular surgery. Nested case-control studies embedded in prospective cohorts. Adult patients scheduled for cardiovascular surgery were continuously included. Blood/urine/stool samples and clinical data before and after contrast agent exposure and before and after cardiovascular surgery were collected, and the occurrence, progression and outcome of CSA-AKI events were dynamically monitored. Based on the exposure to contrast agents and the occurrence of CSA-AKI, two case-controls were constructed in the prospective cohort. In the construction of two case-controls, biomarkers were identified and validated by using multi-omics analysis techniques and machine learning techniques, etc.
Receive a specialized blood-filtering treatment for life-threatening infection
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using the oXiris filter can lower the amount of endotoxin in the blood of adults with septic shock who need CRRT. Septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by infection and severe organ dysfunction. CRRT is a form of continuous blood purification used to support the kidneys and manage fluid and waste products. The oXiris filter is designed to provide CRRT while also removing endotoxin and inflammatory substances from the blood. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does 24 hours of CRRT with the oXiris filter lower blood endotoxin levels compared with levels before treatment? What changes occur in inflammation, organ function, and the need for medicines that raise blood pressure? What medical problems or treatment-related complications occur during the study? This is a single-center study with no comparison group. About 13 participants will take part, and all participants will receive CRRT with the oXiris filter for a planned period of 24 hours. Other treatments for septic shock, including treatment for infection, fluids, medicines to support blood pressure, and other organ support, will be provided according to the hospital's usual care. Researchers will: Collect blood samples before and after the 24-hour oXiris treatment to measure endotoxin and markers of inflammation. Record blood pressure, blood lactate, circulation, organ function, use of blood pressure medicines, and CRRT treatment information. Continue selected blood tests and clinical assessments during the first 7 days Record any medical problems, including serious medical problems, during the study. Check whether participants are alive at 28 days and 90 days after enrollment The study may help researchers better understand the biological effects and safety of the oXiris filter and provide information for larger future studies.
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