First patient recruited in the UK to kidney study
Researchers in south London have recruited the first patient in the country to a kidney study called the Iron and Muscle study.
The investigator-led academic study is funded by Kidney Research UK, through an unrestricted grant from Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma.
The study looks at how intravenous (IV) iron might be able to benefit people with kidney disease. Iron forms haemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. However, iron has other important functions, particularly in relation to how the heart and muscles work.
The Iron and Muscle National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) portfolio study started recruiting in spring 2019 and is set to run for three years. The first patient was recruited at King’s College Hospital. Researchers are hoping to recruit 70 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who are deficient in iron, but not anaemic or on dialysis, to see if giving them IV iron, combined with an eight-week exercise programme, improves their ability to exercise, which is assessed through participants carrying out a six-minute walking distance test. The programme also assess their muscle function, level of fatigue and their overall quality of life.
Dr Sharlene Greenwood, consultant physiotherapist in exercise rehabilitation at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who is one of the co-leads for the study, said: “We are delighted to have started this hugely important trial which addresses a problem that really matters to our patients. Some of the participants in this exploratory trial will be given iron and some will be given a placebo.
“All patients will undertake an eight-week exercise programme. By comparing the results, we hope to find out whether giving iron to patients who are not anaemic, but have low iron levels, can improve their ability to exercise, their muscle metabolism, physical function, and fatigue levels. If successful, this could pave the way for a much larger clinical trial.''
King’s College Hospital is one of seven renal sites involved in the Iron and Muscle study across the UK – Guy’s Hospital; St George’s Hospital and St Helier Hospital are also involved in the research within the south London region.
You can find out more about the study on Kidney Research UK's website. Alternatively, for more information please contact Dr Sharlene Greenwood by emailing Sharlene.greenwood@nhs.net.
