ADAPTER
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Effect of Adenosine Antagonism on Renal Perfusion in Cirrhosis using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
IRAS ID
253238
Contact name
Peter Hayes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
The current treatment of kidney impairment secondary to liver cirrhosis is very limited and may be unsuccessful in up to 80% of patients and is associated with end-stage disease. If this kidney impairment occurs acutely, mean survival time may only be 4 weeks.
Adenosine, a naturally occurring chemical within the body, has been proposed as a mediator for liver cirrhosis induced impaired kidney function. Aminophylline, a medication currently used in the treatment of lung conditions such as asthma, works by blocking chemical receptors within the body, of which adenosine has its effect. We aim to investigate whether inhibiting the effect of adenosine in the kidney, using Aminophylline, improves blood flow to the kidney in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Other agents with similar pharmacological action to aminophylline, such as theophylline, have been proven to increase blood flow to the kidneys. Compared to theophylline, aminophylline is less potent, shorter acting and associated with much fewer side effects.
Impaired kidney function is usually detected on a blood test which can be unreliable. A more accurate assessment of kidney function is to measure the flow of blood through the kidneys by way of an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. We plan to give 10 participants with cirrhosis of the liver a single dose of aminophylline and, using an MRI scan, measure whether aminophylline increases blood flow through the kidney. If so, clinical studies and trials may be set up in the future to assess whether aminophylline could be a potential new treatment for kidney impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/2169
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion