Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Renal Transplant
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Elastography: an imaging tool in renal fibrosis and chronic allograft damage following renal transplantation
IRAS ID
166904
Contact name
Emma EF Scott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ACCORD
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 3 days
Research summary
Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Elastography as imaging tools in renal fibrosis and chronic allograft damage following renal transplantation.
The optimal treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure is transplantation, leading to improved quality of life, and patient survival. 5% kidney transplants are lost each year through a process of tubular loss and interstitial fibrosis, known as chronic allograft damage (CAD). During CAD, the kidney becomes stiff/scarred, and inflammatory cells accumulate. Changes are progressive and can only be diagnosed on renal biopsy.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is established in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor liver fibrosis. In pilot studies it has imaged fibrosis within other organs, including kidneys.
Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (USPIOs) are iron particles that are infused in patients with anaemia secondary to chronic renal failure. They are taken up by macrophages (inflammatory cells) and are useful MRI contrast agents as they show macrophage accumulation. This has been used in humans.
We believe that combining the physical properties of the kidney, together with radiological presence of macrophages is potentially an exciting new technique in the investigation of fibrosis and CAD.
As part of a pilot study, we will recruit patients with known renal function and perform MRE and MRI scans. Ten patients will also get infusion of iron and return for a repeat MRI scan.
Following this, we will carry out a research study recruiting patients that are due to have a biopsy, perform the two scans (48 hours apart), giving iron infusion after the first scan. We will ask for urine, blood samples, together with access to the left over biopsy tissue for our analysis.
Patients will be recruited from clinic. Consultants will identify suitable patients and pass details to the clinical research fellow.
Information from the scans WILL NOT be used influence treatment of participants.
We are currently applying for funding.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
15/SS/0055
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion