Improving Patient Assessment after AKI

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Improving patient assessment after Acute Kidney Injury

• IRAS ID

  340103

• Contact name

  Nicholas Selby

• Contact email

  nicholas.selby@nottingham.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Nottingham

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN00000000

• Duration of Study in the UK

  4 years, 0 months, 3 days

• Research summary

  Acute kidney injury (AKI) is when kidneys suddenly stop working properly. AKI is common, affecting around 1 in 7 people admitted to hospital. It often happens when people are unwell (eg. with infection or heart disease).

  Research shows there is an increased likelihood of developing health problems after AKI, including ongoing kidney disease and death. However, there is little research about what care and treatment people need after AKI or about patient’s symptoms and the effect on their everyday activities.

  The planned study is funded by an NIHR doctoral fellowship (NIHR 304722). The aim is to improve patient care after AKI through better understanding the aftereffects of AKI on the whole person.

  Part 1: Which blood test should be used to measure kidney health after AKI?
  An observational study involving adult patients at 3 months after AKI. Different blood tests measuring kidney function will be done and compared to a detailed measure involving a small injection of contrast and blood tests over several hours. A questionnaire will measure symptoms and a simple electrical measure (bioimpedance) will measure muscle bulk.

  Part 2: Are there any common characteristics of gut bacteria in people who have recovered from AKI?
  An observational study in which patients will be asked for a stool sample at 3 months after AKI, which will be analysed to determine characteristics of gut bacteria.

  Part 3: What symptoms do patients have after AKI and how are their day-to-day lives affected?
  A qualitative study, where patients will be interviewed about their experiences during AKI recovery. The interviews will be recorded and analysed to explore patient experiences.

  Part 4: What recommendations should come from this work?
  A qualitative study involving participatory workshops to discuss results with patients and medical experts and develop recommendations for care for patients after AKI together.

• REC name

  East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/EM/0225

• Date of REC Opinion

  6 Nov 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion