Investigating methods of transdermal fluid extraction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating optimal methods of transdermal fluid extraction in patients with fluid overload
IRAS ID
121903
Contact name
Sandip Mitra
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central Manchester Foundation Trust
Research summary
Fluid overload is a distressful condition and is particularly prevalent in kidney and chronic heart disease patients. Fluid must be removed from these patients by dialysis, or by transplantation, else fluid overload is fatal. Diuretics are effective for some patients but have risks and side effects associated with them.
We have demonstrated that excess fluid can be extracted in a pain free manner using microneedles. These are short projections (approximately half a millimeter) capable of penetrating the skin allowing superficial access to fluid. The successful extraction of interstitial fluid in such a manner could potentially lead to a method of safe extraction, with minimal pain and risk of infection. Using microneedle arrays on patients with fluid overload showed much promise, with fluid extraction in about 70% of cases. In addition to microneedle arrays, subcutaneous drainage of interstitial fluid using superficially inserted needles has been studied in the past and successfully used in the clinic to manage oedema of lower extremities in a palliative care context.
However the optimal method of fluid extraction and its efficacy has not been determined in patient populations who might benefit from fluid removal. An isolated study of an individual technique may limit further development of a more efficacious technology that might have a potential therapeutic application in relieving fluid burden. Although our current data has provided an insight into various properties (interstitial pressure, interstitial volume and fluid conductance) of the skin in mainly oedematous patients with advanced renal disease, a clearer understanding of potential techniques are crucial to the effective development of minimally invasive transcutaneous extraction technologies.
This study seeks to gather data to define an improved non-pharmacological method of transdermal extraction of tissue fluid in humans.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0241
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion