Renal microcirculation in cardiac surgery.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Renal microcirculation in cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury.
IRAS ID
361759
Contact name
Hazem Lashin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Barts Health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This observational study will explore how changes in kidney blood flow during and after heart surgery contribute to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI affects around one in three patients undergoing cardiac surgery with a heart-lung machine and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased need for dialysis, and higher risk of long-term complications. However, AKI is currently difficult to detect early using standard blood tests, which often only rise after damage has occurred.
We will recruit up to 80 adult patients undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. The study will use contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a safe bedside imaging technique using microbubbles, to examine how blood flows through the small vessels in the kidney (renal microcirculation). Patients will undergo three CEUS scans: before surgery, immediately after surgery in the intensive care unit, and again on the second day after surgery.
In addition, we will analyse ultrasound images of the heart (transoesophageal echocardiography) that are routinely taken during surgery. These images will be used to assess the function of the right side of the heart and any signs of fluid congestion that could affect kidney blood flow.
Routine clinical data such as blood test results (e.g. creatinine), ICU stay, and outcomes will be collected. Participants will also be offered the option to provide small blood and urine samples at the time of each CEUS scan. These samples will be stored securely for future research into biomarkers related to kidney injury.
This study does not involve any experimental treatment. All procedures are low risk and closely aligned with routine care. The results will help identify earlier signs of kidney injury and support the development of better preventive strategies in the future.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0014
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion