urinary Dickkopf 3 (u DKK3) in renal transplant
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The usefulness of urinary Dickkopf 3 (u DKK3) as a biomarker of renal allograft dysfunction in renal transplant recipients
IRAS ID
356438
Contact name
Geeta Hampson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
177186, EDGE ID; NCT0717680, ClinicalTrials.gov
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Kidney function after a renal transplant is monitored closely, particularly in the first year, as the risk of deterioration in graft function is worrying. Graft dysfunction can lead to chronic kidney failure and graft loss. Currently, renal transplant function is mainly monitored using creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, these tests are not sensitive enough to detect small changes in graft function. A new test which can detect graft dysfunction in an early phase would be useful as this would help optimise treatment and prolong survival. Dickkopf -3 (DKK3) is a protein which is released by kidney cells in response to injury. High levels of the DKK3 protein in urine has been shown to have the potential to predict decline in graft function, earlier than the currently available tests, although the results show a mixed picture. Before this test is used routinely, further studies need to be carried out. We want to analyse this protein in multiple urine samples collected over 12 months in our cohort of renal transplant recipients. We will be comparing the urine DKK3 test with our currently available tests to investigate whether this test can identify patients who are at risk of graft dysfunction earlier.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
26/WA/0160
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion