Blood Pressure Slopes and Ultrafiltration in Hemodialysis Patients

🩺 Protocol Summary

Kidney failure has been recognized as one of the most costly chronic conditions among United States Veterans. Approximately 13,000 Veterans develop kidney failure each year, and most require hemodialysis initiation. Hemodialysis patients suffer significantly increased risk of death and hospitalizations, and excessive body fluid is a major cause of this. While empiric aggressive fluid removal during dialysis is one approach to limit fluid overload, this can cause dangerous decreases in blood pressure during dialysis that independently contribute to the high death rate. In this study, I aim to test a new strategy that prescribes fluid removal based on a patient's recent blood pressure patterns during dialysis. This clinical trial will compare my strategy to standard care and assess the outcomes of overall blood pressure change between dialysis treatments in addition to the number of times the blood pressure becomes dangerously low during dialysis. Another aim is to determine how differences in the structure and function of the heart influence blood pressure during dialysis.

Primary Research Facility: VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX (Dallas, Texas)

Review these 3 basic logistical and protocol criteria extracted from the public NIH record. (This is a preliminary logistical checklist, not an official clinical eligibility determination).

Diagnosed with, undergoing evaluation for, or seeking treatment related to End Stage Renal Disease?

🔍 Study Population / Focus Area (Source: Protocol Primary Condition)

Aged 18 Years or older?

🔍 Protocol Specified Minimum Age: 18 Years

Able to attend required clinic visits at VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX (Dallas, Texas)?

🔍 Logistical Requirement: Site at VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX

📍 Primary Site Map

Site: VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX — Dallas, Texas

💰 Clinical Trial Costs & Insurance Coverage

Coverage for clinical trial participation varies depending on your health insurance policy, state legislation, and whether specific procedures are investigational research or routine medical care. Under federal law (Affordable Care Act § 2709), health insurers generally cannot drop coverage or refuse to pay for routine patient care costs incurred in approved clinical trials.

💡 Always ask the study coordinator for the trial's official Informed Consent Form, which outlines all sponsor-funded research items versus procedures billed to your insurance.