CKD Cachexia and Gut Microbiome

Launched by UNIVERSITÉ CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN · May 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "CKD Cachexia and Gut Microbiome," is investigating the relationship between cachexia (a condition characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting) and the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria in our intestines) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on dialysis. The researchers aim to understand how inflammation and toxins build up in the body affect these patients and whether increasing the amount of dialysis they receive could help improve their condition. The study will involve collecting blood and stool samples to analyze the gut bacteria and measure inflammation and toxin levels over time.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have been diagnosed with severe kidney failure, and have been on dialysis for at least three months. It’s important that participants understand the study and can follow its guidelines. Those with certain health conditions, like active cancer or severe digestive diseases, cannot join. Participants can expect to undergo evaluations of their body composition and health, as well as provide samples for analysis, all while receiving their regular dialysis treatment. This study hopes to shed light on how the gut microbiome and inflammation relate to cachexia in dialysis patients, potentially leading to better treatment options.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • Diagnosis of kidney failure (stage V)
• • Maintenance dialysis for at least 3 months
• • Understanding of the trial procedures and ability to adhere to the trial protocol
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe nonadherence to the dialysis procedure
• • Life expectancy below 1 year
• • Chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• • Bariatric surgery
• • Active cancer
• • Pregnancy
• • Antibiotics consumption in the month preceding the inclusion
• • Gastro-intestinal surgery, colonoscopy, or probiotics consumption in the 3 months preceding the inclusion
• • Drugs influencing body composition initiated ≤ 1 month : systemic corticosteroids, anabolic drugs as insulin or testosterone, post-menopausal hormone therapy, injectable contraceptives.
• • Known endocrinological disorders potentially leading to hypo- or hypermetabolism, untreated or treated for ≤ 1 month : disorders of thyroid gland, adrenal glands...
• • Patients under weight loss drugs : GLP1 agonists, orlistat