Association of Cachexia and Gut Microbiome in Dialysis Patients: Study of Interactions with Uremic Toxins and Inflammation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating cachexia, a common condition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis, which is linked to higher illness and death rates. This research focuses on the role of the gut microbiome in CKD cachexia and how inflammation and uremic toxins contribute to this complex syndrome. The study aims to explore these connections and assess the impact of different dialysis doses and methods on cachexia. The study involves a prospective group of kidney failure patients receiving various forms of dialysis, including in-center, self-care in satellite units, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Participants will have detailed evaluations of cachexia and body composition, with collection of feces and blood samples to analyze gut microbiota, uremic toxins, and inflammatory markers. Measurements will be taken at the start, six months, and one year, including muscle strength and appetite assessments, with some patients undergoing muscle biopsies during surgical procedures. Participants will be followed longitudinally for about five years, with ongoing assessments of gut microbiota composition, inflammatory markers, uremic toxins, metabolomics profiles, dialysis dose and type, body composition, quality of life, handgrip strength, physical activity, and appetite. The study will compare cachectic and non-cachectic patients and examine differences among dialysis techniques. This comprehensive monitoring will help understand the interactions of these factors in CKD cachexia.

CKD Cachexia and Gut Microbiome