Comparing Zinc Supplementation and Folic Acid for Lowering High Homocysteine in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation compared to folic acid on hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with chronic kidney disease CKD who require hemodialysis. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a known risk factor for accelerated cardiovascular problems, is common in CKD patients. Zinc plays an important role in enzymes that metabolize homocysteine, and this study explores its potential to reduce homocysteine levels alongside conventional CKD treatments. The study is an open-label, randomized controlled trial involving 90 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either zinc sulfate 50 mg elemental zinc daily or folic acid 5 mg daily for six weeks, along with their usual CKD medications. The trial will be conducted over one and a half years at a medical center in Bangladesh. Participants will have their plasma homocysteine levels measured before and after the six-week treatment period to assess changes. Additional laboratory tests will include serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR, serum albumin, and C-reactive protein CRP levels. Safety and any adverse events will be monitored throughout the study. The main goal is to understand how zinc supplementation compares to folic acid in managing hyperhomocysteinemia for CKD patients on hemodialysis.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Hyperhomocysteinemia Compared to Folic Acid in CKD Patient on Hemodialysis