Shan Wei Shi

People with end stage kidney disease ESKD who require dialysis face a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population, with cardiac issues causing 58% of deaths in this group. However, while aspirin is known to reduce cardiovascular problems in the general population, there is limited evidence about its effects in dialysis patients. The ASPIrin to Reduce Event in Dialysis ASPIRED trial aims to study whether taking low-dose aspirin can safely improve cardiovascular outcomes in people with ESKD receiving dialysis. This study is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial that will compare daily low-dose aspirin 100 mg to a placebo pill in patients undergoing dialysis. The trial uses an existing dialysis registry platform to screen, recruit, and collect data during routine clinical care, minimizing participant burden and study costs. Randomization is managed through a secure web-based system, and follow-up visits occur every six months as part of regular clinic visits. The trial is expected to last approximately five years and includes oversight by an independent safety and monitoring board. Participants will be involved in regular six-monthly clinic visits where their health will be monitored as part of their usual dialysis care. Researchers will track the occurrence of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, vascular complications, and deaths, throughout the study period. Data will be collected from routine clinical procedures and the dialysis registry to evaluate outcomes. Safety and efficacy will be closely monitored, and the study will follow participants for up to five years to assess the long-term effects of aspirin use in this population.