Study of Brain Sodium Levels Using Sodium MRI in Adults Aged 50 to 75 on Chronic Haemodialysis

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study a new type of MRI scanning called Sodium MRI Na-MRI that can measure the amount of sodium in different parts of the body. High sodium levels are linked to high blood pressure and are especially important for patients with kidney disease, as the kidneys regulate sodium balance. The study focuses on patients with end-stage kidney disease ESKD who are on haemodialysis and seeks to improve understanding of how sodium accumulation affects brain health and cognitive function. The study uses specialized 23Na MRI to directly measure sodium levels in the brain and other tissues before and after haemodialysis treatment. This imaging technique is combined with proton MRI measures to provide information on brain sodium and water content changes caused by dialysis. The research is observational and involves no drug or device treatments but uses advanced MRI scanning methods optimized for this purpose. Participants will undergo brain MRI scans at the study center before and after dialysis sessions to assess sodium levels and brain tissue changes. Researchers will analyze the images to measure brain sodium and compare changes over time, focusing on the proportion of usable brain images and changes in grey and white matter sodium levels. The study will also explore links between brain sodium and proton MRI measures, with assessments conducted over a 12-month period.

Sodium Accumulation Study in Haemodialysis: Brain Study