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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04956120

Effect of Citrate Dialysate on Vascular Calcification

The goal of this study is to determine whether hemodialysis with citrate slows the progression of vascular calcification. Participants will be dialyzed with one of two standard dialysis solutions, one with and one without citrate, for 12 months and then switched to the other solution for 12 months. Vascular calcification will be measured on mammograms that will be performed at 6-month intervals and additional blood samples will be obtained at 6-month intervals.

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Key information

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Emory Dialysis at Greenbriar, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

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About this study

Vascular calcification is a significant problem in dialysis patients that leads to poor outcomes. Currently there is no therapy that directly addresses this problem. Some of the dialysis solutions (dialysates) currently in use contain citrate, a potent inhibitor of calcium precipitation. In particular, citrate can bind to nascent hydroxyapatite crystals and prevent their propagation. Blood citrate levels are greater after dialysis with citrate dialysates than with non-citrate dialysates, which could slow vascular calcification. However, this has never been investigated. Prior research has shown that arterial calcification can be easily detected and reliably measured on routine digital mammograms, with sufficient sensitivity to follow progression. Mammography is more sensitive in detecting arterial calcification than other imaging and associated with far less radiation and cost. This will allow the researchers to detect differences between citrate and non-citrate dialysates in a safe and convenient way. Participants will be dialyzed with one of two standard dialysis solutions, one with and one without citrate, for 12 months and then switched to the other solution for 12 months. Vascular calcification will be measured by mammography every 6 months. The endpoint will be the difference in the rate of progression of breast arterial calcification (BAC) between dialysis with citrate and non-citrate dialysates.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • hemodialysis patients with BAC on mammograms

Exclusion criteria

  • current warfarin use
  • severe hyperparathyroidism (likely to undergo parathyroidectomy in the next 2 years)
  • difficulty controlling serum calcium (likely to require changes in dialysate calcium concentration in the next 2 years)
  • life expectancy < 2 years
  • prisoners
  • inability to give consent

Treatment and study plan

Citrate Dialysate

Device

Dialysate is generated during dialysate from two concentrates (acid concentrate and bicarbonate concentrate) mixed with treated water. When used, citrate is provided in the acid concentrate. The acid concentrate with citrate is approved for this use by the FDA and will be used according to standard procedures without altered dialysis machine settings.

Other names: Citrasate

Standard dialysate

Device

Dialysate is generated during dialysate from two concentrates (acid concentrate and bicarbonate concentrate) mixed with treated water. The acid concentrate without citrate is approved for this use by the FDA and will be used according to standard procedures without altered dialysis machine settings.

Other names: Naturalyte

Primary outcomes

  1. Length of Calcified Artery Segments

    Time frame: 3 measurements during 12 months of treatment for each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)

    Rate of progression of breast arterial calcification (BAC) is calculated by linear regression of 3 mammograms over one year in each treatment arm (Months 0, 6 and 12 versus Months 12, 18 and 24). Progression of calcification is quantified as the length of calcified artery segments per year, measured in millimeters. Slower progression of vascular calcification, indicated by lower values, is a desirable outcome.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Serum Ionized Calcium (iCa)

    Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)

    Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to hemodialysis (HD) and after HD. The values are the mean milligrams (mg) of ionized calcium per deciliter (dL) of blood from two measurements during each study period.

  2. Serum Magnesium (Mg)

    Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)

    Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to and after hemodialysis (HD). The values are mean milligrams (mg) of magnesium per deciliter (dL) of blood from two measurements during each study period.

  3. Plasma Citrate

    Time frame: Pre-HD and Post-HD during each study period (up to 24 months for both years of the study)

    Blood samples were drawn to assess mineral metabolism prior to hemodialysis (HD) and after HD. The values are the mean from two measurements during each study period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Emory University

Other

Collaborators

  • Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group (FMCRTG)

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 9, 2021
Registry last updated
May 5, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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