This study is ongoing but no longer accepting new participants.
Identifying Therapeutic Hemodialysis Targets Through Cerebrovascular Reactivity; RESPIRACT 2
Christopher McIntyreAbout This Study
This study evaluates cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in patients with chronic kidney failure receiving hemodialysis to identify therapeutic targets for mitigating dialysis-related cognitive decline. Investigators use the RespirAct system to deliver controlled CO2 stimuli and Transcranial Doppler to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity before and after hemodialysis sessions. The protocol correlates changes in CVR and cognitive performance—assessed via MoCA, Trails Making Tests, and computerized batteries—with hemodynamic variables and serum markers including sodium, calcium, and acid-base status. The primary objective is to determine how the hemodialysis procedure acutely impacts cerebral autoregulation and to establish parameters that may be modified to preserve brain vascular health in this population.
Who Can Participate?
✓ Inclusion Criteria
- •Patients ≥ 18 years old, receiving hemodialysis treatment at least 3 times per week at a London Health Sciences Centre facility
- •English proficiency
✗ Exclusion Criteria
- •Mental incapacity to consent
- •Declined to participate
- •Severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) /Asthma
- •History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke, transient ischemic attack)
- •Previous neurosurgery
- •History of carotid stenosis or carotid surgery
- •History of vasculitis
- •Documented Dementia
- •Pregnancy
- •Not fluent in English