ARID study - Information for participants

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who have volunteered to participate in the ARID study. Your contribution has been invaluable in enabling us to learn more about patients recovery following an Acute Kidney Injury.

Kidneys – some background

Latest developments – July 2020

In March 2020, the collection of ARID Year5 samples was progressing well with around two thirds already received. The impact of COVID-19 meant that collection of ARID Year5 samples had to be temporarily suspended during April 2020. After putting in place appropriate revised procedures, and with the support of our wonderful participants, we are continuing ARID Year5 sample collection in order to finish on target by the end of 2020.

The changes to the ARID Year5 procedures relate mainly to the blood collection. The entire Phlebotomy service has been re-designed to incorporate social distancing measures. Blood tests are now by appointment only and the vast majority of blood tests take place at Blood Clinics with very few still through the GP surgeries. The new blood appointment system has been well received by participants and the results are coming through smoothly.

ARID Year3 completed as planned in January 2019. Many months were then spent checking and reviewing the data.

Progress up to July 2018

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) continues to be a major priority for Royal Derby Hospital.  This was reflected by the CEO visiting the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) in April to see the work on quality improvement taking place there.

AKI Research has shown that the correct care after an AKI can improve a patient’s recovery. Therefore, after a hospital stay more information is provided to your GP regarding any AKI episodes.  If appropriate, this should include any changes to your previously recommended medication.

Preparing sample packs

Work continues to collect ARID study samples. Calls to participants at Year 3 will be completed in January 2019.

Collection of Year 5 samples started in February 2018 and will be completed in January 2021. Considering that calls to participants in the ARID pilot study started in November 2011, January 2021 now feels like it is not far away…. only two years to go!

 

 

Once collected a small amount of the blood and urine samples are frozen and stored at a temperature of -80’C. All the samples are anonymised and labelled with only two unique identifiers and the sample date. Samples are carefully checked and catalogued so that the location of all samples can be found. The sample tubes are less than 4cm in height and stored in boxes of up to 81. Sample maps are required as there are nearly 9,000 samples already in storage from the three time points.

catalogued samples checking sample details

Progress up to October 2017

AKI Research has made a difference to standard monitoring for patients suffering an AKI. Royal Derby Hospital has set-up a dedicated clinic for patients most severely affected by AKI. Patients are seen by a kidney doctor after discharge. This initiative has led to further research ideas, including a project to establish whether a pharmacist can add extra benefit to patient care.

Before May 2017

There have already been some developments based on this and other research in this sector.

There is now a national requirement for hospitals to provide more information to GPs if a patient suffers an AKI.

If a patient suffers an AKI, medical guidelines have been put in place that requires the patients kidney function to be monitored.

Patient leaflets are now available to give more information about AKI.

 

Renal research NIHR award Members of the study team are seen here collecting the National Institute of Health Research: East Midlands award in April 2016, left to right: 

Dr Kerry Horne - Research Fellow

Mrs Rebecca Packington - Research Associate

Dr Nick Selby - Associate Professor of Nephrology

Winners - Exceptional Research Delivery
Presented by: Dr Nia Wyn Jones, Associate Professor Obs & Gynaecology

 

ARID study timescales

For the main ARID study

The follow-up period for the main ARID Study was extended to request samples at 5 years and final follow-up after 10 years. This was due to the importance of the study findings to date.

We are delighted that the vast majority of participants agreed to the study extension. We are progressing well with obtaining the fifth year samples, which should be completed by the end of 2020.

Alongside the sample collection, data is analysed at each time point. Information from 3 months, Year 1 and Year 3 has already been presented at medical conferences. For details please see the Bibliography.

RRID study glossary

Glossary of terms

AKI Acute Kidney Injury
Not an actual injury but a sudden reduction in kidney function.
CKD Chronic Kidney Disease
A gradual decline in kidney function over time.
Prospective Cohort Study A study to which participants are recruited and then data collected over time.
Retrospective Cohort Study A study which data previously collected for a defined group of patients.

Retrospective studies have limitations as the subject data is historic and cannot be extended as the study develops.  However, prospective studies require additional organisation; time has to elapse for the data to be collected and the participant cohort can diminish throughout the duration of the study.

Cohort  Group or sub-group of participants in a study.
Primary care Health care provided by your GP in the community.
Secondary care

Health care provided by the hospital.

Biomarker Proteins in the blood and urine

 

Contact us

Telephone: 01332 788 263

Email: dhft.derbykidneystudies@nhs.net

Please contact us using the email address for questions about the ARID study.

In general, we would prefer not to receive queries about your personal health care via this email address.