The main function of iron in the body is to form haemoglobin in red cells to carry oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that iron has other important functions in the body, particularly in relation to heart and muscle function, and a lack of this important mineral, even in the absence of anaemia, may contribute to reduced excess capacity, physical functioning, and fatigue in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

About the study
Kidney Research UK is supporting this exciting three-year study which is due to start in the Summer 2018. It will be looking at the effects of giving intravenous (IV) iron supplementation to people with stages 3-4 CKD who are iron deficient (but not yet anaemic or on dialysis) to see if it helps improve their exercise and physical ability, as well as muscle functioning, as assessed by analysis of muscle biopsies.

The study involves 70 patients from seven renal units across the UK.

Who is involved?
The study is being led by Professor Iain Macdougall, Professor of Clinical Nephrology at King’s College Hospital, London and Dr Darlington Okonko, BHF Consultant Cardiologist & Clinician Scientist in the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at King’s College London. Iain heads up the UKKRC Anaemia Clinical Study Group and leads the PIVOTAL clinical trial supported by the charity.

A clinical research fellow is currently being recruited at King’s to join the study team – find out more (closes 15 March 2018).

Kidney Research UK facilitated this academic-industry collaboration and is managing the research funding for the study which is supported by an unrestricted grant of £1.73 million from Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma Ltd. It is not a about product development nor is it related to any commercial activities.