Sodium Nitrate for Acute Kidney Injury

This trial explores whether sodium nitrate (an inorganic nitrate, NaNO3) can prevent kidney damage after certain medical imaging tests using contrast dye. It specifically targets individuals at high risk for kidney problems following a coronary angiogram (heart artery imaging) or a contrast-enhanced CT scan. Participants should plan to undergo one of these tests and have known kidney issues or risks. The trial includes two groups: one receiving sodium nitrate and the other a placebo (a harmless pill with no active ingredient). The study aims to determine if sodium nitrate offers a protective benefit for the kidneys. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

You may need to stop taking certain medications like tadalafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil before and during the trial. If you take these medications continuously, you cannot participate. If you take them occasionally, you must stop for the trial duration and 48 hours after the last dose.

Research has suggested that sodium nitrate might be safe for people. In one study, patients at risk of kidney damage took a short five-day course of inorganic nitrate and experienced benefits without serious side effects. Another study demonstrated that inorganic nitrates improved kidney health in patients undergoing certain heart procedures. While these results are encouraging, ongoing research aims to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of sodium nitrate in preventing kidney damage.¹²³⁴⁵

Sodium nitrate is unique because it introduces an inorganic nitrate to tackle acute kidney injury, which is a fresh approach compared to the usual reliance on hydration and supportive care. Unlike standard treatments that aim to manage symptoms and support kidney function indirectly, sodium nitrate may directly enhance renal blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to the kidneys. Researchers are excited about this potential because it offers a novel mechanism that could directly mitigate the impact of kidney injury, possibly leading to faster and more effective recovery.

Research has shown that sodium nitrate, which participants in this trial may receive, might protect the kidneys from damage caused by contrast agents used in imaging tests. One study demonstrated that using inorganic nitrates significantly reduced the risk of kidney injury from 30.5% to 9.1%. Another study found that it also lowered the chance of heart problems during procedures, from 12.5% to 2.7%. Additionally, sodium nitrate may help safeguard the kidneys before they face stress or damage, potentially preventing sudden kidney injury. These findings suggest that sodium nitrate could be a useful treatment for preventing kidney damage in people at risk.¹²³⁴⁶