Interleukin-1 Trap to Treat Vascular Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is significantly elevated in patients with chronic
kidney disease (CKD); however, this increased risk is only partially explained by traditional
cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with CKD exhibit chronic inflammation, a key mechanism
contributing to vascular dysfunction (i.e., large elastic artery stiffening and endothelial
dysfunction). Inhibiting inflammation improves vascular dysfunction in other populations
characterized by chronic inflammation. However, it is currently unknown if reducing
inflammation with an interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker enhances vascular function in CKD patients.
Aim 1 will assess the efficacy of IL-1 blocking with rilonacept for treating vascular
dysfunction in patients with stage III or IV CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15-60
mL/min/1.73 m2). Aim 2 will determine if blocking IL-1 with rilonacept also reduces
inflammation and oxidative stress. These studies could shift clinical practice guidelines by
establishing a novel therapy for reducing CVD risk in CKD patients not requiring chronic
hemodialysis.