Controlling phosphate levels on dialysis

About

Based on current evidence, it is unclear if lowering blood phosphate towards a normal
level is always a good option for patients receiving dialysis. The PHOSPHATE trial is
trying to find out if controlling blood phosphate levels results in a longer life and a better
quality of life.

Phosphate levels can be affected by your diet, dialysis and medications called phosphate binders. This study will test whether a lower or higher phosphate level improves the health of patients on dialysis treatment. It is a randomised study. This means that if you take part in the study, you will be “assigned” to either a higher or lower blood phosphate target by chance, like tossing a coin.

It is up to your own doctor to recommend changes to your diet, adjust your dialysis prescription or prescribe phosphate binders to meet this target. The study will include 3,600 patients from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. We expect about 2000 to be enrolled from up to 60 centres across the UK.

What's involved

If you take part, you will be chosen at random to either in the "intensive group" or the "liberal group", which means we will either tightly control your blood phsophate level or allow a looser range. We do this by adding medications or support you with dietry advice.

How do I take part?

Patients undergoing dialysis at Arrowe Park Hospital and on a medication called a phosphate binder are eligible. You are over 45 years old or over 18 years with type 1 diabetes. You will be approached during your routine dialysis appointment. You can also speak to your kidney doctor at your next appointment.