NCT04759274 · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Diuretic Tuner Clinical Decision Support
What this study is about
This purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a mobile phone application in helping to control body swelling in patients with kidney problems. The application will help in the day to day adjustments in diuretic medication dosing. Participants in this study will have an application loaded on to their mobile phone by the study team and be taught how to use it over a 2 hour visit.
View original scientific description
This purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a mobile phone application in helping to control body swelling in patients with kidney problems. The application will help in the day to day adjustments in diuretic medication dosing. Participants in this study will have an application loaded on to their mobile phone by the study team and be taught how to use it over a 2 hour visit. Participants will need to check their blood pressure and weight daily and enter this information into the mobile phone application every day. Participants will need to follow daily instructions in their medication dosing provided by the application. There will be periodic blood testing. This will happen at 2 weeks, 90 days, and up to 4 other times if necessary. At the end of the study there is a 2 hour study visit during which participants will answer a survey. The total length of the study is 90 days.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The presence of nephrotic range proteinuria (\> 3 g/d proteinuria by 24hr urine protein, 24hr urine albumin, spot urine protein/creatinine ratio, or spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio) or stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation) PLUS
- Clinical signs of hypervolemia present (lower extremity edema, ascites, or pleural effusions) with an estimated dry weight (defined as edema-free weight without orthostatic hypotension) 5 lbs less than enrollment body weight
Exclusion criteria
- Weight \< 100 lbs or \> 300 lbs.
- Autonomic insufficiency resulting in orthostatic hypotension at screening
- Hypokalemia at enrollment (defined as serum potassium \< 3.5 mmol/L)
- Moderate to severe hyponatremia at enrollment (defined as serum sodium \< 130 mmol/L)
- Serum creatinine \> 6 mg/dL or \> 1.5 times baseline
- Patients who are unable or unwilling to measure their home blood pressures and weights
- Patients without a working phone number and smart phone device
- Expectation that the patient will require dialysis initiation within \< 3 months
- Expected lifespan of \< 6 months
- The presence of a medical condition that would interfere with effectively using the Diuretic Tuner (dementia, illiteracy, or blindness)
- Pregnant patients
Where
- Dallas, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 16, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations