Ventricular Arrhythmias in Uremic Cardiomyopathy



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Cardiology
Therapuetic Areas:Cardiology / Vascular Diseases
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:3/1/2014
Start Date:January 2010
Contact:Suzanne El-Sayegh, MD
Phone:718-226-1658

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Understanding the Molecular Basis of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Uremic Cardiomyopathy

There is a certain gene called sarcoplasmic reticulum gene (SERCA2a), which is found in
heart muscle. This gene is also found in blood vessels and skin tissue. When active this
gene builds a crucial protein inside the heart muscle called SERCA2a protein. This is
responsible for regulating calcium levels inside your heart muscle. When this gene is not
activated, studies have shown that it can lead to abnormal electrical currents in the heart
that can lead to death. The investigators are conducting this study to prove that SERCA2a
gene is inactive in patients with kidney disease. Scientists found that patient at risk for
abnormal electrical currents in the heart can be tested by what they called "microvolt Twave
alternans." This is a very delicate machine much more sensitive than a regular
electrocardiogram that you do at the cardiology office.

This study will test the hypothesis that patients with uremic cardiomyopathy have reduced
levels of SERCA2a protein compared to those with normal kidney function. We propose that
such a correlation will provide convincing evidence that these patients,have a defective
redistribution in intracellular calcium handling as an explanation for their increase risk
in sudden cardiac death an fatal arrhythmias. To achieve our specific aims: 1) we will
screen patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) going for certain vascular procedures.
2) obtain an echocardiogram on these patients including only those with isolated diastolic
dysfunction or LVH. 3) Patients who has diastolic dysfunction or LVH will be assessed for
underlying microvolt (TWA) 4) vessel and skin tissue on these patients will be collected for
SERCA2a quantification.

Inclusion Criteria:

- age 18 years or older

- Patients with stage 5 CKD or ESRD and those with normal CKD will be considered as
possible candidates if admitted for one of the following vascular procedures

- coronary artery bypass grafting, or vascular bypass surgery, or arteriovenous fistula
creation, or arteriovenous graft surgery.

- The aforementioned patients will be included if they have LVH or diastolic
dysfunction and a normal LVEF on echocardiogram within one year of their scheduled
surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age less than 18 ;

2. Pregnancy;

3. Dilated cardiomyopathy;

4. left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than or equal to 50%;

5. Patients on digoxin.

6. antiarrhytmic medications;

7. baseline electrolyte abnormalities;

8. Atrial fibrillation;

9. Bundle branch block
We found this trial at
1
site
475 Seaview Ave
Staten Island, New York 10305
(718) 226-9000
Staten Island University Hospital Staten Island University Hospital is a 714-bed, specialized teaching hospital located...
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mi
from
Staten Island, NY
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