The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional supplements in increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids (and arginine) in the red blood cell membranes and plasma of kidney transplant patients, and, secondarily, to compare patient compliance. The long-term goal of this study is to develop low risk therapies that will allow improved and lasting survival of donor tissue with minimal suppression of the immune system.

Condition	Treatment or Intervention
Kidney Diseases	Drug: Canola oil  Drug: Arginine  Drug: Fish oil emulsion

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  75

Short-term survival rates of donor tissue after kidney transplantation have improved significantly in recent years because of improved immunosuppression. Rates of long-term tissue loss have changed less because of a high incidence of chronic rejection, infectious complications, and cardiovascular disease. Data suggest that both early and late complications might be reduced in transplant recipients by dietary intervention to raise levels of omega-3 fatty acids and arginine.

Prior to transplantation, participants are randomized to one of three groups. Group 1 participants serve as controls and receive no dietary supplements. Participants in Group 2 receive daily nutritional supplements of arginine and canola oil according to body weight. Group 3 participants receive daily nutritional supplements of arginine and a fish oil emulsion according to body weight. All participants receive a standard, low-fat dietary consultation. The status of participants is evaluated peri-transplant and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months.

Ages Eligible for Study:  4 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• End-stage renal disease.
• Candidate to receive a living-related donor, living unrelated donor, or first cadaver kidney with at least 1 HLA mismatch.
• Negative crossmatch with the intended donor.
• Adults must have moderate to severe hypertension and/or take at least 1 medication for hypertension daily.
• Willingness to comply with the dietary supplements, including canola oil, a flavored drink mix, or an orange flavored pudding.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
• Women of childbearing age who are not willing or able to practice acceptable methods of contraception.
• HIV-positive.
• Positive test for HBV E-AG/DNA and HCV.
• Received an organ transplant or plan to receive a multiple organ transplant.
• Phenylketonuria.
• Participation in other investigational studies within 30 days of the renal transplant.
• Allergy or anaphylactic reactions to eggs or L-arginine.
• ABO blood incompatibility.
• Children who have previously received more than 5 blood transfusions.
• History of stroke.

District of Columbia
      Washington Hospital Center, Washington,  District of Columbia,  20010,  United States
Maryland
      University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,  Maryland,  21201,  United States
North Carolina
      Duke University Medical Center, Durham,  North Carolina,  27710,  United States
Ohio
      Univerisity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45267,  United States

Study chairs or principal investigators

J. W. Alexander, M. D.,  Principal Investigator,  Univerisy of Cincinnati College of Medicine   

Study ID Numbers:  DAIT ID01
Record last reviewed:  January 2005
Last Updated:  January 12, 2005
Record first received:  October 23, 2002
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00047983
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08