Comparing High and Low Dose Iron Treatments for People on Peritoneal Dialysis: The PALaDIN Study

The kidneys are involved in various hormonal processes, including those responsible for producing red blood cells, making anaemia a common consequence of kidney failure. When designing a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment, it is essential to determine the number of suitable and willing participants, as well as those who can complete all required tests and measurements. Identifying the most appropriate measurement to assess the impact of intravenous iron (iron injected directly into veins) is crucial to ensure that any observed changes are meaningful to people with CKD and their carers. To address these considerations, the investigators will conduct a pilot feasibility trial.

In this trial, individuals with kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis will be randomly assigned to receive either high-dose or low-dose intravenous iron, or oral iron therapy. Over twelve months, the investigators will monitor their anaemia response, symptoms of kidney disease, quality of life, physical performance (such as the ability to walk for six minutes), and cognitive function. Additionally, the investigators will assess the impact of each intervention on the frequency of blood transfusions, whether those on oral iron require intravenous iron, and any changes in the dosage of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (drugs that increase blood production).