Benefits of Aldosterone Receptor Antagonism in Chronic Kidney Disease (BARACK-D) Trial: A potential new treatment for kidney disease
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN44522369 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN44522369 |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | 2012-002672-13 |
| Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) | 107072 |
| Protocol serial number | 14611, IRAS 107072 |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford (UK) |
| Funder | NIHR (UK) - National School for Primary Care Research; Grant Codes: 118 |
- Submission date
- 28/06/2013
- Registration date
- 28/06/2013
- Last edited
- 25/03/2025
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Urological and Genital Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Current plain English summary as of 17/10/2022:
Background and study aims
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects around 10% of the UK population. It is linked with increasing age and is more common in people with other illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and primary renal disorders. Of interest to this study, CKD is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, with CKD patients showing a greater incidence of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Conventional treatments for cardiovascular disease have been disappointing in CKD patients. There are also limited treatment options to prevent further decline in kidney function. Established drugs called aldosterone receptor antagonists reduce deaths in patients with heart disease. There is also evidence that these drugs may reduce kidney damage attributed to circulating aldosterone. In order to answer the research question, we will conduct a prospective randomised open-blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial using a low dose of the aldosterone receptor antagonist, spironolactone.
Who can participate?
Six NIHR School for Primary Care Research departments will recruit approximately 300 GP practices which in turn will aim to recruit approximately 3022 men and women who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of CKD stage 3b (ascertained from their last 2 blood tests); the participants also need to meet full trial inclusion criteria.
What does the study involve?
Participants will be seen over a period of 3 years. They will be randomly allocated (by a computer programme) to one of two groups of the trial, either a) to receive routine care only or b) to receive the aldosterone receptor antagonist Spironolactone (25mg daily dose) on top of routine care. After their initial visit and random allocation to one of the two groups, the follow-up schedule of visits will be at weeks 1, 2, 4, 12, and 26 and then at intervals of once every 13 weeks until the end of their participation at 156 weeks.
The trial measurements will vary according to the schedule but will consist of a combination of:
- blood pressure measurement
- blood tests
- side-effect monitoring
- questionnaires
- drug monitoring diary card completion
- home blood pressures diary card completion
- A subgroup of participants will take part in some additional procedures at intervals:
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements
- pulse wave velocity and other arterial wall measurements
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The group receiving Spironolactone potentially may derive protection against further kidney damage and heart disease. However, this will not be known until after trial completion. The group not receiving Spironolactone will receive no potential additional benefit on top of routine care, but do have the knowledge that their contribution to research helps towards the development of better treatments for people suffering from chronic kidney disease. The group not receiving trial medication will continue to receive routine care from their GP and therefore will be at no additional risk by taking part in the trial.
As with all medications, there are potential side effects from taking Spironolactone, but it is a medication that has been used for various conditions for many years and is considered safe to take for people with no sensitivity to it. Participants are closely monitored during the trial for any side effects. The main safety concern would be an increased potassium level in the blood (previous research has shown approximately 2 in 100 people may develop high potassium), therefore frequent blood samples are taken in the early part of the trial to check the level.
Where is the study run from?
University of Oxford Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2013 to December 2021
Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Ms Joy Rahman (Senior Clinical Trials Manager) (UK)
joy.rahman@phc.ox.ac.uk
Previous plain English summary:
Background and study aims
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects around 10% of the population. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity (the relative occurrence of disease) and death in CKD, although this is of a different phenotype (composition) from the general CVD population. Currently, few therapies have proved effective in modifying the increased CVD risk or the rate of renal decline in CKD. There are accumulating data that aldosterone receptor antagonists (ARAs) may offer cardio-protection and delay renal impairment in patients with the cardiovascular phenotype in CKD. The use of an aldosterone receptor blocker in CKD has therefore been increasingly advocated. The aim of the trial is to determine the effects of an ARA on renal and CVD outcomes.
Who can participate?
Six NIHR School for Primary Care Research departments will recruit approximately 300 GP practices which in turn will aim to recruit approximately 3022 men and women who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of CKD stage 3b or low stage 3a (ascertained from their last 2 blood tests); the participants also need to meet full trial inclusion criteria.
What does the study involve?
Participants will be seen over a period of 3 years. They will be randomly allocated (by a computer programme) to one of two groups of the trial, either a) to receive routine care only, or b) to receive the aldosterone receptor antagonist Spironolactone (25mg daily dose) on top of routine care. After their initial visit and random allocation to one of the two groups, the follow-up schedule of visits will be at weeks 1, 2, 4, 12, 26 and then at intervals of once every 13 weeks until the end of their participation at 156 weeks.
The trial measurements will vary according to the schedule, but will consist of a combination of:
- blood pressure measurement
- blood tests
- side-effect monitoring
- questionnaires
- drug monitoring diary card completion
- home blood pressures diary card completion
A subgroup of participants will take part in some additional procedures at intervals:
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements
- pulse wave velocity and other arterial wall measurements
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The group receiving Spironolactone potentially may derive protection against further kidney damage and heart disease. However, this will not be known until after trial completion. The group not receiving Spironolactone will receive no potential additional benefit on top of routine care, but do have the knowledge that their contribution to research helps towards the development of better treatments for people suffering from chronic kidney disease. The group not receiving trial medication will continue to receive routine care from their GP and therefore will be at no further risk by taking part in the trial.
As will all medications, there are potential side-effects from taking Spironolactone, but it is a medication that has been used for various conditions for many years and is considered safe to take for people with no sensitivity to it. Participants are closely monitored during the trial for any side-effects. The main safety concern would be an increased level of potassium in the blood (previous research has shown approximately 2 in 100 people may develop high potassium), therefore frequent blood samples are taken in the early part of the trial to check the level.
Where is the study run from?
University of Oxford Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2013 to December 2021
Who is funding the study?
The National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Mr Charles Vicary
charles.vicary@phc.ox.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
Primary Care & Vaccine Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
Gibson Building, 1st Floor
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Oxford
OX2 6GG
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-8216-8947 |
|---|---|
| Phone | No telephone contact available |
| charles.vicary@phc.ox.ac.uk |
Public
Senior Clinical Trials Manager
Primary Care & Vaccine Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
Gibson Building, 1st Floor
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Oxford
OX2 6GG
United Kingdom
| Phone | No telephone contact available |
|---|---|
| joy.rahman@phc.ox.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Prospective randomized open-blinded endpoint trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Benefits of Aldosterone Receptor Antagonism in Chronic Kidney Disease (BARACK-D) Trial: a prospective randomised open-blinded endpoint trial to determine the effect of aldosterone receptor antagonism on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stage IIIb chronic kidney disease |
| Study acronym | BARACK-D |
| Study objectives | Hypothesis as of 17/10/2022: BARACK-D is a prospective randomised open blinded endpoint trial (PROBE) of eligible patients from 300 practices recruited by 6 NIHR School for Primary Care Research departments. Patients identified by their GPs with a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3b will be invited to participate in the full trial and those declining will be asked for written consent to review their records only, for comparative data. The trial aims to determine whether the addition of an aldosterone receptor antagonist in patients with moderate Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD Stage 3b): 1. Reduces death 2. Reduces onset, or progression of, cardiovascular disease 3. Improves measures of vascular resistance 4. Improves left ventricular function 5. Reduces decline in renal function, based upon measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on MDRD criteria Hypothesis as of 09/12/2016: BARACK D is a prospective randomised open blinded endpoint trial (PROBE) of eligible patients from 300 practices recruited by 6 NIHR School for Primary Care Research departments. Patients identified by their GPs with a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3b and low stage 3a will be invited to participate in the full trial and those declining will be asked for written consent to review their records only, for comparative data. The trial aims to determine whether the addition of an aldosterone receptor antagonist in patients with moderate Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD Stage 3b and low 3a): 1. Reduces death 2. Reduces onset, or progression of, cardiovascular disease 3. Improves measures of vascular resistance 4. Improves left ventricular function 5. Reduces decline in renal function, based upon measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on MDRD criteria Original hypothesis: BARACK D is a prospective randomised open blinded endpoint trial (PROBE) of eligible patients from 120 practices recruited by 6 NIHR School for Primary Care Research departments. Patients identified by their GPs with a diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3b will be invited to participate in the full trial and those declining will be asked for written consent to review their records only, for comparative data. The trial aims to determine whether the addition of an aldosterone receptor antagonist in patients with moderate Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD Stage 3b): reduces death reduces onset, or progression of, cardiovascular disease improves measures of vascular resistance improves left ventricular function reduces decline in renal function, based upon measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on MDRD criteria. More details can be found at: http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/Search/StudyDetail.aspx?StudyID=14611 |
| Ethics approval(s) | Approved 09/04/2013 NRES Committee South Central Oxford B (Level 3, Block B, Whitefriars Building, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, UK; +44 (0)207 104 8178, 0207104 8360, 0207 104 8283; oxfordb.rec@hra.nhs.uk), ref: 13/SC/0114 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Chronic kidney disease |
| Intervention | Once-a-day treatment, This is provided on top of routine care. The daily treatment is the licenced drug Spironolactone 25g (aldosterone receptor antagonist). This is a candidate for potential cardio-protection in CKD and delay of renal impairment in patients with the cardiovascular disease phenotype in CKD. Routine Care: Routine care alone |
| Intervention type | Drug |
| Phase | Phase III |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | Spironolactone |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Current primary outcome measure as of 17/10/2022: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Current secondary outcome measures as of 17/10/2022: |
| Completion date | 31/12/2021 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 2616 |
| Total final enrolment | 1434 |
| Key inclusion criteria | Current participant inclusion criteria as of 17/10/2022: 1. Males and females >= 18 years of age 2. Evidence of CKD stage 3b from last 2 recorded blood tests 3. Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study 4. Able and willing (in recruiting GP's opinion) to comply with all study requirements 5. Female patients willing to ensure effective contraception for trial period Previous participant inclusion criteria: 1. Males and females >= 18 years of age 2. Evidence of CKD stage 3b from last 2 recorded blood tests 3. Female patients willing to ensure effective contraception for trial period 4. Able and willing (in recruiting GPs opinion) to comply with all study requirements |
| Key exclusion criteria | Current participant exclusion criteria as of 17/10/2022: 1. Female patient who is pregnant, lactating or planning pregnancy during the trial 2. Type 1 diabetes mellitus 3. Terminal disease or felt otherwise unsuitable by their physician 4. Chronic heart failure clinical diagnosis or known LVSD with EF<40% 5. Recent myocardial infarction (within 6 months) 6. Active cancer with less than 1-year life expectancy or in palliative care 7. Alcohol or drug abuse 7.1. Suspected or known current hazardous or harmful drinking, as defined by an alcohol intake of greater than 42 units every week 7.2. Suspected or known current substance misuse 8. Most recent potassium result >5.5 mmol/L, where not thought to be spurious, or previously raised potassium needing a reduced dose of ACEI/ARB or intolerance to spironolactone 9. eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73m2 in the last 6 months and no identifiable reason for a temporary reduction in eGFR 10. Serum potassium at baseline over 5 mmol/L 11. Documented Addisonian crisis and/or on fludrocortisone 12. Documented symptomatic hypotension or baseline systolic blood pressure under 100mmHg 13. Recent acute kidney injury or admission for renal failure 14. ACR > 70 mg/mmol 15. Prescription of medications with known harmful interactions with spironolactone as documented in the British National Formulary including tacrolimus, lithium and cyclosporine 16. Any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the recruiting physician, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the study, or may influence the result of the study, or the participant’s ability to participate in the study Previous participant exclusion criteria: 1. Intolerance to Spironolactone or on any prescription medications known to have harmful interactions with Spironolactone. 2. Terminal illness, or other significant medical history deemed unsuitable by GP for this trial. 3. Hyperkalaemia; Type 1 diabetes mellitus; Addisons disease. 4. Chronic heart failure; recent myocardial infarction (within 6 months); documented symptomatic hypotension; baseline systolic BP under 100mmHg. 5. Recent acute kidney injury or admission for renal failure. 6. Alcohol or drug abuse, suspected or known. 7. Female patient who is pregnant, lactating or planning pregnancy during course of the trial. |
| Date of first enrolment | 06/12/2013 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/07/2018 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
University of Oxford Radcliffe Primary Care Building
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2c 6GG
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan | The current data sharing plans for this study are unknown and will be available at a later date |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 30/09/2024 | 02/10/2024 | Yes | No | |
| Results article | 19/03/2025 | 25/03/2025 | Yes | No | |
| Protocol article | protocol | 08/05/2014 | Yes | No | |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
25/03/2025: Publication reference added.
02/10/2024: Publication reference added.
17/10/2022: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. IRAS number was added.
2. The hypothesis has been changed.
3. The intervention type has been changed from "Other" to "Drug".
4. The phase has been added.
5. The drug name has been added.
6. The primary outcome measure has been changed.
7. The secondary outcome measures have been changed.
8. The participant inclusion criteria have been changed.
9. The target number of participants has been changed from "Planned Sample Size: 2616; UK Sample Size: 2616" to "Planned Sample Size: 3022; UK Sample Size: 3022".
10. The total final enrolment was added.
11. The participant exclusion criteria have been changed.
12. The recruitment start date has been changed from "01/09/2013" to "06/12/2013".
13. The recruitment end date has been changed from "31/03/2021" to "31/07/2018".
14. The plain English summary has been changed.
15. A public contact was updated.
16. The intention to publish date has been changed from "31/12/2022" to "31/12/2023".
14/01/2022: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The intention to publish date was added.
2. The recruitment start date was changed from 24/06/2013 to 01/09/2013.
3. The publication and dissemination plan was added.
4. The participant-level data sharing was added.
09/09/2021: The following changes have been made to the record:
1. The study contact has been updated and the plain English summary has been updated accordingly.
2. The trial website has been added.
03/04/2019: The condition has been changed from "Topic: Primary Care Research Network for England; Disease: Chronic Kidney Disease" to "Chronic kidney disease" following a request from the NIHR.
09/12/2016: The following changes have been made to the record:
1. The overall trial end date has been updated from 31/12/2014 to 31/12/2021 and the recruitment end date has been updated from 31/12/2014 to 31/03/2021
2. The study contact has been changed from Dr Ben Thompson to Dr Louise Jones
3. The hypothesis has been updated
