Walsall medical researchers have signed up Walsall patients to be the first in the UK for a global trial into the management and treatment of life-threatening conditions.
Dr Huda Mahmoud (pictured), Consultant in nephrology at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, is leading the study. She is supported by Dr Rumi Jaumdally, Consultant Cardiologist and Ben Jones, Clinical Research Practitioner. There are 95 sites globally acrpss Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and US and the aim is to recruit 1,250 patients across the world to focus on patients with hyperkalaemia.
"Hyperkalaemia is a condition where patients have too much potassium in their blood" explained Dr Mahmoud. "While our bodies need this important nutrient to keep our nerves and muscles healthy and to ensure our hearts work, too much in the blood can be dangerous. It can cause serious problems such as abnormal heartbeats and is life threatening."
Walsall is currently the highest recruiting site in the UK which is open to eligible adult patients with high potassium levels. "The condition is most common in patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease" said Dr Mahmoud. "This study, sponsored by AstraZeneca, will focus on data and information from those with hyperkalaemia to increase our understanding of its management, treatment patterns and the decision making process around treatment."
The study will run for 12 months and the aim is to help health professionals optimise and improve care for hyperkalaemia patients all over the world.
"Patients often find themselves having a high number of hospital admissions" said Dr Jaumdally "and trips to the Emergency Department and outpatient appointments".
Details of trials, studies available and to be part of the research:
Email - walsall.research1@nhs.net
