Innovations in randomized clinical trials in Nephrology: from study design to patient's activism.

Abstract

Current clinical practice is guided by novel robust evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCT). These studies usually follow a rigorous prospective design with pre-defined visits and planned exams during follow-up. In the context of Nephrology, RCTs have been mainly designed to test the efficacy of new therapies in reducing the risk for kidney failure, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate decline and mortality or cardiovascular events. However, the progress of informatics is reflected in an improvement and expansion of technologies and innovations in present and future RCTs. We here present some innovations and future directions of RCTs in Chronic Kidney Disease patients.