Insights into the cause of kidney failure have emerged from research, but less is known about the epidemiology of less severe forms of kidney disease known both as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study was established to study the consequences of CKD with a particular focus on cardiovascular illness like myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. The CRIC Study will identify high-risk subgroups of individuals with CRI, informing future treatment trials, and development of preventive therapies. CRIC is an observational study that to date, over 5000 participants have been enrolled in the CRIC cohort. The goal for CRIC 2018 which began in July 2018 is to follow participants for an additional 5 years. To maximize the opportunities inherent in this unique scientific resource, the CRIC Study will, in its next phase, pursue a multifaceted strategy involving: (a) continued follow-up of the cohort and investigation of a broad array of factors associated with the progression and consequences of CKD utilizing state-of-the-art methods in biostatistics and bioinformatics; and (b) the use of novel remote data collection techniques to identify trajectories of kidney function and cardiovascular risk sub-phenotypes.
Previously enrolled participants who reconsent to the next phase. CRIC 2018, will be enrolled in this observational study. Participants will remain under the care of their usual physicians. Questionnaires will be completed and tests will be conducted that will provide information about aspects of kidney and heart health status.
Participants who reconsent to this phase will return to the center for a more extensive visit. At the Clinic Visit the following will occur:
- weight is measured
- blood pressure and heart rate are recorded
- information about medical history and medication used recently
- blood draw (about ½ cup) for the following tests: CBC (Complete Blood Count), tests of metabolism, and several other heart and kidney tests
- blood pressure in the leg and arm calculated as the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
- urine sample collection for kidney function testing
- complete questionnaires about quality of life, diet, mood, thought processes and physical activity
This visit takes about 1 to 2 hours. Participants will be contacted by telephone six months after the Baseline Visit to ask about recent medical events and medications.
Participants will be asked to return to the center for annual visits during which many but not all of the procedures described above will be conducted.
Additionally, up to 1500 CRIC participants will be asked to participate in one of two substudies using remote data collection techniques to identify trajectories of kidney function and cardiovascular risk sub-phenotypes.