The CKD-FIX Trial: Controlled trial of slowing of Kidney Disease progression From the Inhibition of Xanthine oxidase

A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, on the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with stage 3-4 Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as an eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or the presence of kidney damage (albuminuria or proteinuria) for at least 3 months, is a major public health problem affecting approximately 1.6 million Australian adults. Of these affected individuals, approximately 930,000 have stages 3-4 CKD (eGFR 15-60 mL/min/1.73 m2). CKD patients have a greatly increased risk of adverse renal and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, even in its early stages. CKD patients are at increased risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The incidence of ESKD is increasing in Australia by 6% per annum. Apart from an increased risk of ESKD, the presence of CKD is one of the most potent known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such that individuals with CKD are more likely to die, mostly from CVD, than survive to the point of needing dialysis or kidney transplantation. A reduction in eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 is associated with increased risks of all-cause and CV mortality. The CKD-FIX trial aims to critically examine the efficacy and safety of allopurinol as an agent to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).