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Abstract: SA-PO595

Validity and Adequacy of Animal Models in Haemodialysis Research: A Systematic Review

Session Information

Category: Dialysis

  • 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis

Authors

  • de Vries, Joost Christiaan, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Wever, Kimberley, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
  • Verhaar, Marianne C., Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Gerritsen, Karin G., Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Krebber, Merle M., Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Background

With the worldwide dialysis population growing rapidly, there is an urgent need for hemodialysis (HD) innovations. However, before novel HD technologies can be implemented, extensive preclinical testing is required. Currently, there is no consensus on the most suitable animal model (species, type and validation of kidney injury etc.) for HD innovation research, nor are there gold standards for reporting efficiency outcomes.

Methods

This review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022307144), involved a systematic search in PubMed and Embase for relevant studies up to February 4th 2022. After removing duplicates, 5723 abstracts were screened for eligibility by three independent reviewers. Inclusion was based on publication of a HD intervention in any animal model with adequate kidney failure. Data from individual reports were subsequently extracted using predefined parameter sheets.

Results

Of the 5723 abstracts screened, 195 records were included as full text and 41 full text articles were included for data-extraction. Data extraction has been completed for all articles, but only qualitative analysis has been conducted thus far. Studies most frequently used dogs (54%), followed by rats (27%), pigs (8%), goats (6%), sheep, and cats (both 2%). Dog studies were primarily conducted before 2010, with a shift towards other large animals observed thereafter. Relevant descriptives such as strain, sex, weight, and age were not systematically reported, with only 4 (9%) records reporting all four parameters and 23 (49%) not reporting two or more. Regarding kidney injury, 42 (89%) studies used an acute kidney injury model, with kidney injury induced via surgery in 43 (91%) studies. One study validated the presence of kidney injury by measuring eGFR, while all other studies reported urea, creatinine, or both parameters. Finally, 30 reports (64%) performed only a single dialysis session per animal.

Conclusion

Use of dogs in HD research has significantly declined over the past decades, potentially due to a shift in public ethical perception. A notable concern is the overall inadequate adherence to the ARRIVE guideline for reporting. Our findings indicate no apparent improvement in reporting quality over time, highlighting the necessity for clear guidelines to drive innovative HD research.

Funding

  • Government Support – Non-U.S.