Association between oral nutritional supplementation and clinical outcomes among patients with ESRD

Change Over Time in Pre-End-Stage Renal Disease 24-Hour Urine Creatinine as Muscle Mass Surrogate and Post-End-Stage Renal Disease Mortality

OBJECTIVE

Loss of muscle mass and sarcopenia are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and sarcopenia can worsen insidiously in patients with advancing CKD. The temporal dynamics of sarcopenia in patients with progressive loss of kidney function, and its association with future outcomes, is unclear.

METHODS

In a contemporary national cohort of incident ESRD US veterans, we selected 661 patients who had at least 2 24-hour urine creatinine (24hrUC) measurements, a surrogate of muscle mass, performed during the 3-year prelude period prior to ESRD transition. We estimated 24hrUC slopes in mixed effects models. To assess the temporal dynamics of pre-ESRD changes in 24hrUC and its association with changing eGFR, we separately fitted in mixed effects models a penalized spline regression of 24hrUC on time and on eGFR. We examined the association of 24hrUC slopes with postdialysis all-cause mortality using Cox models adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

The mean slope of 24hrUC versus time was -78 mg/year (95% confidence interval: -102 to -54), with a steeper decline noted in the last year prior to ESRD. More severe decreases in 24hrUC were associated with higher all-cause mortality: a 100 mg/year decrease in 24hrUC was associated with a multivariable adjusted death hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.98, P = .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with advanced CKD lose a substantial proportion of their muscle mass each year during pre-ESRD prelude. Loss of muscle mass accelerates near ESRD transition, and more loss of muscle mass is associated with higher mortality after ESRD transition.

[Frailty and chronic kidney disease - the real problem of modern nephrology: A review]

The article deals with the syndrome of frailty or senile asthenia in patients with chronic kidney disease. The questions of prevalence, diagnosis, pathogenesis of this syndrome and its clinical consequences in chronic kidney disease are discussed.

Effect of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation on nutritional markers in malnourished chronic hemodialysis patients: prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is prevalent in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. It increases mortality and negatively affects quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effect of intradialytic oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on nutritional markers in chronic HD patients with protein energy wasting (PEW).

METHODS

This 3-month prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial included 60 chronic HD patients with PEW. The intervention group (30 patients) received intradialytic ONS and dietary counseling, whereas the control group (30 patients) received only dietary counseling. Nutritional markers were measured at the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 54 ± 12.7 years, and that of the HD vintage was 64 ± 49.3 months. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant increase in serum albumin (p < 0.001), prealbumin (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p = 0.016), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.019), serum creatinine/body surface area (BSA) (p = 0.016), and composite French PEW score (p = 0.002), as well as a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p = 0.001). The total iron binding capacity, normalized protein nitrogen appearance, and hemoglobin levels increased significantly in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Intradialytic ONS and dietary counseling for three months were more effective than dietary counseling alone in terms of improving nutritional status and inflammation in chronic HD patients, as evidenced by increases in serum albumin, prealbumin, BMI, serum creatinine/BSA, composite French PEW score, and a decrease in hs-CRP.

Effect of oral nutritional supplementation combined with impedance vectors for dry weight adjustment on the nutritional status, hydration status and quality of life in patients on chronic hemodialysis: A pilot study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Protein energy wasting frequently affect hemodialysis patients and contribute to the development of overhydration. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) combined with bioelectrical vector analysis (BIVA) on the nutritional and hydration status and the quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHODS

Thirty-two chronic HD patients were included in a 6-month randomized pilot study. Patients in SUPL group received a simultaneous intervention consisting of a personalized diet, 245 mL/d ONS and dry weight adjustment through BIVA. Patients in CON group received a personalized diet and dry weight adjustment by BIVA. Anthropometrical, biochemical, dietary, QoL, handgrip strength (HGS) and bioimpedance measurements were performed. Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) was applied.

RESULTS

At the end of the intervention, moderate undernutrition decreased by 43.8% in SUPL group while in CON group, severe undernutrition increased by 13% (p < 0.04 between groups). In the adjusted covariance analysis, SUPL compared to CON group, increased HGS (Δ 2.8 Kg vs Δ -1.8 Kg, p = 0.003), serum albumin (Δ 0.29 g/dL vs Δ -0.03 g/dL, p = 0.04) and serum transferrin (Δ 4.7 mg/dL vs Δ -0.7 mg/dL, p = 0.0007). The increase in QoL was significantly higher in SUPL group. Dry weight was achieved in 100% of patients in SUPL and 95% in CON group.

CONCLUSIONS

ONS combined with BIVA for dry weight adjustment, improved nutritional status, QoL and achieved dry weight in HD patients.

Effect on nutritional status and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation of an oral nutritional supplement (with or without probiotics) in malnourished hemodialysis patients. A multicenter randomized clinical trial "Renacare Trial"

Background

Malnutrition in patients undergoing hemodialysis is frequent and associated with a reduction in muscular mass and strength, with an increment in biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation.

Materials and methods

Randomized, multicenter, parallel-group trial in malnourished hemodialysis patients with three groups [(1) control (C) individualized diet, (2) oral nutritional supplement-ONS- + placebo-SU- PL-, and (3) ONS + probiotics-SU-PR]; the trial was open regarding the intake of ONS or individualized diet recommendations, but double-blind for the intake of probiotics. We obtained, at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dietary records, and routine biochemical parameters. Inflammation and oxidation were determined using ELISA techniques (Versamax and ProcartaPlex multiplex Immunoassay). Results were analyzed by intention to treat.

Results

A total of 31 patients (11 corresponding to group C, 10 to SU-PL, and 10 to SU-PR) completed the 6-months trial. The two groups that took supplements significantly increased their protein calorie, fat (total and n-3), and fiber intake. Weight and fat-free mass (FFM) also increased significantly in the groups on supplements, both at 3 and 6 months, and dynamometry did so in the SU-PL group. At month 3, prealbumin and vitamin D were significantly increased in the SU-TOT (SU-PL + SU-PR) group. No changes were observed regarding levels of phosphorus and potassium in any of the groups. Urea increased significantly at 6 months in the SU-PL group. There were significant changes in some inflammation biomarkers in the groups on supplements during the intervention (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, bone morphogenetic protein-2, MCP-1, IL-1-beta, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-8). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly in the supplemented patients, with no significant changes observed in isoprostanes.

Conclusion

The specific ONS improved protein-calorie intake, nutritional status (mainly FFM), and some biomarkers of inflammation/oxidation. The addition of probiotics could have a synergistic effect with ONS in such biomarkers.

Clinical trail registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/, identifier NCT03924089.

Frailty in end stage renal disease: Current perspectives

Frailty is common in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is a marker of poor outcomes. Its prevalence increases as chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses. There are different measurement tools available to assess frailty in ESRD. The pathogenesis of frailty in ESRD is multifactorial including uraemia and dialysis related factors. In this current review, we discuss the importance of frailty, its pathogenesis, screening methods, prognostic implications and management strategies in context of ESRD.

Frailty in chronic kidney disease: challenges in nephrology practice. A review of the current literature

Frailty is a multidimensional clinical syndrome characterised by low physical activity, reduced strength, accumulation of multi-organ deficits, decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors. Frailty pathogenesis and "inflammaging" is augmented by uraemia, leading to a high prevalence of frailty potentially contributing to adverse outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney (CKD) disease including end stage kidney disease (ESKD). The presence of frailty is a stronger predictor of CKD outcomes than estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and more aligned with dialysis outcomes than age. Frailty assessment should form part of routine assessment of patients with CKD and inform key medical transitions. Frailty screening and interventions in CKD/ESKD should be a research priority. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Impact of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Modified Creatinine Index Combination on Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

The prognostic impact of the combination of a geriatric nutritional risk index (GRNI) and modified creatinine index, both of which assess nutritious status in hemodialysis patients, has not yet been well investigated thus far. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in our institutes between February 2011 and January 2017 were retrospectively included. The baseline GRNI and modified Creatinine index were calculated and the impact of their combination on 5-year all-cause mortality following the index hemodialysis was investigated. A total of 183 patients (68.3 ± 12.4 years, 98 men, hemodialysis duration 97 ± 89 months) were followed from the index hemodialysis for 5.5 years. Mean GNRI was 91.2 and mean modified Creatinine index was 22.2 in men and 19.6 in women. The 5-year survival was significantly stratified by the median values of GNRI and modified Creatinine index (p < 0.05 for both). Patients with low GNRI and a low modified Creatinine index had lower 5-year survival than those with the other three combination patterns (p < 0.05). A combination of GNRI and modified Creatinine index may be a promising tool to risk stratify mortality in dialysis patients.

Trajectories of Nutritional Parameters Before and After Prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Not Requiring Dialysis

Background:

The association between oral nutritional supplement use and nutritional parameters among patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD-ND) with or at high risk of undernutrition/protein-energy wasting has not been previously studied. The definition of patient subgroups most likely to benefit from oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) is also an area where more research is needed.

Objective:

To assess nutritional parameter trajectories among patients with CKD-ND prescribed oral nutritional supplements in British Columbia, and to compare trajectories by nutritional phenotype.

Design:

Longitudinal cohort study, pre-post design.

Setting:

Multidisciplinary CKD clinics across British Columbia.

Patients:

A total of 3957 adult patients with CKD-ND, who entered multidisciplinary CKD clinics during 2010 to 2019, met criteria for oral nutritional supplement prescription based on dietitian assessment, and received ≥1 oral nutritional supplement prescription.

Measurements:

Longitudinal nutritional parameters, including body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, serum bicarbonate, serum phosphate, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Methods:

Using linear mixed models, slopes for nutritional and inflammation parameters were assessed in the 2-year periods before and after the first oral nutritional supplement prescription. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to identify nutritional phenotypes using baseline data, and slope analysis was repeated by cluster.

Results:

In the pre-oral-nutritional-supplement period, declines in BMI (−0.87 kg/m2/year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.99 to −0.75), albumin (−1.11 g/L/year, 95% CI: −1.27 to −0.95), and bicarbonate (−0.49 mmol/L/year; 95% CI: −0.59 to −0.39), and increases in NLR (+0.79/year; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.98) and phosphate (+0.05 mmol/L/year; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.06) were observed. Following oral nutritional supplement prescription, there were statistically significant increases in BMI slope (+0.91 kg/m2/year, P < .0001), albumin slope (+0.82 g/L/year, P < .0001), and phosphate slope (+0.02 mmol/L/year, P = .005), as well as a decline in NLR slope of −0.55/year ( P < .0001). There was no significant change in bicarbonate slope. Cluster analysis identified 5 distinct phenotypes. The cluster with the highest mean baseline NLR and lowest mean BMI demonstrated the greatest number of improvements in nutritional parameter slopes in the post-oral-nutritional-supplement period.

Limitations:

Possibility of residual confounding. Data on dietary intake, muscle mass, and nutritional scoring systems were not available in the registry.

Conclusions:

Among patients with CKD-ND prescribed oral nutritional supplements, there were improvements in nutrition/inflammation parameters over time following the first ONS prescription. The heterogeneity in response to ONS by cluster subgroup suggests an individualized approach to nutritional management may be beneficial.

Assessing Global Kidney Nutrition Care

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Nutrition intervention is an essential component of kidney disease management. This study aimed to understand current global availability and capacity of kidney nutrition care services, interdisciplinary communication, and availability of oral nutrition supplements.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), working in partnership with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Global Kidney Health Atlas Committee, developed this Global Kidney Nutrition Care Atlas. An electronic survey was administered among key kidney care stakeholders through 182 ISN-affiliated countries between July and September 2018.

RESULTS

Overall, 160 of 182 countries (88%) responded, of which 155 countries (97%) answered the survey items related to kidney nutrition care. Only 48% of the 155 countries have dietitians/renal dietitians to provide this specialized service. Dietary counseling, provided by a person trained in nutrition, was generally not available in 65% of low-/lower middle-income countries and "never" available in 23% of low-income countries. Forty-one percent of the countries did not provide formal assessment of nutrition status for kidney nutrition care. The availability of oral nutrition supplements varied globally and, mostly, were not freely available in low-/lower middle-income countries for both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dietitians and nephrologists only communicated "sometimes" on kidney nutrition care in ≥60% of countries globally.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey reveals significant gaps in global kidney nutrition care service capacity, availability, cost coverage, and deficiencies in interdisciplinary communication on kidney nutrition care delivery, especially in lower-income countries.

Intradialytic nutrition and quality of life in Chilean older patients in hemodialysis with protein-energy wasting

PURPOSE

The study assessed the impact of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation on the quality of life in patients receiving hemodialysis and diagnosed with protein energy wasting.

METHODS

A pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted before and after 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation on 109 older hemodialysis patients. We measured before and after 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, the quality of life score, the burden of kidney disease, three quality of life scales and the mental and physical health status using KDQoL-SF™ 1.3, body composition and biochemical parameters of nutritional condition.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 69.4 ± 3.4 years, 59% were male, and the time on dialysis was 63.5 ± 52.6 months. Comparing the baseline with month 3 of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, we observed to better quality of life. In contrast to malnutrition, score, specifically increased significantly score of symptoms/problems list related to hemodialysis, sexual function, social and cognitive function, sleep, pain, energy/fatigue and general state of health. Significant changes were also found in nutritional status, energy intake and body composition indicators. After 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, we observed a nutritional status recovery in one or more indicators in 92% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that 3 months of intradialysis oral nutritional supplementation improves the components of physical and mental quality of life and nutritional status in older patients receiving hemodialysis diagnosed with loss of protein energy. These results are relevant to improve the experience of patients with protein energy loss receiving hemodialysis.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Nutrition Support

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those undergoing maintenance dialysis, are prone to protein-energy wasting (PEW), the latter of which can be ameliorated with different methods of nutrition support. Dietary counseling guided by dietitians is the key for preventing and managing PEW in CKD. If dietary counseling per se fails to meet the recommended energy and protein requirements, the addition of oral nutrition supplements (ONSs) would be necessary. When these initial measures cannot attain the recommended energy and protein requirements, nutrition support, including enteral tube feeding or parenteral nutrition (PN), should be considered as a viable option to improve nutrition status. Partial PN, comprising intraperitoneal PN (IPPN) and intradialytic PN (IDPN) therapies, may be attempted as supplemental nutrition support in patients with PEW requiring peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, respectively. Despite the debatable effectiveness of IPPN for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, it remains a feasible means in these patients. The indications for IPPN in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis include inadequate dietary intake of energy and protein, and barriers of oral intake and other forms of enteral supplementation such as issues with suitability, tolerance, and compliance. Nonetheless, in the case of spontaneous dietary consumption of energy and protein meeting the difference between the IDPN provision and the nutrition targets, the use of IDPN is rational. In patients with PEW and malfunctioning gastrointestinal tract, as well as those whose enteral intake (with or without partial PN) is below the recommended nutrient requirements, total PN becomes a relevant nutrition intervention.

ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with acute or chronic kidney disease

Acute kidney disease (AKD) - which includes acute kidney injury (AKI) - and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly prevalent among hospitalized patients, including those in nephrology and medicine wards, surgical wards, and intensive care units (ICU), and they have important metabolic and nutritional consequences. Moreover, in case kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is started, whatever is the modality used, the possible impact on nutritional profiles, substrate balance, and nutritional treatment processes cannot be neglected. The present guideline is aimed at providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical nutrition in hospitalized patients with AKD and CKD. Due to the significant heterogeneity of this patient population as well as the paucity of high-quality evidence data, the present guideline is to be intended as a basic framework of both evidence and - in most cases - expert opinions, aggregated in a structured consensus process, in order to update the two previous ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral (2006) and Parenteral (2009) Nutrition in Adult Renal Failure. Nutritional care for patients with stable CKD (i.e., controlled protein content diets/low protein diets with or without amino acid/ketoanalogue integration in outpatients up to CKD stages four and five), nutrition in kidney transplantation, and pediatric kidney disease will not be addressed in the present guideline.

Effectiveness of renal-specific oral nutritional supplements compared with diet counseling in malnourished hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is highly prevalent and a consequence of inflammation and related comorbidities among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) is recommended for malnourished patients with kidney failure. The study aimed to evaluate renal-specific oral nutrition (ONCE dialyze) supplement on nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis.

METHODS

Patients were randomized into 3 groups; treatment groups received 370 kcal/day of ONCE Dialyze (N = 26) or 370 kcal/day of NEPRO (N = 30) for 30 days. The control group (N = 24) received no intervention. All patients were counseled by the same registered dietitian during the study. The nutritional status was evaluated using malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) assessment, body compositions, serum albumin and pre-albumin levels at baseline and 30 days.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were analyzed with mean age of 57.2 ± 15.9 years. The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in energy, protein, fat, fiber and magnesium intake by dietary interview compared with the control group. Percentage of changes in MIS was - 29.0% (95% CI - 40.5 to - 17.4), - 23.9% (95% CI - 37.2 to - 10.6) and 12.1% (95% CI - 19.2 to 43.4) for the ONCE dialyze, NEPRO and control groups, respectively (overall P = 0.006). Percentage of changes in serum albumin was 5.3% (95% CI 1.9-8.7), 3.3% (95% CI - 0.1 to 6.7) and - 0.8% (95% CI - 4.3 to 2.7) for the ONCE dialyze, NEPRO, and control groups, respectively (overall P = 0.039; P = 0.043 for ONCE dialyze vs. control). No serious adverse effects were reported in any group.

CONCLUSION

Dietary advice combined with ONS especially ONCE dialyze was associated with improved MIS, serum albumin, dietary energy and macronutrient intake among patients with kidney failure on maintenance hemodialysis.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR20200801001.

The effect of protein-enriched snacks on serum albumin concentration in non-selected haemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

Serum albumin level is not only one of the protein-energy wasting criteria but also a powerful marker of mortality in patients on haemodialysis (HD) treatment. The study aimed to assess the effect of a protein-enriched snack given during HD treatment on serum albumin level.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective, single-centre, observational, non-randomized 16-month study was sub-divided into four 4-month periods. Patients on hemodialysis for more than three months and receiving a regular standard snack (8.8 g of protein) during the HD session were included and assigned during four four-month periods to receive either the standard snack or a protein-enriched snack (28.7 g). Patients were not selected based on nutritional criteria.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients completed the study. Serum albumin levels significantly increased, from 3.43 ± 0.28 g/dl in the first period (standard snack) to 3.62 ± 0.32 g/dl (p < 0.0001) in the second period (enriched snack). In the third period (standard snack), albumin levels remained stable (3.61 ± 0.35 g/dl). After the fourth period (enriched snack), serum albumin levels further increased significantly (3.69 ± 0.30 g/dl; p = 0.05 and p = 0.007, respectively). Weight and normalized protein nitrogen appearance remained stable during the 16-month study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the intake of a protein-enriched snack during HD treatment, independently from baseline serum albumin level, could significantly increase their serum albumin levels. Serum albumin level is a powerful predictor of mortality; therefore, this simple and effective action could be of real interest to improve patients' outcomes.

KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD: 2020 Update

The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) has provided evidence-based guidelines for nutrition in kidney diseases since 1999. Since the publication of the first KDOQI nutrition guideline, there has been a great accumulation of new evidence regarding the management of nutritional aspects of kidney disease and sophistication in the guidelines process. The 2020 update to the KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD was developed as a joint effort with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). It provides comprehensive up-to-date information on the understanding and care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in terms of their metabolic and nutritional milieu for the practicing clinician and allied health care workers. The guideline was expanded to include not only patients with end-stage kidney disease or advanced CKD, but also patients with stages 1-5 CKD who are not receiving dialysis and patients with a functional kidney transplant. The updated guideline statements focus on 6 primary areas: nutritional assessment, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), dietary protein and energy intake, nutritional supplementation, micronutrients, and electrolytes. The guidelines primarily cover dietary management rather than all possible nutritional interventions. The evidence data and guideline statements were evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. As applicable, each guideline statement is accompanied by rationale/background information, a detailed justification, monitoring and evaluation guidance, implementation considerations, special discussions, and recommendations for future research.

Cachexia/Protein energy wasting syndrome in CKD: Causation and treatment

Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome defined by significant body weight loss, fat and muscle mass reduction, and increased protein catabolism. Protein energy wasting (PEW) is characterized as a syndrome of adverse changes in nutrition and body composition being highly prevalent in patients with CKD, especially in those undergoing dialysis, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality in this population. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the genesis of these adverse nutritional changes in CKD patients. There is no obvious distinction between PEW and cachexia from a pathophysiologic standpoint and should be considered as part of the spectrum of the same nutritional disorder in CKD with similar management approaches for prevention and treatment based on current understanding. A plethora of factors can affect the nutritional status of CKD patients requiring a combination of therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse protein and energy depletion. At present, there is no effective pharmacologic intervention that prevents or attenuates muscle atrophy in catabolic conditions like CKD. Prevention and treatment of uremic muscle wasting involve optimal nutritional support, correction of acidosis, and physical exercise. There has been emerging consistent evidence that active treatment, perhaps by combining nutritional interventions and resistance exercise, may be able to improve but not totally reverse or prevent the supervening muscle wasting and weakness. Active research into more direct pharmacological treatment based on basic mechanistic research is much needed for this unmet medical need in patients with CKD.

Oral nutritional supplements and 30-day readmission rate in hypoalbuminemic maintenance hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are hospitalized nearly twice yearly, and 35% of these patients are rehospitalized within 30-days postdischarge. We hypothesized that monitored oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) during HD treatment may decrease readmissions.

METHODS

A cohort of maintenance HD patients, treated at a large dialysis organization, who were hospitalized with a postdischarge albumin of ≤3.5 g/dL, without documented ONS use 90 days prior to the index hospitalization were identified. Individuals who received monitored intradialytic ONS postdischarge were compared to those without receipt of ONS. The outcome of interest was 30-day hospital readmissions. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between ONS receipt and 30-day readmission events, with adjustment for case-mix and laboratory variables.

FINDINGS

Of 5479 eligible patients, ONS was prescribed to 1420 individuals. Mean age was 64.6 ± 14.1 (SD) years; median dialysis vintage was 3.9 years. There were 274 (19%) readmissions among ONS recipients vs. 1571 (38.7%) among controls during the 30-day follow-up period. Individuals who did not receive ONS had increased odds of readmission [OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.02, 2.53)] in 30 days, as compared to those who did receive ONS postdischarge. In sensitivity analyses using a propensity score matched cohort, the odds ratio of readmissions within 30 days postdischarge was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.42, 2.07) for individuals who did not receive ONS as compared to those who received ONS.

DISCUSSION

Consumption of ONS during HD sessions is associated with reduced hospital readmission rates among in-center maintenance HD with severe hypoalbuminemia at 30 days post-hospital discharge.

Risk of hospitalization associated with body mass index and weight changes among prevalent haemodialysis patients

The impact of body mass index (BMI) and body weight on hospitalization rates in haemodialysis patients is unknown. This study hypothesizes that being either underweight or obese is associated with a higher hospitalization rate. Observational study of 6296 European haemodialysis patients with prospective data collection and follow-up every six months for three years (COSMOS study). The risk of being hospitalized was estimated by a time-dependent Cox regression model and the annual risk (incidence rate ratios, IRR) by Poisson regression. We considered weight loss, weight gain and stable weight. Weight change analyses were also performed after patient stratification according to their baseline BMI. A total of 3096 patients were hospitalized at least once with 9731 hospitalizations in total. The hospitalization incidence (fully adjusted IRR 1.28, 95% CI [1.18-1.39]) was higher among underweight patients (BMI <20kg/m²) than patients of normal weight (BMI 20-25kg/m²), while the incidence of overweight (0.88 [0.83-0.93]) and obese patients (≥30kg/m², 0.85 [0.79-0.92]) was lower. Weight gain was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization. Conversely, weight loss was associated with a higher hospitalization rate, particularly in underweight patients (IRR 2.85 [2.33-3.47]). Underweight haemodialysis patients were at increased risk of hospitalization, while overweight and obese patients were less likely to be hospitalized. Short-term weight loss in underweight individuals was associated with a strikingly high hospitalization rate.

Frailty and chronic kidney disease: current evidence and continuing uncertainties

Frailty, the state of increased vulnerability to physical stressors as a result of progressive and sustained degeneration in multiple physiological systems, is common in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, the prevalence of frailty in the older adult population is reported to be 11%, whereas the prevalence of frailty has been reported to be greater than 60% in dialysis-dependent CKD patients. Frailty is independently linked with adverse clinical outcomes in all stages of CKD and has been repeatedly shown to be associated with an increased risk of mortality and hospitalization. In recent years there have been efforts to create an operationalized definition of frailty to aid its diagnosis and to categorize its severity. Two principal concepts are described, namely the Fried Phenotype Model of Physical Frailty and the Cumulative Deficit Model of Frailty. There is no agreement on which frailty assessment approach is superior, therefore, for the time being, emphasis should be placed on any efforts to identify frailty. Recognizing frailty should prompt a holistic assessment of the patient to address risk factors that may exacerbate its progression and to ensure that the patient has appropriate psychological and social support. Adequate nutritional intake is essential and individualized exercise programmes should be offered. The acknowledgement of frailty should prompt discussions that explore the future care wishes of these vulnerable patients. With further study, nephrologists may be able to use frailty assessments to inform discussions with patients about the initiation of renal replacement therapy.

[Common therapeutic approaches of sarcopenia in the elderly and uremic myopathy]

The gradual loss of weight and function of muscle in patients with chronic kidney disease as in the elderly impacts the quality of life. Early management should help slow the functional limitation. Physical activity is the first therapy to propose that ensures stability of muscle mass and improved function. Resistance training programs have proven effective but are not yet widely available in nephrology units. The nutritional management should not be forgotten because there is a resistance to anabolism and protein intake should be involved in physical activity program. Associated treatments should not be neglected: vitamin D, anti-inflammatory, androgens. Some are still under evaluation. Therapeutic option, tomorrow, could be anti-myostatin antibodies and glitazones.

Nutritional Status Predicts 10-Year Mortality in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is associated with mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis. The correct diagnosis of PEW is extremely important in order to predict clinical outcomes. However, it is unclear which parameters should be used to diagnose PEW. Therefore, this retrospective observational study investigated the relationship between mortality and nutritional parameters in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. A total of 144 patients were enrolled. Nutritional parameters, including body mass index, serum albumin, dietary intake, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), were measured at baseline. Fifty-three patients died during the study. Survivors had significantly higher nPCR (1.10 ± 0.24 g/kg/day vs. 1.01 ± 0.21 g/kg/day; p = 0.048), energy intake (26.7 ± 5.8 kcal/kg vs. 24.3 ± 4.2 kcal/kg; p = 0.009) and protein intake (0.91 ± 0.21 g/kg vs. 0.82 ± 0.24 g/kg; p = 0.020), and lower MIS (5.2 ± 2.3 vs. 6.1 ± 2.1, p = 0.039). In multivariable analysis, energy intake <25 kcal/kg (HR 1.860, 95% CI 1.018–3.399; p = 0.044) and MIS > 5 (HR 2.146, 95% CI 1.173–3.928; p = 0.013) were independent variables associated with all-cause mortality. These results suggest that higher MIS and lower energy intake are harmful to ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Optimal energy intake could reduce mortality in these patients.

Protein-energy wasting and nutritional supplementation in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Protein-Energy Wasting (PEW) is the depletion of protein/energy stores observed in the most advanced stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). PEW is highly prevalent among patients on chronic dialysis, and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, high morbidity/mortality rates and increased healthcare costs. This narrative review was aimed at exploring the pathophysiology of PEW in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. The main aspects of nutritional status evaluation, intervention and monitoring in this clinical setting were described, as well as the current approaches for the prevention and treatment of ESRD-related PEW.

METHODS

An exhaustive literature search was performed, in order to identify the relevant studies describing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, nutritional intervention and outcome of PEW in ESRD on hemodialysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The pathogenesis of PEW is multifactorial. Loss of appetite, reduced intake of nutrients and altered lean body mass anabolism/catabolism play a key role. Nutritional approach to PEW should be based on a careful and periodic assessment of nutritional status and on timely dietary counseling. When protein and energy intakes are reduced, nutritional supplementation by means of specific oral formulations administered during the hemodialysis session may be the first-step intervention, and represents a valid nutritional approach to PEW prevention and treatment since it is easy, effective and safe. Omega-3 fatty acids and fibers, now included in commercially available preparations for renal patients, could lend relevant added value to macronutrient supplementation. When oral supplementation fails, intradialytic parenteral nutrition can be implemented in selected patients.

Role of nutrition on anemia in elderly

Anemia in elderly population have a great incidence and is related to increased mortality risk. The incidence of nutrition in anemia is about one third of the total. Caloric and protein restriction, iron, vitamin B₁₂, folic deficiency are the causes of nutritional anemia. Protein and energy malnutrition stimulate an increased cytokines production with induction of inflammation, immunodeficiency and anemia. Anorexia and obesity can be associated with anemia due to increased cytokines and hepdicin serum level. Macrophages activity is inhibited and a decrease in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration due to ineffective erythropoiesis is observed. An adequate energy and protein diet is necessary to reduce inflammation and increase iron absorption. A minimum of 1700 kcal/day and 1.7 gr/kg/day of protein intake are necessary to maintain anabolism in chronic patients to prevent and treat anemia. Iron supplementation by intravenous injection is safe and effective to correct severe iron deficiency. The supplementation of vitamins and oligomineral are useful to reduce oxidative stress and improve RBC longevity. Anemia in elderly could be prevented by an adequate nutrition, a simple and not expensive intervention, and associated to physical exercise reduce the incidence of mortality rate.

Malnutrition in Dialysis Patients--The Need for Intervention Despite Uncertain Benefits

We are in the midst of an epidemic of overnutrition which has resulted in a widespread increase in obesity rates in modern societies. Yet for patients suffering from serious chronic illnesses such as end stage renal disease (ESRD), malnutrition (encompassing both inadequate quantity and quality of nutrient intake) represents a far more significant danger. Protein-energy wasting has been identified as one of the strongest risk factor for adverse outcomes in ESRD patients, and modeling studies have suggested that improving nutrition could result in substantial lowering of mortality rates and other benefits. To date there is ample evidence that various interventions can have a positive impact on the nutritional status of ESRD patients, yet we still lack randomized controlled clinical trials showing that the same interventions could indeed lead to better survival or other clinical benefits. This knowledge gap, which is all too common for clinical problems encountered in nephrology, should not act as a deterrent, but it should rather incentivize us to continue exploring novel interventions aimed at improving malnutrition in ESRD.

Latest consensus and update on protein-energy wasting in chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a state of metabolic and nutritional derangements in chronic disease states including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cumulative evidence suggests that PEW, muscle wasting and cachexia are common and strongly associated with mortality in CKD, which is reviewed here.

RECENT FINDINGS

The malnutrition-inflammation score (KALANTAR Score) is among the comprehensive and outcome-predicting nutritional scoring tools. The association of obesity with poor outcomes is attenuated across more advanced CKD stages and eventually reverses in the form of obesity paradox. Frailty is closely associated with PEW, muscle wasting and cachexia. Muscle loss shows stronger associations with unfavorable outcomes than fat loss. Adequate energy supplementation combined with low-protein diet for the management of CKD may prevent the development of PEW and can improve adherence to low-protein diet, but dietary protein requirement may increase with aging and is higher under dialysis therapy. Phosphorus burden may lead to poor outcomes. The target serum bicarbonate concentration is normal range and at least 23 mEq/l for nondialysis-dependent and dialysis-dependent CKD patients, respectively. A benefit of exercise is suggested but not yet conclusively proven.

SUMMARY

Prevention and treatment of PEW should involve individualized and integrated approaches to modulate identified risk factors and contributing comorbidities.

Anemia in Adenine-Induced Chronic Renal Failure and the Influence of Treatment With Gum Acacia Thereon

Anemia frequently complicates chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated here the effect of adenine-induced CKD in rats on erythrocyte count (EC), hematocrit (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, as well as on the activity of L-γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and the concentrations of iron (Fe), transferrin (Tf), ferritin (F), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) / unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and hepcidin (Hp) in serum and erythropoietin (Epo) in renal tissue. Renal damage was assessed histopathologically, and also by measuring the serum concentrations of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS), creatinine, and urea, and by creatinine clearance. We also assessed the influence of concomitant treatment with gum acacia (GA) on the above analytes. Adenine feeding induced CKD, accompanied by significant decreases (P<0.05) in EC, PCV, and Hb, and in the serum concentrations of Fe, Tf, TIBC, UIBC and Epo. It also increased Hp and F levels. GA significantly ameliorated these changes in rats with CKD. A general improvement in the renal status of rats with CKD after GA is shown due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions, and reduction of the uremic toxin IS, which is known to suppress Epo production, and this may be a reason for its ameliorative actions on the indices of anemia studied.

Improving outcomes by changing hemodialysis practice patterns

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines recent advances in understanding of how clinical outcomes for hemodialysis patients may be improved by achieving longer or more frequent treatment times, lower ultrafiltration rates (UFRs), improving nutritional status, and individualizing dialysate composition. This review also discusses the controversy related to timing of dialysis initiation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many observational studies and several randomized controlled trials indicate longer dialysis treatment times, particularly nocturnal dialysis, and/or more frequent dialysis improve morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence also suggests that lower UFR and more consistent achievement of 'dry weight' may help minimize the damage from myocardial stunning and chronic volume overload that occurs in the majority of patients who receive conventional hemodialysis during the day with a standard schedule of 3-5 h, 3 times a week. Other aspects of the dialysis procedure such as appropriate estimated glomerular filtration rate for dialysis initiation and individualizing dialysate composition may also minimize cardiovascular risk. Finally, several studies have highlighted the benefits of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) during dialysis.

SUMMARY

Greater treatment times per week with slower UFR, consistent attainment of 'dry weight', individualized dialysate prescriptions, and administration of ONS to malnourished patients are likely to reduce hospitalizations and improve survival in this high-risk population of end-stage renal disease patients.

Leptin in chronic kidney disease: a link between hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and nutrition

Anemia, dyslipidemia, malnutrition, together with mineral and bone disorders are common complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). All are associated with increased risk of mortality. Leptin is a small peptide hormone that is mainly but not exclusively produced in adipose tissue. It is also secreted by normal human osteoblasts, subchondral osteoblasts, placental syncytiotrophoblasts, and the gastric epithelium. Leptin binds to its receptors in the hypothalamus to regulate bone metabolism and food intake. Leptin also has several other important metabolic effects on peripheral tissues, including the liver, skeletal muscle, and bone marrow. Leptin is cleared principally by the kidney. Not surprisingly, serum leptin appears to increase concurrently with declines in the glomerular filtration rate in patients with CKD. A growing body of evidence suggests that leptin might be closely related to hematopoiesis, nutrition, and bone metabolism in CKD patients. Results are conflicting regarding leptin in patients with CKD, in whom both beneficial and detrimental effects on uremia outcome are found. This review elucidates the discovery of leptin and its receptors, changes in serum or plasma leptin levels, the functions of leptin, relationships between leptin and the complications mentioned above, and pharmaceutical interventions in serum leptin levels in patients with CKD.

A patient with CKD and poor nutritional status

Protein energy wasting is common in patients with CKD and ESRD and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as increased rates of hospitalization and death, in these patients. A multitude of factors can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of patients with CKD, including decreased dietary nutrient intake, catabolic effects of renal replacement therapy, systemic inflammation, metabolic and hormonal derangements, and comorbid conditions (such as diabetes and depression). Unique aspects of CKD also confound reliable assessment of nutritional status, further complicating management of this comorbid condition. In patients in whom preventive measures and oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot help them maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. The advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic steroids and exercise, with nutritional supplementation or alone, improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. There are several emerging novel therapies, such as appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and anabolic agents.

Prevention and treatment of protein energy wasting in chronic kidney disease patients: a consensus statement by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism

Protein energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, especially in individuals receiving maintenance dialysis therapy. A multitude of factors can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of CKD patients requiring a combination of therapeutic maneuvers to prevent or reverse protein and energy depletion. These include optimizing dietary nutrient intake, appropriate treatment of metabolic disturbances such as metabolic acidosis, systemic inflammation, and hormonal deficiencies, and prescribing optimized dialytic regimens. In patients where oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is shown to be effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. In clinical practice, the advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic strategies such as anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and exercise, in combination with nutritional supplementation or alone, have been shown to improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. Appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and newer anabolic agents are emerging as novel therapies. While numerous epidemiological data suggest that an improvement in biomarkers of nutritional status is associated with improved survival, there are no large randomized clinical trials that have tested the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on mortality and morbidity.

Let them eat during dialysis: an overlooked opportunity to improve outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients

In individuals with chronic kidney disease, surrogates of protein-energy wasting, including a relatively low serum albumin and fat or muscle wasting, are by far the strongest death risk factor compared with any other condition. There are data to indicate that hypoalbuminemia responds to nutritional interventions, which may save lives in the long run. Monitored, in-center provision of high-protein meals and/or oral nutritional supplements during hemodialysis is a feasible, inexpensive, and patient-friendly strategy despite concerns such as postprandial hypotension, aspiration risk, infection control and hygiene, dialysis staff burden, diabetes and phosphorus control, and financial constraints. Adjunct pharmacologic therapies can be added, including appetite stimulators (megesterol, ghrelin, and mirtazapine), anabolic hormones (testosterone and growth factors), antimyostatin agents, and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agents (pentoxiphylline and cytokine modulators), to increase efficiency of intradialytic food and oral supplementation, although adequate evidence is still lacking. If more severe hypoalbuminemia (<3.0 g/dL) not amenable to oral interventions prevails, or if a patient is not capable of enteral interventions (e.g., because of swallowing problems), then parenteral interventions such as intradialytic parenteral nutrition can be considered. Given the fact that meals and supplements during hemodialysis would require only a small fraction of the funds currently used for dialysis patients this is also an economically feasible strategy.

Optimal nutrition in hemodialysis patients

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). It is important to note that there is a robust association between the extent of PEW and the risk of hospitalization and death in these patients, regardless of the nutritional marker used. The multiple etiologies of PEW in advanced kidney disease are still being elucidated. Apart from the multiple mechanisms that might lead to PEW, it appears that the common pathway for all of the derangements is related to exaggerated protein degradation along with decreased protein synthesis. The hemodialysis procedure per se is an important contributor to this process. Metabolic and hormonal derangements such as acidosis, inflammation, and resistance to anabolic properties of insulin resistance and growth hormone are all implicated for the development of PEW in MHD patients. Appropriate management of MHD patients at risk for PEW requires a comprehensive combination of strategies to diminish protein and energy depletion and to institute therapies that will avoid further losses. The mainstay of nutritional treatment in MHD patients is provision of an adequate amount of protein and energy, using oral supplementation as needed. Intradialytic parenteral nutrition should be attempted in patients who cannot efficiently use the gastrointestinal tract. Other anabolic strategies such as exercise, anabolic hormones, anti-inflammatory therapies, and appetite stimulants can be considered as complementary therapies in suitable patients.