Role of keto-analogues in the conservative management of chronic renal failure

One hundred patients with chronic renal failure were studied for twenty months to see the effect of a low protein diet supplemented with ketoanalogues [Ketosteril]. Their protein intake was restricted to 0.6-0.8 gms [35 kcals]/kg bw/day. Eighty two patients reported improvement and experienced enhanced physical activity, mental alertness, improved appetite and sleep. There was no generalised weakness, wasting of muscles and weight loss. Of these 82 patients, 33 showed definite improvement as their blood urea nitrogen [BUN] decreased while in 49 BUN remained stable i.e. it neither decreased nor increased. Out of the remaining 18 patients who did not show any improvement, seven are on maintenance haemodialysis, three underwent renal transplantation, five expired while three were lost to follow up. It is concluded that a low protein diet supplemented with ketoanalogues [Ketosteril] can improve uraemic symptoms, improve rehabilitation status and can thus defer an early need for dialysis