Impact of Dietetic Intervention on Skin Autofluorescence and Nutritional Status in Persons Receiving Dialysis: A Proof of Principle Study.

OBJECTIVE: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are uremic toxins that result from oxidative stress and food consumption. It has been reported that markers of malnutrition are more important determinants of increased skin autofluorescence (SAF), a measure of AGE accumulation and risk factor for mortality, than high dietary AGE intake in a hemodialysis (HD) population, suggesting that correcting malnutrition may decrease SAF. DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated this hypothesis in a single-center, nonrandomized proof-of-principle study. We enrolled 27 patients on HD and one on peritoneal dialysis with malnutrition who received individualized nutritional advice and support over 6 months. SAF was measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Dietary intake and nutritional status were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results were compared with a control group of malnourished patients on dialysis (n = 41 HD and 8 peritoneal dialysis) from a previous observational study. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significant increase in dietary intake, including AGEs, Subjective Global Assessment score, and serum albumin, while SAF levels remained stable for over 6 months (3.8 ± 0.7 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 3.7 ± 0.7 AU; P = .3). Conversely, in the control group, SAF increased significantly during the observation period (3.5 ± 0.9 AU vs. 3.8 ± 1.2 AU; P = .03) during which there was no improvement in nutritional intake and other markers of nutrition, although dietary AGE intake and Subjective Global Assessment score did increase. CONCLUSION: Dietetic support was associated with stable SAF levels in this proof-of-principal study despite an increase in dietary AGE intake, suggesting that interventions to improve nutrition may be important in preventing the rise in SAF observed in malnourished dialysis populations. Further long-term studies are needed to test this hypothesis and evaluate the impact on survival.

Feasibility and effectiveness of pre-emptive rehabilitation in persons approaching dialysis (PREHAB).

INTRODUCTION: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is characterised by several complications, leading to reduced functional ability and quality of life during transition to dialysis. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a patient-centred programme of exercise, nutritional intervention and multidisciplinary education for persons approaching dialysis. METHODS: Patients with eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and anticipated to start dialysis within 6-12 months were invited to participate. The 10-week pre-dialysis intervention included a weekly 1-hour gym-based exercise circuit and an education programme. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through recruitment and retention rates, adherence to the intervention, and from patient feedback following the intervention. Physical function, nutritional status, and anxiety and depression, were assessed at baseline, after intervention, and as dialysis commenced. RESULTS: Thirty patients agreed to participate, with 22 completing the pre-dialysis intervention. Thirteen (59%) participants achieved 100% attendance at the exercise and education sessions, with only two participants attending less than 8/10 sessions. The intervention also led to improved physical function, demonstrated by significant increase in both incremental shuttle walk distance (330 vs. 385 m, p = 0.006) and quadriceps one repetition maximum (p = 0.007), and a trend towards increased sit-to-stand repetitions (20-23, p = 0.11). There was a trend for improved patient perception of activity (Duke Activity Status Index score 31.55 vs. 33.75, p = 0.09). Hand grip strength (29.1 vs. 29.8 kg), body mass index (30.4 vs. 30.5 kg/m2 ) and nutritional status assessed by subjective global assessment (73% well-nourished) were maintained. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of a patient-centred exercise and education programme in those approaching dialysis. Further research is therefore required to evaluate the impact of this programme on clinical outcomes.

Demographic associations of high estimated sodium intake and frequency of consumption of high-sodium foods in people with chronic kidney disease stage 3 in England.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate sodium intake in a cohort of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 3 in England to identify demographic characteristics of subgroups with high sodium intake and specific foods that contribute to excessive sodium intake. DESIGN AND METHODS: Study subjects (N = 1,729) included CKD patients from 32 general practices in the Renal Risk in Derby study. Patients had a glomerular filtration rate between 30 and 59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) on 2 or more occasions at least 3 months apart before recruitment. Sodium excretion (assumed to be equal to intake) was estimated from early morning urine specimens using an equation validated for this study population. The frequency of intake of 12 salty foods was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean estimated urinary sodium excretion was 110.5 ± 33.8 mmol/day; 60.1% had values above the National Kidney Foundation recommendation (<100 mmol/day). Subgroups with a greater percentage of participants having sodium excretion above the recommendation were as follows: men, those younger than 75 years of age, those with central obesity or diabetes, those with formal educational qualifications, and those who were previous or current smokers. In multivariable analysis, gender, younger age, waist-to-hip ratio, and diabetes mellitus status were the main independent determinants of excessive sodium excretion. Specific food items that contributed to excessive intake were table and cooking salt, salted snacks, hard cheeses, processed meat, and tinned fish. The most important source of sodium varied by subgroup. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of sodium excretion above the recommended value was detected, and independent determinants were gender, age, waist-to-hip ratio, and diabetes mellitus. Specific food items that contributed to excessive intake were also identified and varied in different subgroups. These data will be helpful in informing strategies to target dietetic advice to those most likely to have high sodium intake and will allow dietitians to focus on the most likely sources of sodium in different subgroups.