Supplementation In Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

Study of the effect and safety of oral lactoferrin therapy for functional iron deficiency anemia in prevalent hemodialysis patients

Background The commonly available therapeutic approaches for treating anemia of chronic kidney disease include oral and IV iron supplementation and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, has been studied for its effect on iron homeostasis. Aim of the work To study the effect and safety of oral lactoferrin therapy for functional iron deficiency anemia in prevalent hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods This is an interventional case–control study, conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital hemodialysis unit on 70 prevalent hemodialysis patients, who were divided into two groups: (Group A): 35 patients with functional iron-deficiency anemia, who received lactoferrin together with the recommended dose of ESA therapy for 3 months, (Group B): 35 patients with functional iron-deficiency anemia, who received only their recommended dose of ESA therapy for 3 months. Results Both groups were age and sex-matched. Both groups showed a significant improvement in their hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron levels after 3 months’ follow-up, with no difference between both groups. No significant difference was noticed in either WBCs or platelets during the study period. Conclusion Oral lactoferrin failed to show a superior effect on ESAs alone and could not be used as a substitute to totally replace IV iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients with FID.

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels of patients with ESRD condition undergoing dialysis

BackgroundConcomitant inflammation may boost the cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Omega-3 fatty acids may have certain health benefits in HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB) level and platelet (PLT) counts of HD patients. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a private dialysis center in Rasht, Iran. Three omega-3 fatty acid supplement capsules (3 g/d) were administered daily for two months to patients in the intervention group (n = 55). The control group (n = 60) were given three placebo capsules containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, similar to the supplemental dose of the intervention group at the same period. Three parameters of HCT, HB and PLT were measured at baseline and after the intervention. ResultsThe PLT count decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (173.38 ± 74.76 vs. 227.68 ± 86.58 103/mm3, F = 4.83, P = 0.03). No significant change was found on the levels of HCT and HB parameters between the two groups after the intervention. ConclusionOmega-3 supplementation in HD patients may decrease the risk of forming blood clots in the blood vessels. Further studies are warranted.

Efficacy of intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation and oral nutritional supplementation in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Sarcopenia is common in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simultaneous nutritional support and intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in hemodialysis patients. We performed a 12-week, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to the control group, the protein group (25 g of protein at every dialysis session), the NMES group (intradialytic NMES to quadriceps femoris muscles), and the NMES + P group (NMES with protein supplementation). The primary outcome was the difference in hand grip strength (HGS) and leg muscle strength (LMS) among groups. Secondary outcomes included body composition, physical performance (the 10-m walk test and the timed up and go test [TUG]), and questionnaires about quality of life (QoL), physical activity, and depression. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed by dividing NMES and NMES + P groups into high- and low-intensity NMES groups. Fifty-nine patients completed all the study outcomes. There was no difference in muscle strength (HGS and LMS) and muscle mass among groups. Gait speed improved in NMES and NMES + P groups. Subscale scores for QoL (kidney disease effect, role limitations due to physical or emotional problems, and overall health ratings) improved in the NMES + P group. In subgroup analysis, LMS and TUG improved only in the high-intensity NMES group. In this study, NMES and-/or- protein supplementation did not make a significant difference in HGS and LMS. However, NMES or NMES + P improved functional capacity and QoL. Furthermore, higher NMES was superior in improving LMS and functional capacity.

The effect of oral zinc on hemoglobin and dose of erythropoietin in hemodialysis patients.

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, low serum zinc level could cause hyporesponsivity to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and lead to anemia. This study investigated the effects of oral zinc supplements on the required dose of erythropoietin in patients undergoing HD. In a double-blinded randomized trial, 76 HD patients were assigned to 2 groups of 38. One group (intervention) was treated with oral zinc supplements of 210 mg, daily for 6 months, and the other group (control) used placebo capsules for 6 months. The serum zinc level, hemoglobin level, and required dose of erythropoietin, albumin, ferritin, ferrous, and total iron-binding capacity were evaluated 3 and 6 months after intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA did not show a significant increase in Hb level after 6 months of intervention (P = 0.28). However, the required dose of erythropoietin was decreased, but the changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The changes in the other variables were not statistically significant. Oral zinc supplementation in HD patients could not increase hemoglobin level irrespective of their serum zinc level.

Évaluation du fer sérique comme facteur prédictif d’une réponse de l’hémoglobine au traitement par fer injectable chez les patients hémodialysés chroniques

BackgroundThe detection and correction of iron deficiency are essential for the treatment of anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients. The aim of our study was to assess the ability of serum iron to predict hemoglobin response to intravenous iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients. MethodsIt is a retrospective study in 91 hemodialysis patients during 2016 at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital for whom intravenous iron supplementation had been started. A responder patient was defined as an increase in hemoglobin greater than or equal to 1 g/dL/month and/or a decrease in the dose of erythropoiesis stimulating agent after two months of iron supplementation. ResultsIn responding patients, serum iron was significantly lower (6.7 ± 2.7 μmol/L) compared to non-responding patients (8.9±2.9 μmol/L; P<0.001). The positive response to iron supplementation was significantly associated with low serum iron (odds ratio = 0.58 [0.42–0.81]; P=0.002) in a logistic regression model taking into account ferritin, transferrin saturation coefficient, dose variation monthly iron and erythropoiesis stimulating agent and the duration of dialysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation coefficient to predict the response to iron supplementation were 0.72, 0.51 and 0.64, respectively (serum iron versus ferritin [P=0.006] and serum iron versus transferrin saturation coefficient [P=0.04]). The sensitivity for serum iron below 7.5 μmol/L was better than that for ferritin below 86 ng/mL (P<0.001) and the specificity for serum iron below 7.5 μmol/L was better than that for TSC less than 19% (P=0.02). ConclusionSerum iron below 7.5 μmol/L can predict the success of the response to iron supplementation in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Long-term cholecalciferol supplementation in hemodialysis patients: Effects on mineral metabolism, inflammation, and cardiac parameters.

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are frequent in chronic kidney disease and are associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this 5-year prospective study was to evaluate the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on mineral metabolism, inflammation and cardiac parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The study included 97 patients. Cholecalciferol was given after HD according to 25(OH)D baseline levels measured twice (end of winter and of summer). The 25(OH)D levels, circulating bone metabolism, inflammation parameters, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), pulse pressure (PP), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were evaluated before and after supplementation. There was a significant increase in 25(OH)D levels after supplementation (p < 0.001); however, serum calcium (p = 0.02), phosphorus (p = 0.018), and iPTH (p = 0.03) were decreased. Magnesium levels increased during the study (p = 0.03). A reduction in the number of patients under active vitamin D (p < 0.001) and in the dose and number of patients treated with darbepoetin (p = 0.02) was observed. Serum albumin increased (p < 0.001), and C-reactive protein decreased (p = 0.01). BNP (p < 0.001), PP (p = 0.007), and LVMI (p = 0.02) were significantly reduced after supplementation. Long-term cholecalciferol supplementation allowed correction of 25(OH)D deficiency, improved mineral metabolism with less use of active vitamin D, attenuated inflammation, reduced the dose of the erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, and improved cardiac dysfunction.

Effect of dietary synbiotic supplementation on serum indoxyl sulfate in prevalent hemodialysis patients

BackgroundIndoxyl sulfate (IS) is produced by action of the intestinal flora on tryptophan in protein diet, and it is normally excreted by the kidney. IS is a protein-bound uremic toxin, and it is difficult to be removed by conventional hemodialysis (HD) methods; so, it accumulates in HD patients and may contribute to major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.AimTo study the effect of dietary synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) supplementation on IS level in prevalent HD patients.Patients and methodsThis single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 80 prevalent HD patients (between January 2017 and March 2017) in Ain Shams University Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was given synbiotic (SYN) and group 2 was given placebo for 6 weeks. Blood levels of IS, CRP, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in serum IS level in groups 1 and 2 in comparison to their baselines (P value = 0.000 and 0.019 respectively); however, the change in IS level in group 1 after SYN supplementation (64% with IR 72.38–33.33) was more than that shown in group 2 (did not receive SYN) (18.47% with IR 26.75–26.75) with a highly significant P value, 0.000. Also, there were significant reductions in the levels of creatinine, BUN, phosphorus (P values < 0.001), and CRP (P values 0.002) in group 1 respectively with no similar changes noticed in group 2.ConclusionSYN supplementation in HD patients can reduce serum levels of IS and other uremic toxins like BUN and creatinine. Also, it may help to reduce serum phosphorus and CRP levels.

Muscle Status Response to Oral Nutritional Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients With Protein Energy Wasting: A Multi-Center Randomized, Open Label-Controlled Trial.

Background: Muscle wasting, observed in patients with end-stage kidney disease and protein energy wasting (PEW), is associated with increased mortality for those on hemodialysis (HD). Oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) and nutrition counseling (NC) are treatment options for PEW but research targeting muscle status, as an outcome metric, is limited.Aim: We compared the effects of combined treatment (ONS + NC) vs. NC alone on muscle status and nutritional parameters in HD patients with PEW.Methods: This multi-center randomized, open label-controlled trial, registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier no. NCT04789031), recruited 56 HD patients identified with PEW using the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism criteria. Patients were randomly allocated to intervention (ONS + NC, n = 29) and control (NC, n = 27) groups. The ONS + NC received commercial renal-specific ONS providing 475 kcal and 21.7 g of protein daily for 6 months. Both groups also received standard NC during the study period. Differences in quadriceps muscle status assessed using ultrasound (US) imaging, arm muscle area and circumference, bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS), and handgrip strength (HGS) methods were analyzed using the generalized linear model for repeated measures.Results: Muscle indices as per US metrics indicated significance (p < 0.001) for group × time interaction only in the ONS + NC group, with increases by 8.3 and 7.7% for quadriceps muscle thickness and 4.5% for cross-sectional area (all p < 0.05). This effect was not observed for arm muscle area and circumference, BIS metrics and HGS in both the groups. ONS + NC compared to NC demonstrated increased dry weight (p = 0.039), mid-thigh girth (p = 0.004), serum prealbumin (p = 0.005), normalized protein catabolic rate (p = 0.025), and dietary intakes (p < 0.001), along with lower malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS) (p = 0.041). At the end of the study, lesser patients in the ONS + NC group were diagnosed with PEW (24.1%, p = 0.008) as they had achieved dietary adequacy with ONS provision.Conclusion: Combination of ONS with NC was effective in treating PEW and contributed to a gain in the muscle status as assessed by the US, suggesting that the treatment for PEW requires nutritional optimization via ONS.

Protein-energy wasting and inflammation intervenes in control de anemia in hemodialysis patients treated with darbepoetin alpha as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent

Rationale: Anemia is a multifactorial disorder that can be partially modified by eritropoyesis stimulating agents (ESA) and iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients (HD).The study aimed to analyse the relationship between protein-energy wasting (PEW), inflammation and anaemia and to assess whether the response to darbepoetin alpha (DA) was influenced by either of these two factors.

THE IMPACT OF VIT-D ON SURVIVAL IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Vit-D deficiency (20 ng / mL) and deficiency (20-29 ng / mL) are common side effects in people with chronic disease V or End stage Renal Disease on dialysis. In addition to the lack of exposure to nutrients and sun, reduced Vit-D and body composition, obesity, and racial differences also play a role. In addition, due to a deficiency of 25 (OH) D, serum levels of 1, 25 (OH) 2D decreased over time in CKD patients, as well as non-invasive detection of 25 (OH) D by associated renal cells, increased fibroblast factor -23, and a decrease in functional tissue. Vit-D deficiency causes secondary hyperparathyroidism and associated side effects, such as high hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia, requiring surgical parathyroidectomy or the use of calcimimetics. This document examines the available evidence and underscores the importance of Vit-D supplementation in hemodialysis patients. To assess the strength and critically review the available evidence on impact of Vit-D in survival of hemodialysis patients. Vit-D has a survival advantage in patients with CKD-MBD, however we need randomized controlled trial in hemodialysis patients with matched controls given placebo, to prove benefits of Vit-D in terms of all cause and cause specific mortality.

Potential Benefits of Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Kidney Disease.

Trace element deficiency is common among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); the reason is that since these patients undergo dialysis, they lose these elements more than healthy people, and also the use of trace elements is restricted due to loss of appetite. Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential for the oxidative stress defense system. Se deficiency leads to some complications similar to those often seen in ESRD patients, such as all-cause mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, bone loss, uric acid elevation, and anemia. This article aims to review the evidence on consequences of Se deficiency in ESRD patients, as well as effects of Se supplementation in hemodialysis patients. Multiple databases were searched to summarize the available evidence on selenium's role in kidney diseases. Since the complications of ESRD and those of Se deficiency are mostly similar, this triggers the idea that Se deficiency may be considered as a cause of these problems, but it needs to be more assessed that Se deficiency is a single factor or there are other factors participated in. Also the role of Se supplementation on resolving the mentioned complications, needs to be more studied through welldesigned clinical studies.

Zinc Deficiency, Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activities in Hemodialysis Patients: Is Supplementation Necessary?

Background: Desaturation and elongation are critical processes in endogenous metabolic fatty acid pathways. Zinc (Zn) is a cofactor for desaturases and elongases enzymes. There is limited evidence regarding the relationships between biomarkers of Zn status, nutritional intake, plasma phospholipid fatty acid profile and clinical outcomes among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).Objective: To examine the relationships between dietary and serum levels of Zn and Cu/Zn ratio and to explore associations of these micronutrients with PUFA profile and estimated desaturase and elongase enzyme activities in serum phospholipids among HD patients.Methods: This study included 40 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Repeated 24-h recalls were applied for dietary intake assessment. Serum concentration of Zn and Cu were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and fatty acid composition by gas-liquid chromatography. Desaturase and elongase activities were calculated from product-precursor fatty acid ratios.Results: Inadequate dietary Zn intake was found in 55% of HD patients. They all had serum Zn concentration below the reference value of 60 μg/dL (mean 38.8 ± 7.72 μg/dL). Adequate zinc intake was accompanied with significantly higher intake of energy, total fats, SFA, MUFA and proteins. There was no correlation between Zn serum status and Zn intake estimates. Serum Cu/Zn ratio was high, (2.76 ± 0.68), directly and significantly associated with HD period, CRP, BMI, VFA, and inversely with Kt/V, albumin, iron, and iPTH. The n-6/n-3 ratio in plasma phospholipids was elevated (12.25 ± 3.45) and patients with inadequate Zn intake had lower n-3 PUFA intake and status compared to those with adequate intake. Serum Zn concentrations were inversely correlated with linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid ratio (LA/DGLA) (p = 0.037), related to D6-desaturase activity (p = 0.033) and directly with DGLA relative abundances (p = 0.024). Cu status was inversely associated with EPA level (p = 0.03) and estimates of elongase activity (p = 0.001). Furthermore, positive relationship was found between the Cu/Zn ratio and determined elongase value (p = 0.01).Conclusion: Findings of this study underpin the high prevalence of Zn deficiency and inadequate n-3 PUFA intake and status among subjects undergoing HD. The results obtained indicate that the assessment of Zn status should be a standard parameter of nutritional status screening in HD patients while emphasizing the importance of Cu/Zn determination. Although further research is warranted, Zn and-n-3 PUFA supplementation in HD patients might be beneficial for the prevention and attenuation of adverse health outcomes

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response to curcumin supplementation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are vulnerable to malnutrition and cardiovascular complications due to many factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin supplementation is associated with attenuation of proinflammatory cytokines and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, but its effects in HD patients are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation in HD patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 43 HD patients and divided them into two groups: supplemented with curcumin (1g/day) or placebo (corn starch) for 12 weeks. Demographic information and blood samples were taken at the start and the end of the study to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, antioxidant enzyme activity, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The curcumin group showed a significant increase in catalase activity [Δ=1.13±2.87 versus Δ=-1.08±2.68; p=0.048] and preserved glutathione peroxidase activity [Δ=-4.23±11.50 versus Δ=-14.44±13.96; p<0.01] compared with the placebo group. However, no significant changes were found in MDA concentrations, glutathione reductase activity, and hs-CRP concentrations after the intervention. Curcumin supplementation for 12 weeks had potential effects on antioxidant response, but it was not enough to reduce oxidative stress markers and inflammation in HD patients. This trial was registered at EnsaiosClínicos.gov.br under registration number RBR-2t5zpd.

Holding Iron Measurement to a Gold Standard: Comparing Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content to Traditional Biomarkers in Predicting Response to Intravenous Iron Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Patients suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD) commonly develop functional and absolute iron deficiency due to various etiologies, requiring regular intravenous iron supplementation. Current methods of quantifying iron stores, such as serum iron and transferrin saturation (TSAT), may be inaccurate measures for detecting functional iron deficiency. This increases the likelihood of incomplete correction of iron deficiency or the risk of developing iron overload, both resulting in higher healthcare and administrative costs. Recent studies focusing on reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) have shown it to be a specific and sensitive indicator of absolute and functional iron deficiency.Aims: To determine whether CHr is a more sensitive and accurate surrogate measure of response to iron infusion than traditional measurements such as serum iron and TSAT.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged ≥18 years with ESRD receiving dialysis and regular intravenous iron infusions at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between October 2016 and March 2017 who also had applicable serial laboratory monitoring. Parameters analyzed included hemoglobin, hematocrit, CHr, serum iron, TSAT, total iron binding capacity, and ferritin. 3 months later, along with the total dose of iron infused over that specific timeframe, we obtained subsequent sets of these values.Results: Fifty-three eligible patients were identified, of which 63% were male and 37% female with a median age of 59 years. The median time interval between initial and subsequent laboratory testing was 91 days; the median cumulative iron infusion was 300 mg with doses ranging from 0 to 2100 mg. Correlation between variables of interest and iron dosing were calculated for serum iron (p = 0.49), TSAT (p = 0.16), and CHr (p = 0.99). With removal of subjects who had received the median 300 mg dose, correlation coefficients were recalculated for serum iron (p = 0.49), TSAT (p = 0.21), and CHr (p = 0.93).Conclusions: Contrary to published data, our study did not show any statistically significant support for CHr as a superior predictor of response to iron infusion when compared to traditional biomarkers. Our negative finding could be tempered by small sample size; this data was also not adjusted for other factors including hemoglobin level or erythropoiesis-stimulating agent administration. Given their reported resilience in response to acute fluctuations in patient inflammatory states and potentially decreased cost of testing versus the traditional iron panel, interest in reticulocyte parameters remains high. We plan to control for or identify any confounding factors by performing a prospective cohort study on a larger population to further elucidate the validity of this finding. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Potential effective treatment of shortening continuous erythropoietin receptor activator treatment interval combined with iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients

Our previous randomized controlled trial comparing the total dose of weekly versus biweekly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) therapy to maintain optimal hemoglobin (Hb) levels showed no significant differences between the two therapies. This post-hoc analysis assessed whether the total dose of weekly versus biweekly CERA therapy to maintain Hb levels among HD patients differed among groups with or without iron supplementation. Of 107 patients, 40 received intravenous iron supplementation due to iron deficiency (iron group) and 67 did not (non-iron group). In the iron group, the weekly therapy tended to require a lower total CERA dose compared with the biweekly therapy (274 ± 274 vs 381 ± 223 μg/12 weeks, P = 0.051). Changes in circulating hepcidin levels, a negative regulator of intestinal iron uptake, after 2 weeks of CERA treatment were significantly lower in the weekly therapy compared with the biweekly therapy (−4.2 ± 6.3 vs 11.1 ± 7.3 ng/mL, P = 0.015). In the non-iron group, there were no significant differences in total CERA dose or changes in hepcidin levels between the two therapies. Shortening the CERA treatment interval combined with iron supplementation may lead to the more efficient treatment of HD patients with iron deficiency.

VITADIAL \u201cDoes correction of 25 OH-VITAmin D with cholecalciferol supplementation increase muscle strength in hemoDIALysis patients?\u201d: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMuscle strength decreases as kidney failure progresses. Low muscle strength affects more than 50% of hemodialysis patients and leads to daily life activities impairment. In the general population, numerous studies have linked low 25OH-vitamin D (25OHD) concentrations to the loss of the muscle strength and low physical performances. Data on native vitamin D and muscle function are scarce in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, but low 25OHD levels have been associated with poor muscle strength. We present in this article the protocol of an ongoing study named VITADIAL testing if cholecalciferol supplementation in hemodialysis patients with low 25OHD improves their muscle strength.Methods/designVITADIAL is a prospective open randomized French multicenter study. All patients will have 25OHD levels ≤50nmol/L at randomization. One group will receive 100,000 UI cholecalciferol once a month during 6 months; the other group will receive no treatment during 6 months.In order to randomize patients with 25OHD ≤50nmol/L, supplemented patients will undergo a 3 months wash-out period renewable 3 times (maximum of 12 months wash-out) until 25OHD reaches a level ≤50nmol/L.The main objective of this study is to analyze if a 6-month period of oral cholecalciferol (i.e., native vitamin D) supplementation improves muscle strength of hemodialysis patients with low 25OHD vitamin D levels. Muscle strength will be assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months, by handgrip strength measured with a quantitative dynamometer.Secondary objectives are (1) to analyze 25OHD plasma levels after vitamin D wash-out and/or supplementation, as well as factors associated with 25OHD lowering speed during wash-out, and (2) to analyze if this supplementation improves patient’s autonomy, reduces frailty risk, and improves quality of life.Fifty-four patients are needed in each group to meet our main objective.DiscussionIn the general population, around 30 randomized studies analyzed the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength. These studies had very different designs, sizes, and studied population. Globally, these studies and the meta-analysis of studies favor a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, but this effect is mainly found in the subgroup of aged patients and those with the lowest 25OHD concentrations at inclusion.We reported a positive independent association between 25OHD and handgrip strength in a population of 130 hemodialysis patients in a dose-dependent manner. In our cohort, a plateau effect was observed above 75 nmol/L. Only two randomized studies analyzed the effect of native vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in hemodialysis patients, but unfortunately, these two studies were underpowered. VITADIAL is a trial specifically designed to assess whether cholecalciferol might benefit to hemodialysis patient’s muscle strength.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04262934. Registered on 10 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Effectiveness of monitoring free carnitine levels for L-carnitine supplementation in hemodialysis patients to maintain carnitine sufficiency and nutritional factors.

We investigated the effectiveness of monitoring serum carnitine levels in hemodialysis patients receiving L-carnitine supplementation. One-hundred forty-five hemodialysis patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of patients (n= 30) who had been receiving supplementation before this study and then discontinued at the beginning. The remaining patients were divided into Group 2 (n= 13) and Group 3 (n= 102) based on their baseline free carnitine (FC) level, <20 or ≥ 20 μmol/L. Group 2 was started on supplementation, and Groups 1 and 3 were observed without any intervention for the first 6 months. FC was measured every 6 months in all three groups up to 18 months. All patients in whom FC was less than 20 μmol/L at 6 and 12 months were prescribed supplementation. After the first 6 months, the mean ± SD of FC changed from 262.5 ± 87.5 μmol/L at baseline to 70.8 ± 33.6 μmol/L (P< 0.001) in Group 1, from 17.4 ± 1.9 to 193.9 ± 43.3 μmol/L (P< 0.001) in Group 2, and from 49.2 ± 24.6 to 44.2 ± 19.8 μmol/L (P< 0.05) in Group 3. The acyl/free carnitine changed from 0.62 to 0.59 in Group 1 (P= 0.287), from 0.76 to 0.66 in Group 2 (P= 0.054) and from 0.57 to 0.60 in Group 3 (P< 0.05). Of the 145 patients, 126 continued follow-up for the full 18 months. FC remained in the normal range (36-74 μmol/L) within the 95% CI. FC was considered a strong predictor of carnitine deficiency after 6 months (AUC: 0.9146, cut-off value: 33.8 μmol/L). FC monitoring is essential for appropriate carnitine supplementation in hemodialysis patients.

The Efficacy of Lactobacillus-Containing Probiotic Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study was performed to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on cholesterol-triglyceride ratio, an indirect marker of insulin resistance, protein-bound uremic toxins, biomarkers of inflammation, and microbial translocation in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Fifty-six patients aged 39-75years were assigned into two groups to receive either probiotic sachets (n=28) or a placebo (n=28) in a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients in the probiotic group received twice daily sachets that contained a mixture of three viable and freeze-dried strains: Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis LL358, Lactobaccillus salivarius LS159, and Lactobaccillus pentosus LPE588 at high dose (100 billion; 1×1011cfu/day) for 6months. A total of 50 patients were available for final analysis. Probiotic supplementation did not have a significant influence on cholesterol-triglyceride ratio. Probiotic supplementation for 6months caused a significant decrease in serum levels of indoxyl sulfate. Compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation did not result in significant changes in hemoglobin levels, blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, serum p-cresyl sulfate, inflammatory, and microbial translocation markers. No clinically significant changes in body composition were observed between the two groups during the study period. The probiotic supplementation was well tolerated by all subjects with minimal adverse effects during the 6-month-long study. Our results suggest that high-dose multistrain lactobaccillus probiotic supplementation over 6months as a monotherapy did not significantly decrease markers of insulin resistance, cholesterol-triglyceride ratio, and most of the studied markers, with the exception of levels of indoxyl sulfate in patients on HD.

The effects of amino acid/protein supplementation in hemodialysis patients: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMultiple factors including older age, comorbidities, inflammation, metabolic acidosis, dialysis-related hypercatabolism and anabolic resistance of skeletal muscle, extraction of circulating amino acids through hemodialysis and inadequate dietary protein intake due to anorexia, and strictly limited dietary phosphorus intake are likely to contribute to the high prevalence of malnutrition and metabolic abnormalities, more aptly called protein-energy wasting, in patients on hemodialysis. The consensus from the International Society of Renal Nutritional and Metabolism states that nutritional supplementation is effective for replenishing protein and energy stores. Although we hypothesize that amino acid/protein supplementation can overcome the anabolic resistance of skeletal muscle tissue and attenuate or even prevent the accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength through nutritional status improvement in patients on hemodialysis, whether amino acid and/or protein administration is associated with improvements in these outcomes is unknown. The main objective of this study is to systematically review the impact of amino acid/protein supplementation on skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients requiring hemodialysis.MethodsPublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of amino acid/protein supplementation in hemodialysis patients with respect to body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life will be included. The bibliographic databases include MEDLINE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase. The risk of bias of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome will be skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, and the secondary outcome will be quality of life. This review protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this study does not include confidential personal data or involve patient interventions. This review is expected to inform readers on the effect of amino acid/protein supplementation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The findings will be presented at conferences and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Trial registrationThe trial registration number is (CRD42020181087), and the trial was registered on 5 July 2020.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Thyroid Hormone Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Thyroid Hormone Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients