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Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and lower quality of life. It is a complex syndrome, in which inflammation and retention of uremic toxins are two main factors. Causes of inflammation and uremic toxin retention in CKD are multiple; however, gut dysbiosis plays an important role, serving as a link between those entities and PEW. Besides, there are several pathways by which microbiota may influence PEW, e.g., through effects on appetite mediated by microbiota-derived proteins and hormonal changes, or by impacting skeletal muscle via a gut-muscle axis. Hence, microbiota disturbances may influence PEW independently of its relationship with local and systemic inflammation. A better understanding of the complex interrelationships between microbiota and the host may help to explain how changes in the gut affect distant organs and systems of the body and could potentially lead to the development of new strategies targeting the microbiota to improve nutrition and clinical outcomes in CKD patients. In this review, we describe possible interactions of gut microbiota with nutrient metabolism, energy balance, hunger/satiety signals and muscle depletion, all of which are strongly related to PEW in CKD patients. Graphical abstract

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are independently associated with morbi-mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). PEW may reduce HRQoL; however, we hypothesized HRQoL is affected differentially by PEW degrees or by individual criteria of nutritional status. AIM: To evaluate HRQoL according to PEW severity and nutritional status indicators in CAPD. This is a cross-sectional study in 151 patients. Subjective global assessment (SGA) was employed, and nutritional status classified as normal, mild-moderate PEW, and severe PEW. HRQoL was evaluated using Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form™, including physical (PCS), mental (MCS) and kidney disease (KDCS) components, and their subscales. Dietary intake, anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured. Forty-six percent of patients were well-nourished, 44% had mild-moderate PEW, and 10% severe PEW. Compared with well-nourished patients, those with mild-moderate (p=0.06) and severe (p=0.005) PEW had lower HRQoL score [68 (52-75), 55 (45-72), 46 (43-58), respectively]. PCS, MCS, and KDCS and their subscales had lower values as PEW was more severe. Patients with obesity and hypoalbuminemia had significantly lower HRQoL overall and component scores than their counterparts. Dietary intake was not associated with quality of life. In multivariate analysis obesity, PEW (by SGA), hypoalbuminemia, and low educational level predicted poor HRQoL (χ2 58.2, p

Summary Background & aims Evidence suggests that multiple-behavior interventions (with a specialist) have a greater impact on public health than single-behavior interventions, particularly in a chronic patient. However, there is little understanding of some very basic principles concerning multiple health behavior change, especially in situations such as kidney transplantation, which requires a great willingness to change negative lifestyle behaviors to achieve intermediate and long-term success. We compared healthy lifestyles and nutritional status according to the willingness to change dietary and exercise behavior in dialysis patients from a living donor kidney transplant program. Methods 400 dialysis patients had a dietetic, anthropometric, protein-energy wasting [subjective global assessment (SGA)] and biochemical evaluation. Lifestyle was evaluated with an adapted instrument to measure lifestyle in chronic disease. Willingness to change behaviors was evaluated by the trans-theoretical model; 2 groups were formed: willingness to change dietary and exercise behaviors and unwillingness to change. Results Willingness to change dietary behavior was 50% and exercise 25%. Patients with willingness to change dietary and exercise behaviors had better healthy lifestyle scores, and higher frequency of healthy food consumption. Healthy lifestyle score (R2=0.37, p Conclusions Willingness to change dietary and exercise behaviors was associated with healthy lifestyle, as well as with higher frequency of healthy food consumption and with lower frequency of unhealthy food consumption.

Increased muscle protein catabolism leading to muscle wasting is a prominent feature of the syndrome of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PEW and muscle wasting are induced by factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic acidosis that activate theubiquitin–proteasome system, the main regulatory mechanism of skeletal muscle degradation. Whether deficiency of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which regulates expression of antioxidant proteins protecting against oxidative damage triggered by inflammation, may exacerbate PEW has yet to be examined in aging patients with CKD. This review focuses on the hypothesis that NRF2 is involved in the maintenance of muscle mass and explores whether sustained activation of NRF2 by non-pharmacological interventions using nutraceutical activators to improve redox homeostasis could be a plausible strategy to prevent skeletal muscle disorders, including muscle wasting, sarcopenia and frailty associated with PEW in aging CKD patients.Graphical abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between diet quality and interleukin (IL)-6 genotypes and its association with metabolic and renal function parameters in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design and Methods Using an analytical cross-sectional design, 219 patients with T2DM (92 men; age 62 ± 10 years) were evaluated for selected metabolic and renal function parameters. Diet quality according to the Healthy Eating Index was evaluated and classified as good diet or poor diet in all patients. IL-6 serum concentrations and genotypes and haplotypes for IL6–597G > A (rs180097), –572G > C (rs180096), and –174G > C (rs180095) polymorphisms were determined. Results Eighty-two percent of patients reported having a poor diet. Carriers of alleles –572C and –174C showed higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (44 ± 12 vs. 40 ± 9 mg/dL; P = .01) and lower total cholesterol levels (184 ± 33 vs. 197 ± 42 mg/dL; P = .03) than did those homozygous for G/G. Neither IL6 genotypes nor haplotypes were significantly associated with serum concentrations of IL-6. Some significant interactions between IL6 genotypes/haplotypes and diet quality were associated with body mass index, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusions Interactions between diet quality and IL6 genotypes/haplotypes were associated with the main metabolic and renal function parameters in Mexican patients with T2DM. It will be important to consider genetic profiles in designing dietary portfolios and nutritional interventions for the management of such patients.

A key component of treatment for all people with advanced kidney disease is supportive care, which aims to improve quality of life and can be provided alongside therapies intended to prolong life, such as dialysis. This article addresses the key considerations of supportive care as part of integrated end-stage kidney disease care, with particular attention paid to programs in low- and middle-income countries. Supportive care should be an integrated component of care for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, patients receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and patients receiving non-KRT conservative care. Five themes are identified: improving information on prognosis and support, developing context-specific evidence, establishing appropriate metrics for monitoring care, clearly communicating the role of supportive care, and integrating supportive care into existing health care infrastructures. This report explores some general aspects of these 5 domains, before exploring their consequences in 4 health care situations/settings: in people approaching end-stage kidney disease in high-income countries and in low- and middle-income countries, and in people discontinuing KRT in high-income countries and in low- and middle-income countries.

The aim of this study was to validate a direct taste perception test (TPT) and evaluate its performance in patients on dialysis.This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary-care hospital. A TPT was validated on 112 healthy subjects and applied on 43 patients on hemodialysis and 32 patients on peritoneal dialysis. All participants were presented a 10-mL sample to identify and rate intensity of primary tastes: sweet (sucrose 2%), sour (citric acid 0.1%), bitter (caffeine 0.06%), salty (sodium chloride 0.5%), and umami (sodium glutamate 0.25%). The internal consistency and repeatability of TPT was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare groups.TPT had Cronbach's alpha of 0.77. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.74 for sweet, P.0001; 0.57 for salty, P = .001; 0.62 for sour, P.0001; 0.78 for bitter, P.0001; and 0.76 for umami, P.0001. Compared with controls, patients on peritoneal dialysis were less able to identify sweet and umami tastes (P.05) and marginally (P = .06) sour taste, whereas patients on hemodialysis were marginally (P = .06) less able to identify sweet and salty tastes. Bitter was not differently identified between groups. According to the visual analog scale (0-10), all patients on dialysis perceived sour taste less intensely than control subjects (P.05).This TPT for patients on dialysis had adequate reliability to identify five primary tastes in a clinical setting. Except for bitter taste, perception of all the primary tastes was altered in patients on dialysis compared with control subjects. A broader use of this test would help identify taste alterations and implement strategies for malnutrition.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) represents a major challenge for Latin America (LA). The Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry (LADRTR) has published several reports, and its continuity has implied a sustained effort of the nephrology community to improve care of ESKD in the region; this paper summarizes results of the year 2014. Methods have been reported previously; participant countries complete annual surveys collecting data on incident and prevalent patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) in all modalities. 20 countries participated in the surveys (more than 90% of the region). Prevalence of treated ESKD in RRT increased from 119 patients per million population (pmp) in 1991 to 709 pmp in 2014; hemodialysis continues to be the treatment of choice in the region (68%). A wide variation was observed in the incidence rate, from 421 pmp in Jalisco (Mexico) to 23 pmp in Paraguay; diabetes was the cause of 36% of incident cases. Additionally, great heterogeneity was observed in the number of nephrologists by country, from 2 pmp in Colombia to 53 pmp in Uruguay. Heterogeneity, or even absence of registries in some LA countries, is concordant with inequities in RRT access as well as with the limited availability of qualified personnel. The LADRTR is leading the personnel training to develop and strengthen national dialysis and transplant registries in LA within the frame of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) - Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nefrología e Hipertension (SLANH) cooperation program.

Malnutrition and inflammation are highly prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Nutritional supplements are commonly used; however, presence of systemic inflammation could limit their effect.To evaluate the impact of systemic inflammation on nutritional status of CAPD patients receiving an oral protein supplement.Prospective observational study; 34 malnourished patients (subjective global assessment; SGA) received both nutritional counseling and oral egg albumin-based protein supplement. During 6-month of follow-up, patients had monthly clinical, and quarterly biochemical and inflammation [interleukin 6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] evaluations. According to baseline hsCRP, patients were classified in two groups: Inflammation (3 mg/L) and No-inflammation (≤3 mg/L).Comparing baseline vs final, macronutrient intake and SGA increased in both groups, however, improvement of SGA was more marked in the No-inflammation group at the end of the study: 70% improved, 25% no change and 5% worsened (p = 0.001); whereas in the Inflammation group results were: 50% improved, 36% no change and 14% worsened (p = 0.03). Additionally, at final evaluation, serum albumin tended to increase more in the No-inflammation (3.0 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 1.1 g/dL, p = 0.08) than in Inflammation group (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.9 g/dL, p = 0.66), and body mass index significantly increased in No-inflammation group (20.3 ± 3.0 vs 21.6 ± 3.3 kg/mThe presence of systemic inflammation in malnourished CAPD patients seemed to limit the trend for improvement on nutritional status observed with counseling and oral egg albumin-based protein supplement in patients without inflammation.

Summary Background & aims Mexico has one of the highest mortality rates by COVID-19 worldwide. This may be partially explained by the high prevalence of overweight/obesity found in general population; however, there is limited information in this regard. Furthermore, acute kidney injury (AKI) and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) associated to obesity in patients with COVID-19 are still topics of discussion. Aim: To explore the association of obesity, particularly morbid obesity, with mortality and kidney outcomes in a Mexican population of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 773 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a tertiary-care teaching hospital in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Baseline body mass index was classified as: normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), obesity (30–39.9 kg/m2), and morbid obesity (≥40 kg/m2). AKI was diagnosed according to KDIGO clinical practice guidelines. Results At baseline, 35% of patients had overweight, 39% obesity and 8% morbid obesity. Patients with obesity were younger, more frequently women and with hypertension than normal weight and overweight patients. Frequency of complications in the univariate analysis were not significantly associated to obesity, however in the multivariate analysis (after adjusting for baseline clinical and biochemical differences), morbid obesity was significantly associated to an increased risk of AKI [OR = 2.70 (1.01–7.26), p = 0.05], RRT [OR = 14.4 (1.46–42), p = 0.02], and mortality [OR = 3.54 (1.46–8.55), p = 0.005]. Conclusions Almost half of the sample had obesity and morbid obesity. Morbid obesity was significantly associated to an increased risk of AKI, RRT and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a potent and early amplifier of the inflammatory response expressed on neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. TREM-1, and its soluble form (sTREM-1), are increased in sepsis and other noninfectious inflammatory conditions. However, virtually no data are available in kidney disease. To determine serum sTREM-1 and its associated variables in patients on hemodialysis (HD), cross-sectional study including 264 HD patients and 148 controls. sTREM-1 was measured by quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay; soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNF-R1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. All inflammation markers were significantly higher in HD patients than controls. Median (IQR) sTREM-1 was 1,006 (613-1,650) pg/mL but undetectable in controls. Considering only HD patients, sTREM-1 was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.19, p = 0.008), and its levels were significantly higher in patients with arteriovenous fistula than in those with temporary catheter (1,226 vs. 743 pg/mL), in patients with 3 HD sessions/week than in those with 2 sessions/week (1,150 vs. 646 pg/mL), and in patients with >1 year on HD than in those with ≤1 year (1,100 vs. 948 pg/mL), whereas they were not different regarding age or presence of infection. Serum sTREM-1, sTNF-R1, IL-6, and CRP were higher in HD patients compared to controls. In HD patients, sTREM-1 displayed higher levels in individuals with arteriovenous fistula, 3 sessions/week and longer vintage, but not in those with infection or older age; in multivariate analysis, only the first two variables significantly predicted higher sTREM-1 levels.

ObjectiveTo describe mortality of in-hospital patients with COVID-19 and compare risk factors between survivors and non-survivors.DesignProspective cohort of adult inpatients.SettingTertiary healthcare teaching hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico.ParticipantsAll patients with confirmed COVID-19 hospitalised from 25 March to 7 September 2020 were included. End of study: 7 November 2020.Primary outcome measuresPatient survival analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison of factors by the log-rank test. Mortality risk factors analysed by multivariate Cox’s proportional-hazard model.ResultsOne thousand ten patients included: 386 (38%) died, 618 (61%) alive at discharge and six (0.6%) remained hospitalised. There was predominance of men (63%) and high frequency of overweight–obesity (71%); hypertension (54%); diabetes (40%); and lung (9%), cardiovascular (8%) and kidney diseases (11%); all of them significantly more frequent in non-survivors. Overweight–obesity was not different between groups, but severity of disease (Manchester Triage System and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) was significantly worse in non-survivors, who were also significantly older (65 vs 45 years, respectively) and had haematological, biochemical, coagulation and inflammatory biomarkers more altered than survivors. Mortality predictors were invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV; OR 3.31, pConclusionsMortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in this emerging country centre seemed to be higher than in developed countries. Patients displayed a high frequency of risk factors for poor outcome, but the need for IMV, ICU admission, older age, more severe disease at admission, antecedent of kidney disease and higher CRP levels significantly predicted mortality.

Obesity is clearly associated to kidney disease in adult population; however, there is scarce evidence in children and adolescents. The aim was to compare frequency of renal damage according to the presence of overweight-obesity in children and adolescents, as well as to compare nutritional and biochemical risk factors, according to the presence of kidney alterations.Cross-sectional study; 172 children and adolescents, 6-16 years old, without malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and independent comorbid conditions associated to obesity or kidney disease, as well as transitory causes of microalbuminuria (MA) from a Primary Health-Care Unit were included. Clinical, biochemical, anthropometric and dietetic evaluations were measured in all subjects; subsequently they were classified as normal weight, overweight and obesity groups according to sex- and age-adjusted body mass index (BMI). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, estimated by Schwartz equation) and albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio) were determined. Presence of kidney alterations was measured as decreased GFR (90 mL/min/1.73mCompared with controls, subjects with overweight-obesity had significantly (P.05) abdominal obesity (0 vs 69%), hypertension (19 vs 26%), hypertriglyceridemia (11 vs 47%), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2 vs 8%) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol; 2 vs 28%), hyperuricemia (11 vs 28%) and hyperinsulinemia (8 vs 70%). Hyperfiltration and MA were present in 5 and 4 subjects with overweight/obesity, respectively, whereas decreased GFR was present in only 1 subject with obesity. Normal weight subjects had no kidney alterations. In multivariate analysis, kidney alterations were significantly predicted by higher BMI and lower HDL-cholesterol.Kidney alterations were observed only in subjects with overweight (3.6%) and obesity (9.9%), who additionally, displayed cardiometabolic and kidney disease risk factors more frequently than normal weight subjects.

Minimization in immunosuppression could contribute to the appearance the donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) and graft failure. The objective was to compare the incidence of DSA in renal transplantation (RT) in recipients with immunosuppression with and without steroids. A prospective cohort from March 1st, 2013 to March 1st, 2014 and follow-up (1 year), ended in March 2015, was performed in living donor renal transplant (LDRT) recipients with immunosuppression and early steroid withdrawal (ESW) and compared with a control cohort (CC) of patients with steroid-sustained immunosuppression. All patients were negative cross-matched and for DSA pre-transplant. The regression model was used to associate the development of DSA antibodies and acute rejection (AR) in subjects with immunosuppressive regimens with and without steroids. Seventy-seven patients were included (30 ESW and 47 CC). The positivity of DSA class I (13% vs 2%; P

Background Cognitive deterioration decreases quality of life, self-care and adherence to treatment, increasing mortality risk. There is scarce information of cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and data are controversial. Our aim was to determine the frequency and associated factors of cognitive impairment in patients on automated PD (APD). Methods In this cross-sectional study, 71 patients on APD underwent clinical, biochemical and cognitive function evaluation by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Cognitive function was also evaluated in healthy controls. Results Participants mean age was 42 ± 16 years, 79% were men and dialysis vintage was 17 months ( interquartile range 7–32). In APD patients, cognitive impairment was present in 7% (mild deterioration) and 68% according to the MMSE and MoCA, respectively, and 4 and 37% in the healthy controls. Patients with cognitive impairment (according to MoCA) were older, with less education, had diabetes more frequently and higher serum glucose as well as lower serum creatinine, phosphorus and sodium concentrations than patients with normal cognitive function. In multiple linear regression analysis, predictors for the MoCA score (R2 = 0.63, P = 0.002) were education {B = 0.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.89]; P = 0.003}, age [B = −0.11 (95% CI −0.21 to −0.01); P = 0.04], serum sodium [B = 0.58 (95% CI 0.05–1.11); P = 0.03] and creatinine concentration [B = 3.9 (95% CI 0.03–0.83); P = 0.03]. Conclusions In this sample of APD patients, the prevalence of cognitive impairment by the MoCA was 65% and was associated with older age, lower education level and lower serum concentrations of sodium and creatinine.

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In diabetes, changes in serum levels of both soluble alpha Klotho (sKL) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) have been associated with CKD progression.To evaluate the associations of circulating levels of sKL and FGF-23 with the presence of early nephropathy (EN) in diabetic patients.A cross-sectional study in 136 Mexicans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Early nephropathy was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥60 ml/min) and urinary albumin excretion (≥30 mg/g). Serum concentrations of sKL and FGF-23 were measured using ELISA. Associations were evaluated with multiple logistic regression.Fifty-two subjects had EN. Median values of sKL and FGF-23 for all individuals were 244 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 201-402) and 92 pg/mL (IQR: 39-507), respectively. A positive correlation was found between levels of sKL and FGF-23 (r = 0.38; p 0.001). FGF-23 levels correlated negatively with angiotensin-II receptor blocker therapy (ARB, r = 0.24; p 0.01). Subjects without EN were younger (59 vs. 63 years old, p = 0.02). Elevated concentrations of FGF-23 were negatively associated with EN (Odds Ratio [ORIn Mexican diabetic patients, serum levels of FGF-23 were positively correlated with sKL but negatively correlated with ARB therapy. In addition, a higher concentration of FGF-23 reduced the odds of early nephropathy in patients with T2DM.

Resumen Antecedentes La disminucion de hormonas tiroideas (HT) y el dano miocardico son frecuentes en pacientes en dialisis y estan asociados con la mortalidad. Sin embargo, poco se conoce de la importancia de las HT como factor de dano miocardico, como se ha descrito en las enfermedades tiroideas primarias. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar si existe interaccion entre la disminucion de triyodotironina total (tT3) y los marcadores de dano miocardico y la relacion de esta interaccion entre ambos con la mortalidad, para establecer si el dano cardiovascular es el vinculo entre la disminucion de HT y el riesgo de muerte en pacientes con ERC en dialisis. Material y metodos Se estudiaron los niveles plasmaticos de HT, de marcadores de nutricion, inflamacion y de dano al miocardio en 296 pacientes en dialisis peritoneal o en hemodialisis, a los que se vigilo por 16 meses para conocer la asociacion de las variables bioquimicas con la mortalidad. Resultados En el 45% de los pacientes se encontro tT3 disminuida, lo cual tuvo correlacion inversa con la proteina C reactiva (PCR) y con el NT-proBNP y directa con la albumina y la transferrina. La diabetes, la PCR y la tT3 fueron factores de riesgo para la mortalidad por cualquier causa y la PCR, el NT-proBNP y la tT3 para mortalidad cardiovascular. Conclusiones Los niveles bajos de tT3 son frecuentes en pacientes en dialisis, se asocian con inflamacion, desnutricion y dano miocardico: este ultimo puede ser el vinculo entre la disminucion de HT y la mortalidad por cualquier causa y la mortalidad cardiovascular.

A large gap between the number of people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who received kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and those who needed it has been recently identified, and it is estimated that approximately one half to three quarters of all people with ESKD in the world may have died prematurely because they could not receive KRT. This estimate is aligned with a previous report that estimated that more than 3 million people in the world died each year because they could not access KRT. In this article, we discuss the reasons for the differences in treated and untreated ESKD, KRT modalities and outcomes, and present strategies to close the global KRT gap by establishing robust health information systems to guide resource allocation to areas of need, inform KRT service planning, enable policy development, and monitor KRT health outcomes.

The global nephrology community recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to address the growing problem of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In March 2018, the International Society of Nephrology hosted a summit on integrated ESKD care, including 92 individuals from around the globe with diverse expertise and professional backgrounds. The attendees were from 41 countries, including 16 participants from 11 low- and lower-middle–income countries. The purpose was to develop a strategic plan to improve worldwide access to integrated ESKD care, by identifying and prioritizing key activities across 8 themes: (i) estimates of ESKD burden and treatment coverage, (ii) advocacy, (iii) education and training/workforce, (iv) financing/funding models, (v) ethics, (vi) dialysis, (vii) transplantation, and (viii) conservative care. Action plans with prioritized lists of goals, activities, and key deliverables, and an overarching performance framework were developed for each theme. Examples of these key deliverables include improved data availability, integration of core registry measures and analysis to inform development of health care policy; a framework for advocacy; improved and continued stakeholder engagement; improved workforce training; equitable, efficient, and cost-effective funding models; greater understanding and greater application of ethical principles in practice and policy; definition and application of standards for safe and sustainable dialysis treatment and a set of measurable quality parameters; and integration of dialysis, transplantation, and comprehensive conservative care as ESKD treatment options within the context of overall health priorities. Intended users of the action plans include clinicians, patients and their families, scientists, industry partners, government decision makers, and advocacy organizations. Implementation of this integrated and comprehensive plan is intended to improve quality and access to care and thereby reduce serious health-related suffering of adults and children affected by ESKD worldwide.

Background Early steroid withdrawal (ESW) can improve lipid and hemodynamic profiles without severe acute rejection (AR) events in renal transplant patients. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of ESW on the frequency and severity of AR. Methods A randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was performed on renal transplant recipients with a follow-up of 12 months. In the ESW group, patients were selected for corticosteroid treatment withdrawal on the fifth day post transplantation. In the Control group, patients continued with steroid treatment. All patients were over 18 years of age with panel reactive antibody (PRA) class I and II HLA Results In total, 71 patients, 37 in the ESW group (52.1%) and 34 in the Control group (47.9%), had comparable AR incidences at the end of the follow-up (16% vs 15%) (NS) (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.32–3.33). Although renal graft survival was similar between the ESW and Control groups (87% vs 94%), renal function was superior in the ESW group (85 vs 75 mL/min). Additionally, hypertension was less frequent in the ESW group (3% vs 35%), requiring the use of fewer antihypertensives (8% vs 50%). Conclusions ESW was also associated with better blood pressure control and similar AR risk. The ESW group exhibited stable renal function.

Pica could be strongly implicated in nutritional status of patients on dialysis; however, very scarce data are currently available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pica and its association with nutritional status in dialysis patients.This is a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Four-hundred patients on dialysis, without previous pica diagnosis or transplant, pregnancy, mental illness, or infection, were included in the study. Pica, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, was classified as no pica, ice pica, or hard pica. Dialysis Malnutrition Score, 24-hour dietary recall, and biochemical measurements were obtained from patients. As part of statistical analysis, point prevalence and 95% confidence interval of pica were calculated. Comparisons between groups were performed by means of analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, χPrevalence of pica was 42% (ice pica, 46%; soil, 29%; two substances, 14%; red brick, 5%; paper, 3%; soap, 2%; and cattle pasture, 1%). Comparing patients with pica (hard pica and ice pica) versus no pica, subjects with pica were of younger age (25 ± 7, 27 ± 9, 30 ± 11 years, respectively), were more frequently educated9 years (57%, 46%, 30%, respectively), and had longer dialysis duration (36 ± 19, 32 ± 18, 27 ± 16 months, respectively). Patients with pica achieved the recommended calorie and macronutrients intake target less frequently than those without pica (40-64% vs. 66-77%, P.05). Malnutrition was present in 74% of the whole sample: (1) 67% in no pica group, (2) 80% in ice pica group, and (3) 89% in hard pica group (P = .001). In the multivariate analysis (RA worse nutritional status was observed in patients with pica, who additionally were younger, had lower educational level, longer dialysis duration, and worse macronutrient intake routine than patients without pica. Malnutrition, C-reactive protein, and lower educational level significantly predicted both ice and hard pica.

Background. Pre-diabetes in young people is frequently unrecognized or not treated on time, with the consequent loss of opportunity for diabetes prevention. In Mexico, there is scarce information about the prevalence of pre-diabetes in young adults. Objective. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pre-diabetes in young Mexican adults in primary health care. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, 288 subjects, aged 18–30 years, from a primary care unit were included. Pre-diabetes was diagnosed (according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association) as impaired fasting glucose (8–12 hours fasting plasma glucose level: 100–125 mg/dl) or impaired glucose tolerance (140–199 mg/dl after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test). Results. Prevalence of pre-diabetes was 14.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.7–19.2], whereas that of diabetes was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.0–4.9). A high proportion of patients had history of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Pre-diabetic patients were older than normoglycaemics (pre-diabetic patients: 26 ± 4 years versus normoglycaemic subjects: 24 ± 3 years, P = 0.003) and had higher body mass index (BMI; pre-diabetic patients: 29.4 ± 6.8 kg/m 2 versus normoglycaemic subjects: 26.8 ± 5.8 kg/m 2 ; P = 0.009), particularly in the case of men (pre-diabetic men: 29.3 ± 7.0 kg/m 2 versus normoglycaemic men: 26.4 ± 5.1 kg/m 2 ; P = 0.03). Although waist circumference showed a trend to be higher among pre-diabetics, no significant differences were found according to gender (among males: pre-diabetics: 99.5 ± 18.8 cm versus normoglycaemics: 93.3 ± 14.4 cm, P = 0.09; among females: pre-diabetics: 91.5 ± 13.8 cm versus normoglycaemics: 85.8 ± 15.9 cm, P = 0.16). Only age and BMI were significantly associated with the presence of pre-diabetes. Conclusions. Almost 15% of these young adults had pre-diabetes. Many modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors were present in these patients, but only age and a higher BMI were independent variables significantly associated with pre-diabetes. Timely interventions in primary health care are needed to prevent or delay the progression to diabetes.

One strategy to prevent and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is to offer screening programs. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage prevalence and risk factors of CKD in a screening program performed in an adult general population.This is a cross-sectional study. Six-hundred ten adults (73% women, age 51 ± 14 years) without previously known CKD were evaluated. Participants were subjected to a questionnaire, blood pressure measurement and anthropometry. Glomerular filtration rate estimated by CKD-EPI formula and urine tested with albuminuria dipstick.More than 50% of subjects reported family antecedents of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension and obesity, and 30% of CKD. DM was self-reported in 19% and hypertension in 29%. During screening, overweight/obesity was found in 75%; women had a higher frequency of obesity (41 vs. 34%) and high-risk abdominal waist circumference (87 vs. 75%) than men. Hypertension (both self-reported and diagnosed in screening) was more frequent in men (49%) than in women (38%). CKD was found in 14.7%: G1, 5.9%; G2, 4.5%; G3a, 2.6%; G3b, 1.1%, G4, 0.3%; and G5, 0.3%. Glomerular filtration rate was mildly/moderately reduced in 2.6%, moderately/severely reduced in 1.1%, and severely reduced in1%. Abnormal albuminuria was found in 13%. CKD was predicted by DM, hypertension and male gender.A percentage CKD prevalence of 14.7% was found in this sample of an adult population, with most patients at early stages. Screening programs constitute excellent opportunities in the fight against kidney disease, particularly in populations at high risk.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has increasingly been recognized as an important public health issue due to its rising frequency, its associations with early and late adverse outcomes and its economic burden. Methods Given the importance of determining the available resources to address this serious issue, the AKI Committee of SLANH conducted a survey to obtain information about infrastructure, human resources and equipment devoted to the treatment of AKI in Latin America Results A total of 246 units from 14 countries participated in the survey, the majority of them pertaining to nephrology divisions in teaching hospitals. Intermittent hemodialysis was universally performed by all of the units, and less frequently, slow extended dialysis (40%) and continuous renal replacement therapy (23%) were performed. Seventy-nine units (30%) perform peritoneal dialysis, but only 51 (19%) of them reported having treated at least 1 patient with this technique in the last 3 months pre-survey. The vast majority of the units reported adequate water treatment and use of modern filter membranes. Most of the patients received renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care unit. Specific causes of AKI were reported in different frequencies, with a heterogeneous pattern among the countries. Septic abortion, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, community-acquired diarrhea and leptospirosis were the etiologies most frequently associated with AKI. Conclusions To our knowledge, this report was the first available study of the equipment and human resources utilized for RRT in AKI patients in Latin America.

Background and Aims An increasing number of studies have been published concerning meeting targets of clinical guidelines for different aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease. Most of these studies have shown that guideline recommendations are not always satisfied, and results outside target limits have been associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of reaching mineral and bone metabolism-related guideline targets and its impact on clinical outcomes in Mexican chronic dialysis patients. Methods A cohort of prevalent peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients were analyzed at baseline and followed for at least 16 months. Patients were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), and HD and contracted HD modalities where patients received HD sessions outside institution facilities. Results We studied 753 patients. The percentage of patients within target limits for phosphorus was 35%, for calcium 32%, and for PTH 12%. The most frequent pattern was hyperphosphatamia, hypercalcemia, and low PTH. This was even more frequent in CAPD patients, probably due to the high percentage of diabetic patients. Hypercalcemia was found as an independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions The most important results suggest that guideline recommendations are not usually satisfied and that hypercalcemia, in addition to other traditional risk factors, is associated with high mortality rates. The study also detected some opportunities to improve the quality of treatment by reducing the calcium content of dialysis solutions and reducing the use of calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder.

To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in healthcare workers from two tertiary-care hospitals of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, as well as their association with professional activities (PA).Descriptive study. One-thousand eighty-nine health-care workers ≥ 18 years were included. Clinical history, physical exam, and blood tests were performed.Mean age 41 ± 9 years, 76% women. Hypertension prevalence was 19%, diabetes mellitus 9.6%, dyslipidemia 78%, overweight and obesity 73%, metabolic syndrome (MS) 32.5%, and smoking 19%. The following significant associations (p0.05) were found: MS with medical asisstants (OR: 2.73, CI 95%: 1.31-5.69) and nutritionist (OR: 2.6, CI 95%: 1.31-5.24); obesity with administrative personnel (OR: 3.64, CI 95%: 1.40-7.46); dyslipidemia with medical asisstants (OR: 2.58, CI 95%: 1.15-6.34). In the whole sample, the probability to have a vascular event in the following 10 years was 10%.Prevalence of CVRF was high in this sample of health-care workers and did not seem to be different from those in general population. Medical assistants, nutritionist, and administrative personnel displayed a higher risk. It is necessary to create programs to promote healthy lifestyle and to improve the epidemiological profile of health-care workers.Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y su asociación con actividad laboral (AL) en trabajadores de dos hospitales de enseñanza de tercer nivel de atención del IMSS. Métodos: estudio descriptivo que incluyó a trabajadores ≥ 18 años. Se realizó historia clínica, examen físico y pruebas de laboratorio para identificar FRCV y asociarlos con AL. Resultados: se estudió un total de 1089 trabajadores, con edad de 41 ± 9 años, el 76% fueron mujeres. La prevalencia de hipertensión fue de 19%, diabetes mellitus 9.6%, dislipidemia 78%, sobrepeso y obesidad 73%; síndrome metabólico (SM) 32.5%, tabaquismo 19%. El SM se asoció con el área de asistentes médicas (OR: 2.73, IC 95%: 1.31-5.69) y nutrición/dietética (OR: 2.6, IC 95%: 1.31-5.24). La obesidad con el área administrativa (OR 3.64 IC 95%: 1.40-7.46). La dislipidemia con el área de asistentes médicas (OR 2.58, IC 95%: 1.15-6.34). La probabilidad de sufrir evento vascular en 10 años fue de 10%. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de FRCV fue alta y no es diferente a la de la población general. Las actividades laborales en riesgo fueron: asistentes médicas, nutricionistas y personal administrativo. Es necesario reorientar programas de promoción de la salud en unidades médicas para mejorar el perfil epidemiológico de los trabajadores.

Renal transplantation (RT), has been considered the best therapeutic option for end stage renal disease (ESRD).Objective. To determine the effect of RT on the evolution of oxidative DNA status.Methods. Prospective cohort (N=50receptors of RT); genotoxic damage, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and DNA repair enzyme, human 8-oxoguanine-DNA-N- glycosylase-1 (hOGG1); and antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were evaluated.Results. Before RT,8-OHdG were significantly elevated (11.04±0.90versus 4.73 ± 0.34 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (p=0.001), with normalization after 6 months of4.78±0.34 ng/mL (p<0.001). The same phenomenon was observed with hOGG1 enzyme before RT with 2.14 ± 0.36 ng/mL (p=0.01) and decreased significantly at the end of the study to 1.20 ng/mL (p<0.001) but was higher than controls, 0.51 ± 0.07 ng/mL (p<0.03). Antioxidant SOD was elevated at 24.09 ± 1.6 IU/mL versus healthy controls (p=0.001) before RT; however, 6 months after RT it decreased significantly to 16.9 ± 1.6 IU/mL (p=0.002), without achieving the levels of healthy controls (p=0.01). The GPx, before RT, was significantly diminished with 24.09 ± 1.6 IU/mL versus healthy controls (39.0 ± 1.58) (p=0.01), while, in the final results, levels increased significantly to 30.38 ± 3.16 IU/mL (p=0.001).Discussion. Patients with ESRD have important oxidative damage before RT. The RT significantly reduces oxidative damage and partially regulates the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx).

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of pentoxifylline versus placebo on serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods. This is a randomized double-blind, controlled clinical trial. HD patients without infection or drugs with anti-inflammatory effect were randomly allocated to a study (n ¼ 18, pentoxifylline 400 mg/day) or control (n ¼ 18, placebo) group; all patients had arteriovenous fistula. Besides clinical and laboratory monthly assessments, serum TNF-a and IL-6 (ELISA) and CRP (nephelometry) were measured at 0, 2 and 4 months. Results. All the inflammation markers significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the pentoxifylline group: TNF-a [baseline 0.4 (0–2) versus final 0 (0–0) pg/mL], IL-6 [baseline 9.4 (5–14) versus final 2.9 (2–5) pg/mL] and CRP [baseline 7.1 (3–20) versus final 2.6 (1–8) mg/L], whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group: TNFa [baseline 0 (0–0) versus final 1.2 (0–4) pg/mL], IL-6 [baseline 8.0 (5–11) versus final 8.7 (4–11) pg/mL] and CRP [baseline 4.5 (2–9) versus final 3.8 (3–23) mg/L]. Conclusions. Pentoxifylline significantly decreased serum concentrations of TNF-a, IL-6 and CRP compared to placebo. Pentoxifylline could be a promising and useful strategy to reduce the systemic inflammation frequently observed in patients on HD.

This review focuses on the physiologic and clinical consequences of rapid solute transport in the peritoneum. The concept, the current understanding of related factors, and the possible causes implicated in rapid solute transport are discussed first. Then, the consequences, with particular emphasis on mortality, are highlighted. Finally, based on recent advances and clinical studies, some strategies for the treatment of fast peritoneal transport are reviewed.

Latin America is a heterogeneous region comprised of 20 countries, former colonies of European countries, in which Latin-derived languages are spoken. According to the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension/ Sociedad Latino Americana de Nefrologia e Hipertensión (SLANH), the acceptance rate for renal replacement therapy is 103 new patients per million population. In Latin America, hemodialysis is the predominant form of replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease; however, some countries employ peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 30% or more patients. In particular, Mexico is the country with the largest PD utilization in the world, and furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 25% of the world's PD population may be found Latin America. Data concerning clinical practice and long-term outcome of PD in Latin America are scarce, although regional registries are increasing in number and quality. In this review article, we present an overview of the situation of PD in several countries of Latin America, based on the registry of the SLAHN, national registries, and personal communication with PD experts from different countries.

Mexico is struggling to gain a place among developed countries; however, there are many socioeconomic and health problems still waiting for resolution. While Mexico has the twelfth largest economy in the world, a large portion of its population is impoverished. Treatment for end-stage renal disease (377 patients per million population) is determined by the individual's access to resources such as private medical care (approximately 3%) and public sources (Social Security System: approximately 40%; Health Secretariat: approximately 57%). With only 6% of the gross national product spent on healthcare and most treatment providers being public health institutions that are often under economic restrictions, it is not surprising that many Mexican patients do not receive renal replacement therapy. Mexico is still the country with the largest utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the world, with 18% on automated PD, 56% on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD), and 26% on hemodialysis. Results of PD (patient morbi-mortality, peritonitis rate, and technique survival) in Mexico are comparable to other countries. However, malnutrition and diabetes mellitus are highly prevalent in Mexican patients on CAPD programs, and these conditions are among the most important risk factors for a poor outcome in our setting.

Background Patients with high peritoneal permeability have the greatest degree of inflammation on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which may be associated with their higher mortality. Nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD; “dry day”) may decrease inflammation by reducing the contact between dialysate and peritoneum and/or providing better fluid overload control. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine and compare serum and dialysate concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) of patients with high or high-average peritoneal transport on CAPD, changed to NIPD, and ultimately to continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). Methods Crossover clinical trial in 11 randomly selected patients. All subjects had been on CAPD and were changed to NIPD, and ultimately to CCPD (6.4 ± 3.1 months after initiation of study). All patients used glucose-based dialysate. Evaluations of clinical and biochemical parameters, dialysis adequacy, and serum and dialysis inflammation markers were performed at baseline on CAPD, 7 – 14 days after changing to NIPD, 7 – 14 days after switching to CCPD, and after 1 year of follow-up. All patients used only 1.5% glucose dialysate during evaluation days. CRP was determined by nephelometry, and IL-6 and TNF-α by ELISA. Results Seven patients were high transporters and 4 high average. Ultrafiltration increased ( p < 0.05) when patients changed from CAPD [0.38 L (-0.3 – 1.1 L)] to NIPD [2.64 L (0.7 – 4.7 L)]; it then decreased on CCPD [0.88 L (0.4 – 1.3 L) and at the end of study [0.65 L (0.3 – 1.0 L)]. This better fluid overload control was accompanied by decreased weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure when patients changed from CAPD (89 ± 13 kg, 160 ± 23 and 97 ± 9 mmHg, respectively) to NIPD (86 ± 17 kg, 145 ± 14 and 86 ± 9 mmHg, respectively), and increased weight and systolic and diastolic blood pressure on CCPD (85 ± 15 kg, 143 ± 23 and 88 ± 14 mmHg, respectively) and at the end of follow-up (87 ± 16 kg, 155 ± 24 and 89 ± 12 mmHg, respectively). Median serum CRP decreased ( p = 0.03), from 3.8 (1.6 – 8.5) mg/L on CAPD to 1.0 (0.4 – 4.4) mg/L on NIPD, but increased on CCPD [1.8 (1.3 – 21) mg/L] and at the end of the study [3.2 (0.3 – 8.2) mg/L]. Dialysate CRP decreased nonsignificantly, from 0.10 (0 – 0.5) mg/L on CAPD to 0 (0 – 0.03) mg/L on NIPD, to 0.01 (0 – 0.08) mg/L on CCPD, and to 0 (0 – 0) mg/L at final evaluation. Serum TNF-α concentration decreased, from 0.14 (0.04 – 0.6) pg/mL on CAPD to 0.01 (0 – 0.08) pg/mL on NIPD, and then increased to 0.06 (0 – 0.4) pg/mL on CCPD and to 0.11 (0 – 0.2) pg/mL at the end of the study; whereas dialysate TNF-α decreased, from 0.08 (0.03 – 0.2) pg/mL on CAPD to 0.04 (0 – 0.2) pg/mL on NIPD, and to 0 (0 – 0) pg/mL and 0 (0 – 0.05) pg/mL on CCPD and final evaluation respectively. Serum IL-6 decreased ( p = 0.07), from 2.5 (2.0 – 4.2) pg/mL on CAPD to 1.0 (0.7 – 2.0) pg/mL on NIPD, and to 1.0 (0.8 – 2.9) pg/mL on CCPD and 1.0 (0.5 – 9.8) pg/mL at the end of the study; whereas dialysate levels remained similar on CAPD [8.0 (3.7 – 13) pg/mL] and NIPD [7.8 (5.1 – 23) pg/mL], and increased on CCPD [11.2 (9.5 – 19) pg/mL] and at final evaluation [11.2 (8.3 – 15) pg/mL]. Conclusions NIPD significantly decreased serum CRP and displayed a trend to decrease TNF-α and IL-6 serum concentrations compared with CAPD; whereas CCPD tended to reverse these effects. These results did not appear to be due to decreased local peritoneal inflammation, but they could be associated with better control of fluid overload on NIPD. Thus, NIPD, as long as the residual renal function allows it, may be useful in reducing the systemic inflammation of patients with high peritoneal membrane permeability.

Background/AimMalnutrition is highly prevalent in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and is a strong predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of an egg albumin-based protein supplement on the nutritional status of CAPD patients.MethodsIn this randomized, open label, controlled clinical trial, 28 CAPD patients were allocated to a study ( n = 13) or a control ( n = 15) group. Both groups received conventional nutritional counseling; the study group received, additionally, an oral egg albumin-based supplement. During a 6-month follow-up, all patients had monthly clinical and biochemical evaluations and quarterly assessments of adequacy of dialysis and nutrition.ResultsSerum albumin levels were not different between groups; however, a significant increase (baseline vs final) was observed in the study group (2.64 ± 0.35 vs 3.05 ± 0.72 g/dL) but not in the control group (2.66 ± 0.56 vs 2.80 ± 0.54 mg/dL). Calorie and protein intake increased more in the study group (calories 1331 ± 432 vs 1872 ± 698 kcal; proteins 1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.7 g/kg) than in the control group (calories 1423 ± 410 vs 1567 ± 381 kcal; proteins 1.0 ± 0.4 vs 1.0 ± 0.3 g/kg). Similarly, non-protein nitrogen appearance rate (nPNA) increased significantly more in the study (1.00 ± 0.23 vs 1.18 ± 0.35 g/kg/day) than in the control group (0.91 ± 0.11 vs 0.97 ± 0.14 g/kg/day). Triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and midarm muscle area (MAMA) displayed a nonsignificant trend to a greater increase in the study group (TSF 16.7 ± 8.7 vs 18.3 ± 10.7 mm; MAMA 23.8 ± 6.2 vs 25.8 ± 5.9 cm2) than in controls (TSF 16.4 ± 5.7 vs 16.9 ± 7.0 mm; MAMA 28.7 ± 7.8 vs 30.0 ± 7.9 cm2). At the end of follow-up, the frequency of patients with moderate or severe malnutrition decreased 6% in the control group and decreased 28% in the study group. At the final evaluation, the most important predictors of serum albumin were the oral egg albumin-based supplement administration and protein intake ( p < 0.05); secondary predictors ( p = 0.06) were peritoneal transport rate and MAMA.ConclusionsIn the study group, oral administration of the egg albumin-based supplement significantly improved serum albumin, calorie and protein intake, and nPNA, and, compared to controls, this maneuver was associated with a trend to increased anthropometric parameters and improved Subjective Global Assessment evaluation. Oral administration of the albumin supplement and protein intake were the most significant predictors of serum albumin at the end of follow-up. This oral supplement may be a safe, effective, and cheap method to improve nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients.