Photo Credit: AI

The following is a summary of “Impact of predialytic oral protein-based supplements on nutritional status and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial,” published in the February 2025 issue of BMC Nephrology by Elsayed et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the effects of predialytic oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on nutritional status and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hemodialysis (HD). 

They enrolled 100 patients with HD in a prospective, multicentric randomized clinical trial. They assigned patients to receive 25g protein ONS 1 hour before HD or continue their routine nutrition for 3 months. 

The results showed a significant increase in serum albumin (P < 0.001) and a non-significant decrease in median SGA score in supplemented patients, while the control group had stable serum albumin and a significant SGA increase (P < 0.001). BMI and anthropometric measures did not differ. Supplemented patients showed significant improvement in three Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 subscales, while QOL remained unchanged in controls. They had higher blood pressure (BP) (P = 0.037), lower urea reduction ratio (P = 0.020), lower Kt/V (P = 0.021), higher serum calcium, lower total cholesterol, and lower CRP (P = 0.047). No significant differences were found in serum sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or adverse events (AEs). 

Investigators found that predialytic ONS improved serum albumin and QOL. The effects on BP, CRP, and reduced dialysis adequacy required careful consideration. 

Source: bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-025-03999-3