Fosrenol for Enhancing Dietary Protein Intake in Hypoalbuminemic Dialysis Patients (FrEDI) Study: An Investigator Initiated Study

Detailed Summary

Protein-energy wasting, as reflected by a serum albumin \<4.0 g/dL, is very common in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and associated with poor clinical outcomes including high death rates. Hyperphosphatemia, reflected by serum phosphorus level \>5.5 mg/dL, is also common disorder and associated with increased death risk in the same population. The traditional dietary intervention to control hyperphosphatemia is to restrict protein intake. This, however, may worsen protein-energy wasting as recently showed in large epidemiologic data, which indicated that the best survival was observed in MHD patients with increased protein intake while serum phosphorus could be controlled. We hypothesize that the provision of high protein diet will be possible if a potent phosphorus binder (Fosreonl™) will be prescribed simultaneously. Hence, we propose to conduct a randomized controlled trial in 110 hypoalbuminemic (albumin \<4.0 mg/dL) MHD patients in several DaVita dialysis facilities in Los Angeles South Bay area. After 1:1 randomization, we will provide the participating subjects (the INTERVENTION group) with 8 weeks of high protein meals in form of prepared meal boxes (50 g protein, 850 Cal, and a phosphorus to protein ratio of \<10 mg/gm) during each hemodialysis treatment, along with 0.5 to 1.5 g Fosrenol, to be titrated if necessary; as well as dietary counselling to maintain a high dietary protein intake at home (with same or similar binder regimen) for 8 weeks and to avoid food items with high phosphorus based additives. Meals will be prepared at Harbor-UCLA GCRC Bio-nutrition Department. We have reviewed and tested the feasibility of meal preparation and distribution system and the related logistics. The CONTROL group will also receive meal boxes but the meal contains low Calorie (\<50 Cal) and almost zero protein (\<1 g) diet (such as salads) during each hemodialysis treatment. These patients will continue their pre-existing phosphorus control regimens. As outcome variables, we will examine change in serum albumin over the 8 weeks of intervention. We will also examine changes in dietary protein and serum phosphorus in the 2 groups after 8 weeks of intervention. Quality of life and patient satisfaction will also be examined before and towards the end of the intervention phase. Given our ongoing 2-year study with a similar operation known as the AIONID Study and given DaVita dieticians'' collaboration and support, we anticipate successful recruitment, retention and data analyses within 8 to 12 months.

Study Details

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Interventions