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The effect of different timings of protein supplementation on variable outcomes in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial

M. Elsayed, A. M. Elkazaz

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, 2025

120 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are commonly prescribed to provide protein and energy to hemodialysis (HD) patients. There is a debate about the appropriate timing to administer ONS. We aimed to study the effect of different timings of ONS on variable outcomes in HD patients. This research is a prospective, randomized, multicentric clinical trial (RCT) that included 120 patients on regular HD. Patients were allocated to receive ONS (25 gm protein powder/HD session) for 8 weeks either predialytic (1 h before the start of the session), intradialytic (2 h after the start of the session), or interdialytic (on non-dialysis days). Laboratory parameters, blood pressure (BP), dialysis adequacy, and nutritional parameters were assessed during the study. At study end, BP at the end of HD dropped significantly in the intradialytic group compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). Serum albumin improved significantly in the predialytic (p < 0.001) and intradialytic (p = 0.039) groups. The mean subjective global assessment score increased significantly in the interdialytic group (p = 0.040). The Kt/V and urea reduction ratio decreased significantly only in the intradialytic group (p value < 0.001 and 0.001). Serum sodium, potassium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides, and adverse events did not significantly differ between the different groups. Predialytic ONS supplementation is a favorable option due to improved serum albumin with minimal effects on hemodynamics and dialysis…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 120 participants or records.

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