Plant-based diet to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease
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Citation
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is an insidious, long-term disease, characterized by progressive decline in kidney function over time. It currently affects millions of Americans, and millions more are at risk to develop the disease in the future. There is no cure-all treatment for chronic kidney disease. Current management involves slowing the progression in the decline of kidney function, managing associated comorbidities that contribute to the disease, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and treating disease complications. The overall goal of treatment is to delay the time to dialysis and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Current management also involves a set of dietary restrictions.
LITERATURE REVIEW: Studies that have been conducted using the current dietary recommendations have been shown to have some benefit. However, other studies have demonstrated no advantage using these dietary guidelines. Few studies have looked at how the source of food affects renal function over time. A review of the literature will highlight the importance of the source of food consumption for patients with chronic kidney disease.
PROPOSED PROJECT: The study being proposed is a randomized-controlled trial comparing current dietary recommendations with a plant-based diet for patients with chronic kidney disease. The study participants will have a baseline assessment of renal function with follow-up throughout. The trial will last for 36 months. The primary outcome being measured is the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate over time with secondary outcomes being urinary albumin levels, serum bicarbonate, and serum phosphorus.
CONCLUSION: The data from this trial will help conclude if a plant-based diet is more effective than a traditionally recommended diet at delaying the decline in glomerular filtration rate for patients with chronic kidney disease.