Growth factors in the treatment of wasting in kidney failure

Protein-energy malnutrition is relatively common in patients with advanced renal failure and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a need to develop more effective treatments to enhance the nutritional status of these patients. One such approach is the use of recombinant growth factors and anabolic steroids for malnourished patients refractory to standard nutritional therapy. In this article, we review the current state of our knowledge regarding the potential use of these agents in malnourished renal failure patients and conclude that although the studies performed to date are indeed encouraging, further and more extensive clinical trials are required to firmly establish their efficacy and safety profile and the indications for clinical use.