Medical nutrition therapy in chronic kidney failure: integrating clinical practice guidelines

This review updates earlier published recommendations and integrates current clinical practice guidelines for nutritional care in chronic kidney disease as recommended by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). The scope covers chronic kidney disease in adults prior to kidney failure (Stages 1-4), chronic kidney failure with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis replacement therapy (Stage 5), and management after kidney transplantation. Multiple diet parameters are necessary to provide optimal nutritional health, including monitoring of calories, protein, sodium, fluid, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as other individualized nutrients. Emphasis is placed on continuity of care within changing kidney function and treatment modality status. The rising incidence of chronic kidney disease will increase the probability of the non-renal specialist dietetics professional delivering care to this patient population.