The Chronic Kidney Disease Water Intake Trial: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

In observational studies, drinking more water associates with a slower rate of kidney function decline; whether the same is true in a randomized controlled trial is unknown.

To examine the 1-year effect of a higher vs usual water intake on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

Nine centers in Ontario, Canada. Enrollment and randomization occurred between May 2013 and May 2016; follow-up for the primary outcome will continue until June 2017.

Adults (n = 631) with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and microalbuminuria.

The high water intake group was coached to increase their oral water intake by 1.0 to 1.5 L/day (depending on sex and weight), over and above usual consumed beverages, for a period of 1 year. The control group was coached to maintain their usual water intake during this time.

Participants provided 24-hour urine samples at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after randomization; urine samples were analyzed for volume, creatinine, osmolality, and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at 3- to 6-month intervals after randomization, and analyzed for creatinine, copeptin, osmolality, and electrolytes. Other measures collected included health-related quality of life, blood pressure, body mass index, and diet.

The between-group change in eGFR from baseline (prerandomization) to 12 months after randomization.

Change in plasma copeptin concentration, 24-hour urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, measured creatinine clearance, estimated 5-year risk of kidney failure (using the 4-variable Kidney Failure Risk Equation), and health-related quality of life.

The primary analysis will follow an intention-to-treat approach. The between-group change in eGFR will be compared using linear regression. Supplementary analyses will examine alternative definitions of eGFR change, including annual percentage change, rate of decline, and rapid decline (a P value <0.05 will be interpreted as statistically significant if there is concordance with the primary outcome).

This randomized controlled trial has been registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov; government identifier: NCT01766687.