[Should we prescribe low-protein diet for geriatric patient with chronic kidney disease?]

There are no clear dietary recommendations for patients over 70 years of age, while stages 3-5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common among this category of patients. Nutritional status is known to be one of the significant factors influencing the prognosis of patients receiving renal replacement therapy. The aim of the research was the analysis of the mechanisms of PEW, methods for assessing the nutritional status and effectiveness of diets with different protein content in patients with CKD based on literature data. Material and methods. The research material was the scientific literature presented in the domestic and international (eLIBRARY, PubMed, Google Scholar) databases, as well as clinical recommendations for the management of geriatric patients with CKD, dietary recommendations for patients with anorexia and other conditions. Results. The studies devoted to the mechanisms of PEW were analyzed. One of the leading causes of this condition is anorexia, in the pathogenesis of which uremic toxins, inflammation and hormonal disorders are involved (hormones such as gastrin, cholecystokinin, leptin, insulin, testosterone and others may be involved in the pathogenesis). A number of studies have shown that limiting protein to 0.6 g/kg day could significantly reduce uremic dyspepsia risk and slow CKD progression. At the same time, several researchers gave data on the ineffectiveness of a low-protein diet in patients with CKD and diabetes mellitus and a significant risk of malnutrition. Subjective global assessment, the mini nutrition assessment and the geriatric nutritional risk index can be distinguished among the methods of assessing nutritional status. Conclusion. Research data on the effectiveness of a low-protein diet in elderly patients with stage 3B-5 CKD are contradictory. PEW in CKD is common and largely determines survival; the mechanism of PEW is complex. The study of the optimal nutritional diet for elderly patients with predialysis stages of CKD still remains an urgent problem.