Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2007 Oct 17;2007(4):CD006863.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006863.

Protein restriction for children with chronic renal failure

Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Protein restriction for children with chronic renal failure

S Chaturvedi et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Protein restriction has been prescribed for some time for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effect of a low protein diet on delaying the progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in children and its impact on growth and nutrition remains unresolved.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of protein restricted diet in delaying the start of maintenance dialysis and maintaining nutrition in children.

Search strategy: Cochrane Renal group trials register, the Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, reference lists of nephrology textbooks, review articles and relevant trials.

Selection criteria: Randomised control trials (RCTs) comparing un-restricted protein diet versus a protein restricted diet (to safe amounts recommended by WHO), with follow-up period of at least six months were included.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently selected studies. Statistical analysis were performed using the random effects model. For dichotomous outcome results are expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where continuous scales of measurement are used to assess the effects of treatment, the mean difference (WMD) was used.

Main results: Two studies (250 children) were identified, 124 received a protein restricted diet and 126 a control diet. No significant differences was found in the number of renal deaths (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.33), progression of kidney disease (creatinine clearance at two years: WMD 1.47, 95% CI -1.19 to 4.14) or growth (weight - WMD -0.13, 95% CI -1.10 to 0.84; height - WMD -1.99, 95% CI -4.84 to 0.86).

Authors' conclusions: Reducing protein intake does not appear to have significant impact in delaying the progression to ESKD in children.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 1 Renal death.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 2 Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73 m²) at 2 years (change scores).
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 3 Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73 m²) at 3 years (change scores).
1.4
1.4. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 4 Proteinuria at 2 years (mg/kg/d).
1.5
1.5. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 5 Proteinuria at 3 years (mg/kg/d).
1.6
1.6. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 6 Systolic blood pressure at 2 years (mm Hg).
1.7
1.7. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 7 Diastolic blood pressure at 2 years (mm Hg).
1.8
1.8. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 8 Systolic blood pressure at 3 years (mm Hg).
1.9
1.9. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 9 Diastolic blood pressure at 3 years (mm Hg).
1.10
1.10. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 10 Weight.
1.11
1.11. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 11 Height (cm).
1.12
1.12. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 12 Upper arm circumference (standard deviation score for chronological age).
1.13
1.13. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 13 Triceps skin fold thickness (centiles).
1.14
1.14. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 14 Serum albumin (g/L).
1.15
1.15. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 15 Serum transferrin (g/L).
1.16
1.16. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 16 Serum cholesterol (mmol/L).
1.17
1.17. Analysis
Comparison 1 Protein restricted diet versus control, Outcome 17 Serum triglyceride (mmol/L).

Similar articles

Cited by

References

References to studies included in this review

Uauy 1994 {published data only}
    1. Holliday MA, Heilbron D, al‐Uzri A, Hidayat J, Uauy R, Conley S, et al. Serial measurements of GFR in infants using the continuous iothalamate infusion technique. Southwest Pediatric Nephrology Study Group (SPNSG). Kidney international 1993;43(4):893‐8. - PubMed
    1. Uauy RD, Hogg RJ, Brewer ED, Reisch JS, Cunningham C, Holliday MA. Dietary protein and growth in infants with chronic renal insufficiency: a report from the Southwest Pediatric Nephrology Study Group and the University of California, San Francisco. Pedatric Nephrology 1994;8(1):45‐50. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Wingen (NP) 1997 {published data only}
    1. Kist‐van Holthe tot Echten JE, Nauta J, Boerma GJ, Hop WC, Noordzij CM, Wolff ED. Protein restriction affects fat intake and serum lipids in children with chronic renal failure. Mineral & Electrolyte Metabolism 1992;18(2‐5):207‐11. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Kist‐van Holthe tot Echten JE, Nauta J, Hop WC, Jong MC, Reitsma‐Bierens WC, Ploos van Amstel SL, et al. Protein restriction in chronic renal failure. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1993;68(3):371‐5. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Evaluation of protein intake by dietary diaries and urea‐N excretion in children with chronic renal failure. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Clinical Nephrology 1993;40(4):208‐15. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Low‐protein diet in children with chronic renal failure‐‐1‐year results. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Pediatric Nephrology 1991;5(4):496‐500. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Multicentre randomized study on the effect of a low‐protein diet on the progression of renal failure in childhood: one‐year results. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Mineral & Electrolyte Metabolism 1992;18(2‐5):303‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Wingen (P) 1997 {published data only}
    1. Kist‐van Holthe tot Echten JE, Nauta J, Boerma GJ, Hop WC, Noordzij CM, Wolff ED. Protein restriction affects fat intake and serum lipids in children with chronic renal failure. Mineral & Electrolyte Metabolism 1992;18(2‐5):207‐11. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Kist‐van Holthe tot Echten JE, Nauta J, Hop WC, Jong MC, Reitsma‐Bierens WC, Ploos van Amstel SL, et al. Protein restriction in chronic renal failure. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1993;68(3):371‐5. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Evaluation of protein intake by dietary diaries and urea‐N excretion in children with chronic renal failure. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Clinical Nephrology 1993;40(4):208‐15. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Low‐protein diet in children with chronic renal failure‐‐1‐year results. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Pediatric Nephrology 1991;5(4):496‐500. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
    1. Wingen AM, Fabian‐Bach C, Mehls O. Multicentre randomized study on the effect of a low‐protein diet on the progression of renal failure in childhood: one‐year results. European Study Group for Nutritional Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Childhood. Mineral & Electrolyte Metabolism 1992;18(2‐5):303‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Jureidini 1990 {published data only}
    1. Jureidini KF, Hogg RJ, Renen MJ, Southwood TR, Henning PH, Cobiac L, et al. Evaluation of long term aggressive dietary management of chronic renal failure in children. Pediatric Nephrology 1990;4(1):1‐10. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Mir 2005 {published data only}
    1. Mir S, Ozkayin N, Akgun A. The role of keto‐acids in the supportive treatment of children with chronic renal failure. Pediatric Nephrology 2005;20(7):950‐5. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Norman 2004 {published data only}
    1. Norman LJ, Macdonald IA, Watson AR. Optimising nutrition in chronic renal insufficiency‐progression of disease. Pediatric Nephrology 2004;19(11):1253‐61. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Van Dyck 1999 {published data only}
    1. Dyck M, Bilem N, Proesmans W. Conservative treatment for chronic renal failure from birth, a 3‐year follow‐up study. Pediatric Nephrology 1999;13(9):865‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed

Additional references

Aridissino 2003
    1. Ardissino G, Dacco V, Testa S, Bonaudo R, Claris‐Appiani A, Taioli E, et al. Epidemiology of chronic renal failure in children: data from the ItalKid project. Pediatrics 2003;111(4 Pt 1):e382‐7. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Barsotti 1984
    1. Barsotti G, Giannoni A, Morelli E, Lazzeri M, Vlamis I, Baldi R, et al. The decline of renal function slowed by very low phosphorus intake in chronic renal patients following a low nitrogen diet. Clinical Nephrology 1984;21(1):54‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Brenner 1982
    1. Brenner BM, Meyer TW, Hostetter TH. Dietary protein intake and the progressive nature of kidney disease: the role of hemodynamically mediated glomerular injury in the pathogenesis of progressive glomerular sclerosis in aging, renal ablation, and intrinsic renal disease. New England Journal Medicine 1982;307(11):652‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Cianciaruso 1998
    1. Cianciaruso B, Bellizzi V, Minutolo R, Tavera A, Capuano A, Conte G, et al. Salt intake and renal outcome in patients with progressive renal disease. Mineral & Electrolyte Metabolism 1998;24(4):296‐301. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Combe 1994
    1. Combe C, Aparicio M. Phosphorus and protein restriction and parathyroid function in chronic renal failure. Kidney International 1994;46(5):1381‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Correa‐Rotter 1992
    1. Correa‐Rotter R, Hostetter TH, Rosenberg ME. Effect of dietary protein on renin and angiotensinogen gene expression after renal ablation. American Journal of Physiology 1992;262(4 Pt 2):F631‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Cowley 1996
    1. Cowley BD Jr, Grantham JJ, Muessel MJ, Kraybill AL, Gattone VH 2nd. Modification of disease progression in rats with inherited polycystic kidney disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1996;27(6):865‐79. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
DCCT 2000
    1. Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. Retinopathy and nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes four years after a trial of intensive therapy. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Research Group. New England Journal of Medicine 2000;342(6):381‐9. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
Dickersin 1994
    1. Dickersin K, Scherer R, Lefebvre C. Identifying relevant studies for systematic reviews. BMJ 1994;309(6964):1286‐91. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
El Nahas 1984
    1. Nahas AM, Masters‐Thomas A, Brady SA, Farrington K, Wilkinson V, Hilson AJ, et al. Selective effect of low protein diets in chronic renal diseases. British Medical Journal Clinical Research Ed 1984;289(6455):1337‐41. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
FAO/WHO/UNU 1985
    1. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. Energy and protein requirements.Technical report series No 724. WHO Publications, 1985. - PubMed
Fouque 2006
    1. Fouque D, Laville M, Boissel JP. Low protein diets for chronic kidney disease in non diabetic adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. [Art. No.: CD001892. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001892.pub2] - PubMed
Greiber 1992
    1. Greiber S, Mitch WE. Catabolism in uremia: metabolic acidosis and activation of specific pathways. Contribution Nephrology 1992;98:20‐7. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Hara 1987
    1. Hara Y, May RC, Kelly RA, Mitch WE. Acidosis, not azotemia, stimulates branched‐ chain, amino acid catabolism in uremic rats. Kidney International 1987;32(6):808‐14. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Higgins 2003
    1. Higgins JP, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Measuring inconsistency in meta‐analyses. BMJ 2003;327(7414):557‐60. [MEDLINE: ] - PMC - PubMed
Hostetter 1981
    1. Hostetter TH, Olson JL, Rennke HG, Venkatachalam MA, Brenner BM. Hyperfiltration in remnant nephrons: a potentially adverse response to renal ablation. American Journal of Physiology 1981;241(1):F85‐93. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Ikizler 1995
    1. Ikizler TA, Greene JH, Wingard RL, Parker RA, Hakim RM. Spontaneous dietary protein intake during progression of chronic renal failure. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 1995;6(5):1386‐91. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Jones 1983
    1. Jones R, Dalton N, Turner C, Start K, Haycock G, Chantler C. Oral essential aminoacid and ketoacid supplements in children with chronic renal failure. Kidney International 1983;24(1):95‐103. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kaysen 1995
    1. Kaysen GA, Rathore V, Shearer GC, Depner TA. Mechanisms of hypoalbuminemia in hemodialysis patients. [erratum appears in Kidney Int 1995 Sep;48(3):915]. Kidney International 1995;48(2):510‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Keane 1994
    1. Keane WF. Lipids and the kidney. Kidney International 1994;46(3):910‐20. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kleinknecht 1979
    1. Kleinknecht C, Salusky I, Broyer M, Gubler MC. Effect of various protein diets on growth, renal function, and survival of uremic rats. Kidney International 1979;15(5):534‐41. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kleinknecht 1996
    1. Kleinknecht C, Maniar S, Zhou X, Motel V, Laouari D, Yvert JP, et al. Acidosis prevents growth hormone‐induced growth in experimental uremia. Pediatric Nephrology 1996;10(3):256‐60. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kontessis 1990
    1. Kontessis P, Jones S, Dodds R, Trevisan R, Nosadini R, Fioretto P, et al. Renal, metabolic and hormonal responses to ingestion of animal and vegetable proteins. Kidney International 1990;38(1):136‐44. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kopple 1997
    1. Kopple JD, Levey AS, Greene T, Chumlea WC, Gassman JJ, Hollinger DL, et al. Effect of dietary protein restriction on nutritional status in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study. Kidney International 1997;52(3):778‐91. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Kopple 2000
    1. Kopple JD, Greene T, Chumlea WC, Hollinger D, Maroni BJ, Merrill D, et al. Relationship between nutritional status and the glomerular filtration rate: results from the MDRD study. Kidney International 2000;57(4):1688‐703. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Lefebvre 1996
    1. Lefebvre C, McDonald S. Development of a sensitive search strategy for reports of randomized controlled trials in EMBASE. Fourth International Cochrane Colloquium; 1996 20‐24 Oct; Adelaide (Australia). 1996.
Levey 1996
    1. Levey AS, Adler S, Caggiula AW, England BK, Greene T, Hunsicker LG, et al. Effects of dietary protein restriction on the progression of moderate renal disease in the modification of diet in renal disease study: Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 1996;7(12):2616‐26. [EMBASE: 1997338393] - PubMed
Lowrie 1990
    1. Lowrie EG, Lew NL. Death risk in hemodialysis patients: the predictive value of commonly measured variables and an evaluation of death rate differences between facilities. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1990;15(5):458‐82. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Maschio 1982
    1. Maschio G, Oldrizzi L, Tessitore N, D'Angelo A, Valvo E, Lupo A, et al. Effects of dietary protein and phosphorus restriction on the progression of early renal failure. Kidney International 1982;22(4):371‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Master List 2007
    1. United States Cochrane Center. Master list of journals being searched. http://apps1.jhsph.edu/cochrane/masterlist.asp (accessed 2007).
Moher 2001
    1. Moher D, Schulz KF, Altman DG. The CONSORT statement: revised recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallel group randomised trials. Lancet 2001;357(9263):1191‐4. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Nath 1990
    1. Nath KA, Croatt AJ, Hostetter TH. Oxygen consumption and oxidant stress in surviving nephrons. American Journal of Physiology 1990;258(5 Pt 2):F1354‐62. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Peterson 1995
    1. Peterson JC, Adler S, Burkart JM, Greene T, Hebert LA, Hunsicker LG, et al. Blood pressure control, proteinuria, and the progression of renal disease. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study. Annals of Internal Medicine 1995;123(10):754‐62. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Ruggenenti 1998
    1. Ruggenenti P, Perna A, Gherardi G, Gaspari F, Benini R, Remuzzi G. Renal function and requirement for dialysis in chronic nephropathy patients on long‐term ramipril: REIN follow‐up trial. Gruppo Italiano di Studi Epidemiologici in Nefrologia (GISEN). Ramipril Efficacy in Nephropathy. Lancet 1998;352(9136):1252‐6. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Soergel 2000
    1. Soergel M, Verho M, Wuhl E, Gellermann J, Teichert L, Scharer K. Effect of ramipril on ambulatory blood pressure and albuminuria in renal hypertension. Pediatric Nephrology 2000;15(1‐2):113‐8. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Underwood 1999
    1. Underwood LE. Special considerations in the design of trials involving children. Journal of Nutrition 1999;129(1S Suppl):264S‐269S. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Wang 1999
    1. Wang J, Zhou J, Bondy CA. Igf1 promotes longitudinal bone growth by insulin‐ like actions augmenting chondrocyte hypertrophy. FASEB Journal 1999;13(14):1985‐90. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
White 2003
    1. White CT, Macpherson CF, Hurley RM, Matsell DG. Antiproteinuric effects of enalapril and losartan: a pilot study. Pediatric Nephrology 2003;18(10):1038‐43. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Wingen 2002
    1. Wingen AM, Mehls O. Nutrition in children with preterminal chronic renal failure. Myth or important therapeutic aid?. Pediatric Nephrology 2002;17(2):111‐20. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed
Zoza 1998
    1. Zoja C, Donadelli R, Colleoni S, Figliuzzi M, Bonazzola S, Morigi M, et al. Protein overload stimulates RANTES production by proximal tubular cells depending on NF‐kappa B activation. Kidney International 1998;53(6):1608‐15. [MEDLINE: ] - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources