Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) on the quality of life of malnourished patients with end-stage renal disease on high-efficiency and high-flux hemodialysis therapy. Patients, who met the Medicare eligibility requirements for IDPN, were asked to fill out and extensive questionnaire covering several measures of quality of life prior to initiating and again after completing four months of IDPN therapy. Although the IDPN improved serum albumin levels significantly, aside from improved sleep patterns, no significant improvements in quality of life could be demonstrated. The mortality rate of these enrolled patients was as high as 28% within 4 months. We concluded that the limited amount of nutrition delivered over the course of a short dialysis session may not be enough to appreciably change the lives of our malnourished patients.
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