New Study Highlights Effectiveness of IDPN for Hemodialysis Patients' Albumin Levels
New Study Highlights the Efficacy of IDPN
A groundbreaking study recently published in the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney360 journal shines a light on an innovative therapy that can significantly benefit patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who undergo in-center hemodialysis (ICHD). The study, aptly named, Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition During In-Center Hemodialysis of Patients Leads to Increase in Albumin Without Compromising Safety Retrospective Analysis, provides robust evidence for the effectiveness of Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN) in enhancing albumin levels without compromising patient safety.
The study was conducted by Patient Care America, a leading national provider of nutritional therapies for malnourished dialysis patients. Dr. Karin Hehenberger, CMO of Patient Care America, mentioned, “Albumin is a well-established surrogate marker for survival in dialysis patients.” This highlights its critical role in assessing patient well-being as it relates to nutritional status.
The study involved a thorough retrospective analysis of data from 1,039 dialysis centers across 43 U.S. states and Washington D.C., focusing on 2,270 charts of adult patients receiving IDPN therapy three times weekly alongside their regular dialysis sessions. After going through careful screening, 1,631 patients consented and were eligible for the study.
Key Findings
Among the crucial findings, the study revealed:
1. Eighty-two percent of patients experienced a clinically significant rise in albumin levels (≥0.2 g/dL) within the first six months of treatment.
2. The mean increase in serum albumin levels was 0.330 g/dL over six months of IDPN therapy.
3. Patients with lower baseline albumin levels and younger patients exhibited a quicker and more significant improvement in their albumin levels.
4. Importantly, fewer than 8% of the patients reported minor, treatable side effects, underscoring the safety profile of IDPN therapy.
Dr. Mark A. Hardy, a prominent figure in transplantation medicine, observed, “I am very pleased to see that this largest evidence-based study clearly demonstrates that administration of IDPN to albumin deficient patients on hemodialysis raises their albumin levels in a consistent and prolonged manner.” He also emphasized the correlation between nutritional status and recovery, especially concerning surgical interventions among these patients.
As healthcare advances, there's a growing acknowledgment of the importance of nutritional support for patients undergoing dialysis. The research led by Maiya Slusser-Hogan, with oversight from Dr. Hehenberger and Dr. Hardy, indicates a significant step forward in patient care options and adds a vital tool to improve health outcomes for individuals battling kidney disease.
Conclusion
This pivotal publication reflects Patient Care America's commitment to clinical validation of its therapies, fortifying its position as a premier renal solutions provider in the U.S. Phil Keough, the CEO of Patient Care America, concluded by saying, “Our dedicated team works tirelessly to deliver precision medicines that make a real difference in those living with kidney disease.”
The detailed findings and more insights about the study can be accessed online at Kidney360’s journal site. This marks a new chapter in the nutritional care of hemodialysis patients, with promising implications for improved quality of life.