An expert group of healthcare professionals has developed a practical guide for nutrition support and the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Undernutrition is associated with poor outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can occur in 20%-50% of cases, depending on the stage of the disease1,2. Despite evidence supporting nutritional interventions in stage 4/5 CKD3, UK guidelines are lacking implementation strategies and current international recommendations4 are not tailored to the dietetic-led nutrition services prominent in the UK.

The best practice consensus guide (PDF, 172KB) ‘Consensus statement on nutrition support and the use of oral nutritional supplements in patients with stages 4-5 chronic kidney disease’, supported by Abbott, has been developed by an expert group of renal dietitians and a GP* in collaboration with the Renal Nutrition Group (RNG) of the British Dietetic Association. This step-by-step flowchart has been designed to support members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) identify, assess and manage undernutrition in patients with severe CKD (stage 4/5), including those on dialysis. It brings all the information together in a concise format that is easy to use on a day-to-day basis, including recommendations for screening, assessment and diagnosis, suggested interventions and monitoring procedures.

Click here to download the guide (PDF, 172KB)

* The group was chaired and facilitated by Helen MacLaughlin from King’s College Hospital. The other members of the group include Harriet Williams, Chair of the RNG and based at Bangor Hospital; Jan Flint, Royal Free Hospital; Karen Magee, Belfast City Hospital; Kevin Jesty, Royal Berkshire Hospital; Lakshmi Chandrasekharan, Southend University Hospital; Dr Rob Hicks, GP locum and broadcaster; Ruth Kander, Imperial College Hospital.

The Renal Nutrition Group (RNG) is for registered dietitians who work or have an interest in the specialist field of renal medicine and nutrition through clinical practice or research. The RNG acts as the source of expertise in renal nutrition in the UK. Established in 1970, it is committed to delivering accurate, comprehensive information to facilitate standardised practice and demonstrate clinical effectiveness in renal dietetics.

1. Steiber AL et al. JPEN 2014;38:418-426.
2. Chung S et al. OJIM 2012;2:89-99.
3. Ash S et al. Nutrients 2014;6:416-451.
4. Ikizler TA et al. Kidney Int 2013;84:1096-1107.

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UK-N/A-2200387 (V2) | October 2023