Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently described as a chronic illness. It is also a life-threatening illness, although this is rarely discussed. When people with CKD face declining kidney function, they need technological assistance to extend life. Many people receiving treatment will also die within 5 years. The experience of living with CKD is often difficult to articulate, and little is known about the aspects of this illness that are often ineffable, difficult to discuss, or beyond words. The purpose of this dissertation is to present four papers in which I investigate the concept of the unsayable and illuminate how this concept may be helpful in exploring individuals’ stories of living with CKD. Located in social constructionism, this narrative research explores the unsayable aspects of experience for people living with CKD as portrayed through their stories and symbols. In the first paper, I present a concept analysis of the unsayable and I define the unsayable as that which is not expressed yet alluded to through language and may be conscious or unconscious. Although the unsayable is intertwined with language, it also transcends articulation. In the second paper, I offer a qualitative meta-synthesis and I show how people with kidney failure have experienced restricted freedom that brings about distant connection, dependent autonomy, abnormal normalcy, and uncertain hope. In the third paper, I present a narrative inquiry using secondary analysis of 46 interviews conducted over 3 years with 14 people living with CKD. Narrative expressions of the unsayable include the following: living with death, embodied experiences that were difficult to language, that which was unthinkable, unknowable mystery, and that which was untold / unheard. Lastly, I offer a narrative visual analysis of symbols that represent living with CKD for 13 participants. Descriptive themes of the symbols include hopes and inspirations, reflections on “who I am,” and confrontations of illness. Participants’ expressions through symbols are described through stories of memories, emotions, and poetic devices. Consideration of the unsayable may offer insights for nurses who work to support individuals and promote quality of life for those living with this chronic and life-threatening illness. / Graduate

Elevated plasma total homocysteine (ptHcy) or hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) independently predicts cardiovascular disease in predialysis chronic kidney disease (pCKD). Folate status is one of the known nutritional determinants of ptHcy. In the era of folic acid food fortification, this cross-sectional study aimed to describe in pCKD subjects (n=48): 1) Prevalence of hHcy. 2) Intake and status of nutrients involved in homocysteine metabolism. 3) Determinants of ptHcy. The prevalence of hHcy was 93.8% (95% CI: 81.8 to 98.4). Median (25th, 75th percentile) total folate intake from food and supplements was 389 (282,640) µg DFE/d. No subject was folate deficient (red blood cell < 317 nmol/L). Red blood cell folate (r = - 0.406, p=0.004) and energy-protein undernutrition (r = 0.357, p=0.013) independently predicted ptHcy. To conclude, total folate intake among subjects with pCKD was sufficient to prevent folate deficiency but not able to prevent a high prevalence of hHcy.

Elevated plasma total homocysteine (ptHcy) or hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy) independently predicts cardiovascular disease in predialysis chronic kidney disease (pCKD). Folate status is one of the known nutritional determinants of ptHcy. In the era of folic acid food fortification, this cross-sectional study aimed to describe in pCKD subjects (n=48): 1) Prevalence of hHcy. 2) Intake and status of nutrients involved in homocysteine metabolism. 3) Determinants of ptHcy. The prevalence of hHcy was 93.8% (95% CI: 81.8 to 98.4). Median (25th, 75th percentile) total folate intake from food and supplements was 389 (282,640) µg DFE/d. No subject was folate deficient (red blood cell < 317 nmol/L). Red blood cell folate (r = - 0.406, p=0.004) and energy-protein undernutrition (r = 0.357, p=0.013) independently predicted ptHcy. To conclude, total folate intake among subjects with pCKD was sufficient to prevent folate deficiency but not able to prevent a high prevalence of hHcy.

Orientador: Roberto Jorge da Silva Franco / Resumo: Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) tem uma inter-relação complexa com outras doenças. A literatura relata a associação direta entre declínio da função renal e comprometimento cognitivo, o qual está relacionado com pior qualidade de vida (QV). Alterações na hemodinâmica cerebral podem desempenhar papel relevante na patogenia da disfunção cognitiva entre pacientes em hemodiálise (HD). Recentemente, surgiram evidências que apoiam o papel da atividade física na prevenção ou no adiamento do declínio cognitivo. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbico intradialítico sobre o fluxo sanguíneo cerebral, função cognitiva e QV em pacientes com DRC que realizam HD. Casuística e Métodos: Estudo clínico controlado e randomizado de intervenção fisioterápica, com análise de intenção de tratar. Trinta pacientes foram submetidos a teste ergométrico, avaliação do fluxo sanguíneo cerebral, avaliação da rigidez arterial, teste de função cognitiva e questionário de QV. O grupo de intervenção (GI), com quinze pacientes, foi submetido a treinamento aeróbico intradialítico, três vezes por semana, durante quatro meses. O grupo controle (GC), com quinze pacientes, não teve intervenção. Todos os pacientes foram reavaliados após o término do protocolo de atividade física ou após quatro meses da primeira avaliação, para o grupo controle. Resultados: No GI, os resultados mostraram melhora estatisticamente significante da função cognitiva (p<0,001), velocidade máxima do fluxo sanguíneo da a... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a complex interrelationship with other diseases. The literature reports a direct association between decline in kidney function and cognitive impairment, which is associated with worse quality of life (QoL). Changes in cerebral hemodynamics may play a role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment among patients on hemodialysis (HD). Recently, there is evidence to support the physical activity role in preventing or delaying cognitive decline. Objective: To evaluate the effects of intradialytic aerobic training on cerebral blood flow, cognitive function and QoL in patients with CKD in HD. Methods: randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy intervention, with analysis intention to treat. Thirty patients underwent exercise testing, evaluation of cerebral blood flow, arterial stiffness, cognitive function test and QoL questionnaire. Fifteen patients in intervention group (IG) underwent intradialytic aerobic exercise three times a week for four months. Others fifteen patients in control group (CG) had no intervention. All patients were reassessed after the physical activity protocol or four months after the first evoluation, for the control group. Results: In IG, results showed statistically significant improvement of cognitive function (p <0.001), maximum blood flow velocity of the basilar artery (p = 0.029) and QoL in the fields dialysis staff encouragement (p = 0.025) and pain (p = 0.008). The variable arterial stiffness was no... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients have higher serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which alters the test interpretation. We aim to define BNP cutoff levels to diagnose acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in CKD according to CHF subtype: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Material and methods: We reviewed 1,437 charts of consecutive patients who were admitted for dyspnea. We excluded patients with normal kidney function, without measured BNP, echocardiography, or history of CHF. BNP cutoff values to diagnose ADHF for CKD stages according to CHF subtype were obtained for the highest pair of sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp). We calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR–, respectively), and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), as well as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for BNP. Results: We evaluated a cohort of 348 consecutive patients: 152 had ADHF, and 196 had stable CHF. In those with HFpEF with CKD stages 3–4, BNP < 155 pg/ml rules out ADHF (Sn90%, LR– = 0.26 and DOR = 5.75), and BNP > 670 pg/ml rules in ADHF (Sp90%, LR+ = 4 and DOR = 6), with an AUC = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71–0.87). In contrast, in those with HFrEF with CKD stages 3–4, BNP < 412.5 pg/ml rules out ADHF (Sn90%, LR– = 0.19 and DOR = 9.37), and BNP > 1166.5 pg/ml rules in ADHF (Sp87%, LR+ = 3.9 and DOR = 6.97) with an AUC = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69–0.86). All LRs and DOR were statistically significant. Conclusions: BNP cutoff values for the diagnosis of ADHF in HFrEF were higher than those in HFpEF across CKD stages 3–4, with moderate discriminatory diagnostic ability. / Revisión por pares

Organisms are continuously exposed to heterogeneous micro- and macro-parasitic species, hence simultaneous infections often occur in wild and farm environments. This joint project aimed to develop a co-infection model between chronic and acute infections, evaluating their impact on the fish immune system. Proliferative Kidney Disease was studied on farmed rainbow and brown trout during natural seasonal outbreaks, using a parasite gene (Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae RPL18) as a proxy for assessment of parasite burden. In hosts with elevated susceptibility PKD pathogenesis was shaped by an anti-inflammatory phenotype, a profound B cell/antibody response and dysregulated TH cell-like activity. Pathogen-free brown trout were exposed to Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (comparatively using European VHSV-Ia and North American VHSV-IVb strains) or to the bacterium Yersinia ruckeri. This European native species was highly resistant to the VHSV-IVb strain, which was undetectable in internal organs despite raising a strong antiviral and mucosal immune response. Following VHS and Yersiniosis infection, haemo-lymphopoietic organs were screened by RT-qPCR to assess the specific pathogen burdens and characterise the immune responses elicited. Transcription patterns were analysed for Interferons, CXC chemokines, SOCS (potential disease resistance biomarkers) and genes of the PACAP system. Lastly, PKD-infected brown trout were co-infected with VHSV-Ia, resulting in typical lesions while showing reduced and delayed mortality. PKD+/VHS+ fish were identified by RT-qPCR and histopathology screening. Pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial peptide genes were modulated following virus co-infection when compared to fish with single infection, with an earlier activation of cellular and humoral responses, and a stronger up-regulation of TH1 and antiviral genes. Oligonucleotide microarrays were used to assess the broader immune gene transcription modulation between single- and co-infected fish. Overall, the results suggest that the immune response of brown trout might be enhanced during the PKD/VHS co-infection.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-22 / Considerando a elevada prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes na fase não dialítica da doença renal crônica (DRC) e os efeitos benéficos da restauração do estado nutricional de vitamina D nos pacientes com DRC nos parâmetros do metabolismo mineral, os guias de práticas clínicas para prevenção e tratamento dos distúrbios do metabolismo mineral ósseo, Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K-DOQI) e Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), sugerem a suplementação com vitamina D (ergocalciferol ou colecalciferol) para pacientes com DRC na fase não dialítica com hipovitaminose D. No entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram o efeito da suplementação nessa população. Dessa forma, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os efeitos da suplementação com colecalciferol sobre marcadores séricos do metabolismo mineral de pacientes com hipovitaminose D na fase não dialítica da DRC. Estudo 1. Suplementacao com colecalciferol na doenca renal cronica: restauracao do estado nutricional de vitamina D e impacto sobre o paratormonio. O estudo foi prospectivo com duracao de 6 meses. Foram incluidos 45 pacientes com deficiencia de vitamina D 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] < 15 ng/mL. Os pacientes foram suplementados com 50.000 UI/semana de colecalciferol durante 3 meses, sendo que naqueles que alcancaram niveis de 25(OH)D„d 30 ng/mL a dose foi modificada para 50.000 UI/mes durante os proximos 3 meses. Para os demais pacientes, a mesma dose inicial foi mantida por mais 3 meses. Apos o inicio da suplementacao observou-se um aumento significativo nos niveis de 25(OH)D no tempo 3 e no tempo 6. Nos primeiros 3 meses de suplementacao, 78% dos pacientes atingiram niveis de 25(OH)D„d 30 ng/mL. No entanto, apos o ajuste da dose, somente 43% mantiveram esses niveis. Houve uma diminuicao nos niveis de paratormonio (PTH) no tempo 3, periodo em que os pacientes receberam a maior dose de colecalciferol. As mudancas nos niveis de 25(OH)D durante os 3 meses correlacionaram-se positivamente com as mudancas dos niveis de 1,25-diidroxivitamina D [1,25(OH)2D] (r= 0,37; P= 0,01). As variacoes nos niveis de PTH correlacionaram-se inversamente com as mudancas nos niveis de calcio serico (r= -0,42; P= 0,004) e diretamente com as mudancas na creatinina serica (r= 0,38; P= 0,01). A analise de regressao logistica incluindo a proteinuria do inicio do estudo e as mudancas nos niveis sericos de creatinina, demonstrou que o excesso de adiposidade foi o principal fator associado com uma menor resposta a suplementacao nos primeiros 3 meses (IMC „d 25 kg/m2: ƒÒ= 2,35, EP= 1,15, P= 0,04; indice de gordura do tronco: ƒÒ= 2,59, EP= 1,13, P= 0,02). Este estudo concluiu que o tratamento com 50.000 UI por semana de colecalciferol foi efetivo em restaurar o estado nutricional de vitamina D na maioria dos pacientes sem apresentar efeitos adversos. A restauracao dos niveis de vitamina D resultou na diminuicao do PTH mesmo com uma reducao da funcao renal. Estudo 2. Suplementacao com colecalciferol em pacientes com doenca renal cronica e insuficiencia de vitamina D. O estudo foi prospectivo com duracao de 6 meses, randomizado e cego. Foram incluidos 75 pacientes com insuficiencia de vitamina D [25(OH) D „d 15 e < 30 ng/mL. Os pacientes foram tratados de acordo com a recomendacao de suplementacao proposta pelo K-DOQI para pacientes com insuficiencia de vitamina D (50.000 UI de colecalciferol mensalmente durante 6 meses). Os mesmos foram aleatoriamente alocados em dois grupos: Grupo Colecalciferol (n= 38 pacientes) ou Grupo Placebo (n= 37 pacientes). O grupo colecalciferol recebeu durante todo periodo de estudo 50.000 UI de colecalciferol mensalmente. Todos os pacientes incluidos no estudo receberam protetor solar durante o periodo de suplementacao. Apos o periodo de suplementacao houve um aumento significativo nos niveis de 25(OH)D no grupo colecalciferol. Com relacao aos demais parametros do metabolismo mineral, nao foram observados modificacoes em nenhum dos parametros durante o seguimento. Apos 6 meses de suplementacao, 46% dos pacientes tratados nao atingiram niveis de 25(OH)D > 30 ng/mL. Esses pacientes apresentaram uma maior quantidade de gordura corporal quando comparados com aqueles que alcancaram esses niveis. Ja no grupo placebo, 40,5% dos pacientes atingiram niveis de 25(OH)D > 30 ng/mL no tempo 6. A epoca da coleta (verao/outono) para a determinacao dos niveis de 25(OH)D no tempo 6 foi o unico parametro que diferiu dos demais pacientes que mantiveram os niveis de 25(OH)D< 30 ng/mL. Em resumo, os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que o protocolo de tratamento proposto pelo K-DOQI parece nao ser adequado para restaurar o estado nutricional de vitamina D em pacientes com insuficiencia desta vitamina. No entanto, a gordura corporal e a epoca da coleta sao fatores que podem ter contribuido para o achado negativo deste estudo. / Background: The effective protocol for treatment of hypovitaminosis D in non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients has not yet been defined. In the present study we aimed to investigate the impact of cholecalciferol supplementation on serum markers of bone and mineral metabolism using the K/DOQI recommendation for NDD-CKD patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded interventional study with 6 month of follow-up. This study included 75 patients, randomly assigned for the cholecalciferol group (n=38; 50,000 IU per month for 6 months) or for the placebo group (n=37). Results: After cholecalciferol supplementation, 25(OH)D levels increased significantly at 3 and 6 months in the intervention group and was maintained in the placebo group. No change was found in serum parathyroid hormone as well as in the other serum markers of mineral metabolism studied during the follow-up in both groups. In the end of the study, 46% of the treated patients did not achieve 25(OH)D levels higher than 30 ng/mL. This group of patients had a greater body fat index when compared with those who achieved this level. In the placebo group 40.5% increased 25(OH)D levels higher than 30 ng/mL after 6 months. The season (summer/autumn) when blood was collected for 25(OH)D determination was the only parameter that differed from the group of patients who maintained 25(OH)D levels below 30 ng/mL. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the protocol for treatment of vitamin D insufficiency proposed by the K/DOQI guideline seems not to be adequate for completely restore the vitamin D status of NDD-CKD patients. The lack of adequate response to cholecalciferol supplementation together with the unpredicted restoration of vitamin D status in the placebo group may account, at least in part, for the negative results of the present study. / TEDE

Alterações gastrointestinais em pacientes com doença renal crônica são queixas comuns, sendo a constipação considerada um dos sintomas mais prevalentes. O tratamento deste sintoma é limitado nesta população, devido às modificações dietéticas impostas pela perda da função renal e métodos dialíticos, especialmente na hemodiálise. Dados locais sobre a prevalência e fatores associados à constipação são pouco conhecidos em nosso meio. Neste estudo transversal, foram incluídos 57 participantes que realizam hemodiálise há pelo menos 3 meses no Hospital Moinhos de Vento em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Um questionário foi utilizado para avaliar dados sociodemográficos e clínicos potencialmente associados à constipação, a qual foi definida utilizando os critérios de ROMA III. Foi diagnosticada constipação em 28 pacientes nesta amostra (49,1%). Do total da amostra, 34 indivíduos (59,6%) relataram estar utilizando ou já terem utilizado laxantes em algum momento. Entre os constipados, 23 (82%) relataram esse uso. Outros 11 indivíduos usam laxativos cronicamente, ainda que não tenham sido classificados como constipados pelos critérios de ROMA III. Considerando a autopercepção, relataram “dificuldade para evacuar” 21/57 (36,8%). A concordância entre a autopercepção de “dificuldade para evacuar” e constipação pelos critérios de ROMA III ocorreu em 34 (59,6%) dos indivíduos. Entre os 28 pacientes constipados, 17 (77,3%) referem que sintomas gastrointestinais interferem no seu bem-estar, enquanto que entre os 29 pacientes não constipados, somente 5 (22,7%) referem esta interferência (p = 0,01) Quando investigado os fatores potencialmente associados à constipação,a inatividade física (Razão de prevalência 53,4; Teste exato de Fisher p = 0,052) e o sexo feminino (Razão de Prevalência 1,6; Pearson X2 p = 0,07) apresentaram tendênciaà associação significativa. No entanto, não foi encontrada associação significativa entre constipação e escolaridade, faixa etária, utilização de carbonato de cálcio, presença de 8 diabetes, estado nutricional e consumo de fibras atual. Conclusões: A constipação intestinal é um sintoma frequente em pacientes em hemodiálise no nosso meio. A utilização dos critérios de ROMA III para o diagnóstico de constipação permite diagnosticar um maior número de casos quando comparado apenas à autopercepção. A maior parte dos pacientes da amostra faz ou já fez uso crônico de laxantes, ainda que boa parte destes não se considere constipado, ou seja, classificados como constipados pelos critérios de ROMA III. Considerando-se a alta prevalência e interferência no bem-estar, a abordagem sobre a presença de constipação deve ser rotineira nessa população, a fim de alcançar-se um diagnóstico e manejo corretos. / Seventeen (77.3%) of the 28 constipated patients reported that their gastrointestinal symptoms interfered with their wellbeing, whereas just 5 (22.7%) of the 29 patients without constipation reported the same interference (p = 0.01). Investigation of factors potentially associated with constipation detected that inactivity (Prevalence ratio 53.4; Fisher’s exact test p = 0.052) and female sex (Prevalence ratio 1.6; PearsonX2 p = 0.07) exhibited tendencies towards a significant association. However, there were no significant associations between constipation and educational level, age group, use of calcium carbonate, presence of diabetes, nutritional status, or current fiber consumption. 10 Conclusions: Constipation is a common symptom among patients on hemodialysis in our country. Use of the ROMA III criteria diagnoses a higher number of cases of constipation than patients’ own perception alone. The majority of patients in the sample have used or were still using laxatives chronically, even though a considerable proportion of these patients were not considered constipated,they were not classified as constipated according to the ROMA III criteria. Considering its high prevalence and its impact on wellbeing, whether patients have constipation should be routinely investigated in this population, to enable correct diagnosis and management.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento periodontal sobre a progressão da disfunção renal e marcadores sorológicos metabólicos (albumina, colesterol e triglicerídeos) em indivíduos com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) e periodontite crônica. Cinquenta e sete pacientes com DRC na pré-diálise com periodontite crônica foram avaliados 90 dias e 29 pacientes foram avaliados 180 dias após a terapia básica periodontal. Parâmetros clínicos periodontais incluíram índice de placa (IP), sangramento a sondagem (SS), profundidade de Bolsa à Sondagem (PBS) e nível de Inserção à Sondagem (NIS). Os parâmetros laboratoriais Taxa Filtração Glomerular (TFG) e níveis séricos de creatinina (mg/dl), triglicerídeos (mg/dl), colesterol total (mg/dl) e albumina (g/dl) foram avaliados no dia 0 e 90 e 180 dias após o tratamento periodontal. TFG foi avaliada através da equação Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD). Noventa dias após o tratamento periodontal (n=57), todos os parâmetros clínicos periodontais apresentaram uma melhora estatisticamente significante (p<0.05). Houve uma melhora estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) nos valores da mediana (intervalo interquartil) da TFG de 36,2 ml/min (24) no dia 0 para 37,5 ml/min (24) aos 90 dias. Após 180 dias do tratamento periodontal (n=29), observou-se melhora dos percentuais médios dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais (p<0.05). A mediana (intervalo interquartil) da TFG foi de 36,2 ml/min (27,3) no dia 0 e 39,4 ml/min (27,9) no dia 180 (p<0.05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos valores antes e após o tratamento periodontal nos níveis séricos de creatinina, albumina, colesterol, triglicerídeos e colesterol, tanto aos 90 quanto aos 180 dias após o tratamento periodontal. Concluiu-se que após o tratamento periodontal os parâmetros clínicos periodontais e a TFG melhoraram significantemente. Apesar da progressão da função renal ser resultado de fatores multifatoriais, o tratamento periodontal pode ser benéfico no curso da DRC. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on the progression of renal dysfunction and metabolic markers (albumin, cholesterol and triglycerids) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic periodontitis. Fifty seven patients with CKD at pre-dyalisis phase and chronic periodontitis were evaluated 90 days, while 29 patients were evaluated 180 days after periodontal therapy. Periodontal clinical parameters included plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL). The laboratory exams glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinin (mg/dl), triglycerids (mg/dl), total cholesterol (mg/dl) and albumin (g/dl) levels were evaluated at baseline and 90 and 180 days after periodontal therapy. GFR was evaluated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Ninety days after periodontal therapy (n=57), all periodontal clinical parameters significantly improved (p<0.05). There was a significant improvement on the median values (interquartile range) of GFR from 36.2 (24) ml/min on baseline to 37.5 (24) ml/min on day 90. After 180 days of the periodontal therapy (n=29), there was a significant improvement of the periodontal clinical parameters (p<0.05). The median (interquartile range) of the GFR was 36.2 (27.3) on baseline and 39.4 (27.9) ml/min on day 180 (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed at the median values of creatinin, albumin, total cholesterol and triglycerids comparing baseline, 90 and 180 days after periodontal treatment. In conclusion, periodontal clinical parameters and GFR improved significantly 90 and 180 days after periodontal treatment. Although the progression of the renal dysfunction may be related to many factors, periodontal treatment may be beneficial to the course of CKD.

Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) na fase não dialítica são normalmente orientados a seguir uma dieta hipoproteica e hipossódica. Estudos nacionais e internacionais mostram que a adesão a essa dieta tem sido baixa e difícil de ser mantida, pois requer mudanças importantes no hábito alimentar. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto de um programa de educação nutricional sobre a adesão à dieta hipoproteica em pacientes com DRC em tratamento conservador. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado, prospectivo com duração de 5 1,5 meses. Foram acompanhados 85 pacientes com DRC na fase não dialítica, atendidos em dois Ambulatórios de Nutrição e Doenças Renais do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. Os pacientes foram divididos de forma aleatória em 2 grupos: Intervenção (n=39) e Controle (n=46). Os pacientes do Grupo Intervenção foram submetidos a um programa de educação nutricional, além da orientação de dieta hipoproteica (0,6 a 0,75 g/kg/dia). Os pacientes do Grupo Controle foram submetidos apenas à orientação de dieta hipoproteica (0,6 a 0,75 g/kg/dia). A avaliação da adesão foi feita a partir da estimativa do consumo de proteína por recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Adotou-se como critério de adesão apresentar ao final do estudo redução de ao menos 20% da ingestão proteica inicial. A avaliação nutricional e laboratorial foi realizada no início e no término do estudo. Os parâmetros antropométricos avaliados foram peso, estatura, dobras cutâneas do tríceps, bíceps, subescapular e supra-ilíaca e perímetro da cintura e do braço. As laboratoriais foram creatinina, uréia, potássio, fósforo, glicose e albumina no plasma e sódio e uréia na urina de 24 horas. Ao avaliar o amostra total, 51,8% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 63,4 11,0 anos, IMC indicativo de sobrepeso (28,8 5,4 kg/m2) e filtração glomerular estimada (FGe) de 32,6 12,2 mL/mim/1,73m2. As características iniciais não diferiram entre os Grupos Intervenção e Controle. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora dos parâmetros laboratoriais e antropometricos, com redução significante da uréia plasmática e da glicemia no Grupo Controle (P < 0,05 vs início do estudo) e do IMC em ambos os grupos (P < 0,05 vs início do estudo). Após o período de acompanhamento, o Grupo Intervenção e o Grupo Controle apresentaram ingestão proteica significantemente diferente (0,62 0,2 vs 0,77 0,26 g/kg/dia, respectivamente). A ingestão de sódio não mudou de forma significante em ambos os grupos no inicio e término do acompanhamento. A Adesão à ingestão proteica foi observada em 74,4% do Grupo Intervenção e em 47,8% do Grupo Controle (P < 0,05). A análise de regressão logística multivariada revelou que pertencer ao Grupo Intervenção e sexo masculino se associaram com a Adesão (P <0,05), mesmo após corrigir para outras variáveis testadas. Com base nos achados desse estudo, pode-se concluir que o programa de educação nutricional foi uma ferramenta eficaz no tratamento dietoterápico do paciente com DRC na pré-diálise, pois promoveu melhora na adesão à dieta hipoproteica, além de ter promovido melhora dos parâmetros antropométricos e laboratoriais. / Nondialyzed chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are normally counseled to follow a low protein and sodium diet. Nationals and internationals surveys have shown a low adherence to such diet. In addition, it has been also demonstrated that maintaining a low protein and sodium intake is difficult, because it requires important changes in eating habits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a nutritional education program on the adherence to the low protein diet in CKD patients being followed in a conservative outpatient clinic. Study design: clinical, randomized, controlled and prospective essay (follow-up of 5 1.5 months (mean SD)). Eighty five nondialyzed CKD patients, under treatment in two CKD outpatient clinics from Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, were included in this study. These patients were randomized in two groups: Intervention (n=39) and Control (n=46). The patients of the Intervention Group were submitted to a nutritional education program, besides the low protein diet prescription (0.6 to 0.75 g/kg/day). The patients from the Control Group were submitted only to the low protein diet prescription (0.6 to 0.75 g/kg/day). The evaluation of the adherence was done by estimating the protein intake from the 24 hour food recall. The adherence criterion adopted was to present, at the end of the study, a reduction of at least 20% of the initial protein intake. The nutritional and laboratorial assessments were made at the beginning and at the end of the follow-up period. The anthropometric parameters assessed were body weight, height, triceps, biceps, subscapulars and suprailiacs skinfolds thicknesses and waists and arms circumferences. The laboratorial parameters included plasma creatinine, urea, potassium, phosphate, glucose and albumin and 24 hour urines sodium and urea. In the total studied sample, 51.8% of the patients were male, with an mean age of 63.4 11.0 years, mean BMI indicating overweight (28.8 5.4 kg/m) and a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 32.6 12.2 mL/mim/1,73m. The main characteristics at the beginning of the follow-up were not different between Intervention and Control Groups. Both groups presented an improvement on the laboratorial and anthropometrical parameters, with significant reduction of plasma urea and glucose in the Control Group (P < 0.05 vs baseline) and BMI in both groups (P < 0.05 vs baseline). After the follow-up period, the Intervention and Control Groups showed a significant decrease in the protein intake (0.62 0.2 vs 0.77 0.26 g/kg/day, respectively). The sodium intake did not significantly change in both groups at the beginning and end of the study. A higher degree of adherence to the low protein diet was observed in Intervention Group (74.4%) than in Control Group (47.8%) (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that belonging to the Intervention Group and male gender were significantly associated with Adherence (P < 0.05), even after controlling to others tested variables. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the nutritional education program was an effective tool to reduce the protein intake of nondialyzed CKD patients, as it has leaded to an improvement in the adherence to the low protein diet, and promoted an amelioration of anthropometric and laboratorial parameters.