Nutritional Therapy to Prevent Progression of Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease

This is a pilot single center, randomized controlled, trial of patients who have an episode of Stage 2/3 AKI and are followed in a focused post-AKI clinic. Patients will be randomize to either; a. LPD-K diet containing 0.6 g protein/kg per day, phosphorus 5-10 mg/kg/day, Ketosteril 1 capsule per 5 kg body weight/day divided over three doses (max 8 capsules per dose) or b. ad lib diet. Ketosteril should be takes daily during meals and the tablets must not be chewed. Ingestion during meals facilitates proper absorption and the metabolisation into the corresponding amino acids. After the initial assessment, those randomized to LPD-K will be on this diet for a maximum of 90 days. Additional interventions will include dietary counselling and questionnaire in both groups. We would aim for maintaining serum bicarbonate levels ≥ 22meq/L in both groups. Evaluation of renal function will be performed using blood and urine tests. In addition, specimens will be collected in a bio-repository, and tested for biomarkers of renal structural damage. Comprehensive nutritional assessment will be performed by a dietitian, along with bioelectrical impedance measurements, blood and urine tests. 24-hour urine urea nitrogen and food records will be used to estimate the protein intake of each individual. Quality of well-being will be assessed using a standardized tool such as Euro Quality of Life (EQ-5D), Charlson Index, and Short Form 8 (SF8) or equivalent. Relevant clinical events (adherence to follow-up, death, hospitalization, renal recovery, repeat AKI episodes) will be tracked throughout the study.