The influence of two different essential amino acid/keto analogue preparations on the clinical status of patients with chronic renal failure.

58 outpatients with a serum creatinine between 6-10 mg/dl received a low protein diet (LPD) with 30 g protein/day, supplemented with essential amino acids (EAA) or their keto analogues (KA). Group A (n = 19) was given an EAA/KA supplement according to the pattern proposed by Rose and group B (n = 39) received a preparation with an increased amount of KAs of branched chain amino acids (BCKA), as recommended by Walser. At the start of treatment with a LPD supplemented with either of the two supplements and after 6 months of treatment we assessed: plasma branched chain amino acids (BCAA), renal function, nutritional status, and bone metabolism. After six months of dietary treatment the results showed in group B in contrast to group A an improvement of nutritional status (body weight increased, urea decreased, and BCAA normalized). The same was true for bone metabolism (significantly lower phosphate levels, increased calcium values). In both groups progression of chronic renal failure slowed down, but the delay was more pronounced in group B. All results were statistically significant (p less than 0.01).