Changes in patients' eating behavior: in the uremic state, on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment, and after transplantation.

Nineteen predialysis patients (group A) were studied before and after 3 to 6 months on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment. Six patients (group B) were studied during CAPD treatment and 3 to 6 months after transplantation. Nine uremic patients (group C) were studied before and 3 to 6 months after transplantation. The patients were invited to a single test meal by means of the universal eating monitor VIKTOR. An excess portion of hash was served on a plate placed on a hidden scale that was connected to a computer registering the eating process on line. The patients filled out visual analogue scales concerning appetite and food preferences before and after the test meal. The feeling of fullness before meals was greater in patients on CAPD than in patients in the predialytic state. Transplanted patients felt less full before meals compared with their ratings during the dialysis period. The median total intake of food was lower during dialysis than after transplantation. The palatability of the food was rated lower during dialysis compared with the ratings in the uremic state. Poor appetite and low intake during dialysis is still a problem, but improves after transplantation.