Early protein restriction in chronic renal failure.

We performed a prospective randomised trial in 199 patients with various stages of renal failure. Stratified for sex, age and renal insufficiency, 105 patients were assigned to a protein (Pr)-restricted group (0.4-0.6g/kg/BW), and 94 to a control group. Pr-restriction led to a significant reduction in the excretion of urea, phosphate and protein. Survival of renal function was significantly better in Pr-restricted patients. Median serum creatinine concentration increased in the control group (p less than 0.05), but remained stable in Pr-restricted patients. We conclude that Pr-restriction retards, or even halts the progression of chronic renal failure.