Three years experience with a very low nitrogen diet supplemented with essential amino acids and keto-analogues in the treatment of chronic uraemia.

A low nitrogen, low phosphorus diet, supplemented with essential amino acids and keto-analogues, was administered to 48 chronic uraemics for a maximum of 36 months. In 10 cases renal function deteriorated and dialysis was started; eight patients changed to the dialytic therapy having difficulties in complying to the diet and three died for reasons not directly related to renal failure. The remaining twenty-seven patients are still on dietetic treatment and their renal function has not changed significantly. Their serum inorganic phosphorus and their circulating iPTH decreased significantly. Their subjective and objective conditions are satisfactory and no manifestation of protein malnutrition or other unwanted effects are detectable.