Effects of Probiotics on Malnutrition and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

Alterations in the gut microbiota and host responses have been implicated in the progression of end-stage renal disease, increased cardiovascular risk, uremic toxicity, and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotics on malnutrition and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Design and Methods

A total of 116 patients undergoing PD were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 58) and a control group (n = 58). The intervention group received a daily dose of probiotics (1 × 10⁹ CFU/day, i.e., 2 capsules, tid) for 2 months, while the control group did not receive probiotics during the same period. Biochemical indicators, physical measurements, and scores on the SF-36 were measured before and 2 months after the intervention.

Results

A total of 98 patients completed the study (50 in the intervention group and 48 in the control group). Among patients receiving probiotics, the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 decreased after 2 months of treatment, while the serum albumin levels, upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness increased significantly. The probiotic group had higher scores on the physical functioning and social functioning domains than the control group after 2 months.

Conclusions

Probiotics could significantly decrease the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 and increase the serum albumin levels, upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness in patients undergoing PD. As a result, malnutrition and health-related quality of life partially improved after probiotic supplementation in patients undergoing PD.