This study is a randomised, open labeled controlled trial where a total of 74 PD patients (37 supplemented; 37 control) were recruited from government and private settings. Subjects were randomised to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received hydrolysed whey protein supplement and diet counselling for 6 months while the control group received only diet counselling for 6 months.
Patients who consented were first subjected to a screening for identification of eligible subjects. The screening involved basic anthropometry measures (height, weight, BMI), routine biochemistry result obtained from medical record, assessment of nutritional status and dietary evaluation. About 4ml of pre-dialysis blood was also collected by respective nurses for additional laboratory parameters (hsCRP).
During the 6 months of treatment period, patients in both control and intervention groups were assessed at baseline and end of the study (at 6 months) for anthropometry assessment, laboratory results, medical condition, hospitalisations, nutritional status, dietary intake and compliance towards supplementation (intervention group only).