Uremic neuropathy. III. Controlled study of restricted protein and fluid diet and infrequent hemodialysis versus conventional hemodialysis treatment

The effect of a treatment schedule of restricted protein and fluid intake and of infrequent hemodialysis (schedule 1) as compared to a conventional hemodialysis treatment schedule (schedule 2) on the presence and severity of peripheral neuropathy has been studied in a small group of patients using a crossover design. Using the neurologic evaluation and quantitative assessment of cutaneous sensation and of nerve conductions as indices of peripheral nerve function, we have not demonstrated any worsening of peripheral nerve function from markedly curtailing the frequency of hemodialysis and modifying the diet. Because of the small size of the study, the preponderance of patients receiving the test treatment schedule first, and the possibility that nerve function slowly worsens with time, it is not possible to say with certainty that the test or the control treatment schedule might adversely affect peripheral nerve function. If such an effect is present it would appear to be small.