RBWH research brings hope for those with kidney disease

Associate Professor Helen MacLaughlin (seated) and PhD Student Marguerite Conley were among the RBWH team involved in the clinical trials.

The RBWH Dietetics Team are celebrating the results of recent clinical trials that show a trend toward improved kidney function and reduced systolic blood pressure as part of a low energy diet.

Consultant Dietitian, Associate Professor Helen MacLaughlin shares some insights on what this could mean for people living with chronic kidney disease.

“The trial focused on whether using meal replacements and exercise could slow kidney disease progression,” Associate Professor MacLaughlin said.

“Early indicators show promise for slowing down losses in kidney function, which could delay or prevent kidney failure and the need for dialysis.”

Associate Processor MacLaughlin is optimistic that future studies and trials may yield more positive results.

“This intervention is safe and feasible to scale up into a larger trial, which provides hope for those living with chronic kidney disease,” she said.

Associate Professor’s MacLaughlin was assisted in this research by PhD student Marguerite Conley, with the paper accepted into an international journal.

“The team have great data from the findings and have submitted a grant application to continue this work, meaning future study findings could support people living with kidney disease.”

You can learn more about the research findings at Kidney International Reports.