Development of a Clinical Nutrition Support System for Chronic Kidney Disease

Dialysis patients are increasing every year in Taiwan. Department of Health data (2002 – 2008) shows that Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome and Nephrosis have been ranked 8 to 10 among the top 10 causes of death. Recent studies in Taiwan pointed out that inadequate protein and caloric intake lead to the deterioration of kidney function. Therefore, dietary control is important for CKD patients before dialysis or at early stage. Based on National Kidney Foundation KDOQI guidelines and inputs form clinical nutrition experts from Taiwan, a knowledge base cum Clinical Nutrition Support System was developed by us to assist clinical dietitians. Even though dietary and health education requirements vary from patient to patient, this system is flexible enough to help dietitian to decide patient diet and education on case basis and even to customize user interface. This system integrates the laboratory data, patient's basic information, Subjective Global Assessment, and Alternate Healthy Eating Index. Also, Glomerular Filtration Rate and other indicators of kidney function such as protein and calorie control can be calculated faster and accurately to help researchers to record and investigate the course development and nutrition status for long‐term care patients to delay the progression of CKD.