Effectiveness of N-Acetylcysteine for Preserving Residual Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Ahmadi F^{1, 2} ; Abbaszadeh M^{1, 2} ; Razeghi E^{1, 2} ; Maziar S³ ; Khoidaki SD^{1, 2} ; Najafi MT^{1, 2} ; Lessanpezeshki M^{1, 2}
Source: Clinical and Experimental Nephrology Published:2017

Abstract

Background: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for preserving residual renal function in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Randomized, multi-center, parallel-group, open-label clinical trial (Registration No. IRCT 2014071418482N1). 54 patients who have been undergoing hemodialysis for at least 3 months and had residual urine volume >100 ml/24 h were randomly allocated to NAC or no medication. Residual renal function evaluated by (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), (2) 24 h urine volume, and (3) renal Kt/V. GFR and Kt/V was determined at baseline and after 3 months. 24 h urine volume was measured at baseline, after 1, 2, and 3 months. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis was performed on 47 patients (NAC = 26, control = 21). GFR in patients receiving NAC improved, whereas in the control arm a decline of 1.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 was recorded (3.59 vs. 2.11 ml/min/1.73 m2, effect size = 17.0 %, p = 0.004). For 24 h urine volume, the between-group difference after 1 month was significant (669 vs. 533 ml/24 h, effect size = 15.4 %, p = 0.004). After 3 months, 24 h urine volume in the NAC arm was on average 137 ml higher than in the control group, and the difference reached near significance (673 vs. 536 ml/24 h, p = 0.072). In the follow-up visit, Kt/V was higher in the NAC arm but the difference did not reach statistical significance (0.81 vs. 0.54, p = 0.152). Conclusion: Three months treatment with NAC appears to be effective in preserving renal function in patients undergoing hemodialysis and the medication is generally well-tolerated. © 2016, Japanese Society of Nephrology.