Exploring the Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Clinical Outcomes in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between dietary intake and mortality risk among patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a population for whom nutritional management is crucial yet challenging due to the disease's complexity and the limitations of existing dietary guidelines. Recognizing the gaps in current research, particularly the lack of detailed evidence-based recommendations for micronutrient intake and a focus predominantly on the early stages of chronic kidney disease, our work seeks to provide evidence-based dietary guidance tailored to the needs of ESRD patients. Through the collection of long-term, longitudinal, and fine-grained dietary records linked with extensive electronic health records (EHR) data over a 12-year period, we have constructed a dataset that offers a detailed view of dietary nutrient intake across 26 types of nutrients. Utilizing a two-stage model, we have analyzed the association between dietary intake and mortality risk. Our model provides comprehensive dietary recommendations for 26 nutrients, with 13 out of these nutrients showing a significant correlation with mortality risk while currently lacking specific guidelines for ESRD patients. This research not only challenges and refines the current dietary recommendations but also highlights the importance of considering non-linear relationships between nutrient intake and health outcomes. By offering a comprehensive perspective on dietary management for ESRD patients, this study contributes to the optimization of nutritional care strategies, aiming to improve patient prognosis and quality of life.