Individualized intervention for frail non-dialysis elderly patients with chronic kidney disease: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Frailty describes an age-related clinical state and can be regarded as a predictive factor for fall, disability, hospitalization, and death in the elderly. Previous studies proved that frailty could be reversed or attenuated by multi-disciplinary intervention. However, only a few studies have been performed in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods A randomized parallel controlled trial will be conducted to compare an individualized intervention according to the consequence of the comprehensive geriatric assessment with routine treatment. A total of 242 individuals aged >= 65 years, who fulfill the Fried Phenotype of frailty and have chronic kidney disease stage 3-5 without dialysis will be recruited from the Department of Nephrology and Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University. The participants will be followed-up for 30 days and 12 months. Discussion This protocol would be established to examine the efficiency of targeted intervention for frailty. If a positive consequence could be obtained, a novel treatment for frail elderly patients with chronic kidney disease who have never undergone dialysis can be carried out in routine clinical practice.