title: Development of evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of adult kidney transplant recipients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article documents the development of evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of adult kidney transplant recipients. Dietary interventions play an important role in preventing and managing common post-transplant health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, there are currently no comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of kidney transplant recipients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen guideline topics were identified, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and bone disease, following broad consultation with clinicians and transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand. A systematic review of the scientific literature was undertaken, the protocol for which is published in the Cochrane Library. The evidence was graded and synthesized, and evidence-based recommendations formulated consistent with National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia standards. A total of 119 scientific papers were assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no level I or II evidence to support any guideline; however, there was sufficient level III and IV evidence to support Grade C and D recommendations for six guideline topics. Experts from 18 transplant units in Australia and New Zealand were consulted to generate consensus-based recommendations for the remaining seven topics, using the Delphi method. Using evidence from a comprehensive literature search and expert opinion, guidelines that represent current best practice have been produced. These guidelines have been evaluated in transplant units throughout Australia and New Zealand and have been submitted to the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) and Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment (CARI) for endorsement.
authors.affiliation: Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce, New South Wales, Australia. Karen.Fry@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fry
authors.forename: Aditi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patwardhan
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Trevillian
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chadban
authors.forename: Fidye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Westgarth
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000601:surgery*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic