Efficacy of dialysis for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy: Study protocol

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of dialysis for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: We will comprehensively retrieve the following databases of Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Global health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, CBM, Wangfang, and CNKI for studies related to the topic. We will search all those electronic databases from their inceptions to the present without restrictions of language and publication status. Two authors will independently conduct all procedures of study selection, data collection, and risk of bias assessment. We will apply RevMan 5.3 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We will systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of dialysis for DN through assessing primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcomes include improvement in renal function, as assessed by the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum creatinine levels. The secondary outcomes consist of levels of inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction markers, quality of life, and any expected and unexpected adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will present evidence on the efficacy and safety of dialysis for the treatment of patients with DN. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019149699.