Renal Disease

• What is the evidence for the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in treatment of renal inflammation and glomerulosclerosis?
• What is the evidence in adults or children with immune-mediated renal disease that omega-3 fatty acids can replace steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs?
• What is the evidence that the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are influenced by the concomitant administration of various immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of immune-mediated renal disease?
  

In a qualitative analysis of nine studies that assessed the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in renal disease, there were varying effects on serum creatinine and creatinine clearance and no effect on progression to end stage renal disease. In a single study that assessed the effect on hemodialysis graft patency, graft patency was significantly better with fish oil than with placebo. No studies assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on requirements for corticosteroids.