Effects of Nutritional Supplementation on Protein and Energy Homeostasis in Malnourished Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

either oral nutritional formula (Nepro) or intravenous IDPN solution will be administered during hemodialysis; Nepro has a total calorie amount as well as protein, carbohydrate and fat content that are comparable to that of IDPN, and will be provided at four equal amounts with 1-hour intervals throughout the study (150 ml for a total of 600 ml over 4 hours of hemodialysis); IDPN consists of 225 ml of amino acids at a concentration of 15%, 112.5 ml of dextrose at 50% and 112.5 ml of lipids at 20%, will be given at a rate of 150 ml/hr, and will provide 209 kcal/hr

subcutaneous administration of 75 micrograms/kg/day of rcGH for 3 consecutive days

either dual leg press (3 sets of 8-12 repetitions) beginning 30 minutes prior to hemodialysis, or modified stepper (minimum of 15 minutes up to a maximum of 90 minutes, depending upon the patient's tolerance) beginning 15 minutes post initiation of hemodialysis