Effects of fasting on patients with chronic kidney disease during Ramadan and practical guidance for healthcare professionals

There are an estimated 1 8 billion Muslims worldwide, with the majority of them choosing to fast during the month of Ramadan Fasting, which requires abstinence from food and drink from dawn to sunset can be up to 20 hours duration during the summer months in temperate regions Fasting can especially be challenging in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, moreover, there is concern that those with Chronic Kidney Disease can experience electrolyte imbalance and worsening of renal function In this paper, current literature is reviewed and a decision-making management tool has been developed to assist clinicians in discussing the risks of fasting in patients with CKD, with consideration also given to circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic