PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Icodextrin”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Prevention of membrane damage in patient on peritoneal dialysis with new peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is now an established and successful alternative to hemodialysis. Multiple studies have confirmed its equivalent dialysis adequacy, mortality and fluid balance status, at least for the first 4-5 years. Peritoneal membrane failure is now one of the leading cause of technique failure. This review describes the role of glucose, glucose degradation product, pH, lactate, advanced glycosylation end product (AGE) in causing this membrane damage, and gives insight how the use of newer peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) containing icodextrin, amino acids and bicarbonate buffer can prevent peritoneal membrane damage.

Dialysis Solutions↗

Aseptic peritonitis due to peptidoglycan contamination of pharmacopoeia standard dialysis solution.

BACKGROUND: Manufacturers of parenteral solutions adhere to European and US Pharmacopoeia standards to define safety and sterility. In response to excess cases of aseptic peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients using icodextrin-containing dialysate that met all pharmacopoeia standards, a global recall was issued in May, 2002. We aimed to establish the cause of aseptic peritonitis. METHODS: We analysed 186 reports of aseptic peritonitis between September, 2001, and January, 2003. Extensive physical, chemical, and microbiological investigations of recalled dialysate were done. We calculated dose-response curves for peptidoglycan-induced interleukin 6 elaboration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and for sterile peritonitis in rats. FINDINGS: Although its chemical constituents and concentrations of endotoxin were within pharmacopoeia specifications, the dialysis solution elicited an interlukin 6 response in vivo and in vitro. We identified peptidoglycan from thermophilic acidophilic bacteria (Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius) as the contaminating proinflammatory substance. In the PBMC assay, strong dose-response relations were noted between peptidoglycan concentrations and interleukin 6. In rats injected with peptidoglycan, dose-dependent increases of intraperitoneal neutrophils and pyrogenic cytokines were recorded. We measured a positive relation between peptidoglycan concentrations in recalled dialysate and reports of aseptic peritonitis. After implementation of corrective actions, the rate of peritonitis returned to baseline. INTERPRETATION: Excess cases of aseptic peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients were due to peptidoglycan contamination of dialysate by Alicyclobacillus. This outbreak serves as an example of how contemporary parenteral products with microbial contaminants can be considered safe under current pharmacopoeia tests, but provoke adverse clinical effects.

Animals↗

Sodium and volume overload in peritoneal dialysis: limitations of current treatment and possible solutions.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease. Recent evidence suggests that hypertension and subclinical volume expansion is common in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Moreover, recent studies pointed out that sodium removal is limited in patients on peritoneal dialysis and mortality has been shown to co-relate with fluid and sodium removal. Treatment of sodium and fluid removal includes dietary salt and fluid restriction, use of diuretics, icodextrin, strategies also considered helpful to control hypertension. Despite availability of these measures, prevalence of hypertension remains high in PD patients. Hence, innovative strategies are urgently required to address this common and difficult clinical problem. This article reviews limitations of available measures to manage sodium and fluid overload and hypertension and suggests possible role and place of low sodium dialysis solutions in PD patients.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Glycemic control in diabetic CAPD patients assessed by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).

INTRODUCTION: From 20% to 40% of all patients commencing dialysis are diabetic. The quality of glycemic control is an important determinant of outcome. The aims of this study were to investigate the use of the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) to assess overall 24-hour glycemic control and the effects of both nonglucose containing and more biocompatible alternative peritoneal dialysis solutions in insulin-treated continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: We studied 8 insulin treated diabetic CAPD patients. A CGMS probe was inserted [allowing automatic measurement of interstitial fluid (ISF) glucose every 5 minutes, for a 72-hour period]. The patients were then allowed home with CGMS monitoring to assess the effect on glycemic control of three differing peritoneal dialysis regimes. Phase 1 consisted of three exchanges of 1.36% glucose and one of 3.86% glucose, utilizing a lactate/bicarbonate buffer. Phase 2 was identical but used lactate-buffered fluid alone. Phase 3 utilized a minimally glycemic combination of one amino acid, one icodextrin, and two 1.36% glucose lactate/bicarbonate-containing exchanges. RESULTS: ISF glucose measured by CGMS correlated well with venous glucose measurements (r2 = 0.82, P < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean ISF glucose between all three phases (P < 0.0001). The variation in glycemic control was tighter during phase 3 [mean coefficient of variation (CV) 0.21 +/- 0.03]. CONCLUSION: CGMS appears to be a clinically useful tool to gain additional insights into the glycemic control of diabetic CAPD patients. More biocompatible and nonglucose-containing dialysis fluids seem to be associated with improvements in glycemic control in this group of patients.

Adult↗

Volume control in peritoneal dialysis patients: role of new dialysis solutions.

This paper reviews the most recent clinical data on the volume status of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. It appears that many PD patients are volume overloaded, associated with a high prevalence of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. In the presence of the poor results in patients with peritoneal ultrafiltration, the introduction of the polyglucose solution, icodextrin, has ameliorated volume control in some of these patients. In a second part of the review, some of the structural and functional alterations in the peritoneal membrane and the role of glucose degradation products (GDP) in the commonly used dialysates as well as the resulting formation of advanced glycation end products are described. The introduction of low GDP-containing solutions at normal pH has at least in experimental models of PD attenuated the hemodynamic changes observed with the classical solutions. The solutions at normal pH containing either bicarbonate or a mixture of bicarbonate/lactate were clinically associated with less inflow pain.

Acidosis↗

Benefit of glucose-free dialysis solutions on glucose and lipid metabolism in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Glucose absorbed from conventional peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions contributes to unfavorable metabolic effects. Its replacement with a glucose-free osmotic agent such as icodextrin (ID) or amino acids (AA) may have some benefit on glucose and lipid metabolism. METHODS: Serum lipids, insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation (calorimetry) were measured before and after 8 weeks use of ID or AA in 22 patients. Calorimetry and blood tests (HbA1c, lipids) were also performed after 8 weeks of simultaneous use of ID and AA in 8 patients. RESULTS: Cholesterol declined during the use of AA (4.8 +/- 0.3-4.5 +/- 0.3 mmol/l, p = 0.045). Triglycerides decreased during the use of both ID (2.2 +/- 0.2-1.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.019) and AA (1.9 +/- 0.2-1.6 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.024). Free fatty acids declined during the use of AA. There were no significant changes in insulin sensitivity. Glucose oxidation decreased and lipid oxidation increased during the use of ID, the changes in substrate oxidation were accentuated during the simultaneous use of ID and AA. CONCLUSION: Replacement of glucose with ID or AA had a benefit on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Adult↗

High glucose increases prostaglandin E2 synthesis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells: role of hyperosmolarity.

Peritoneal mesothelial cells are considered the predominant source of peritoneal prostanoid formation because they represent the largest resident cell population in the peritoneal cavity. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of D-glucose, which is widely used in commercially available peritoneal dialysis fluids as an osmotic compound, on the synthesis of prostaglandins in cultured human mesothelial cells (HMC). Analysis of eicosanoid synthesis in HMC by reversed-phase HPLC revealed that 6-keto-PGF1alpha, the spontaneous hydrolysis product of prostacyclin (PGI2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were the main eicosanoids produced. Addition of D-glucose resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent (30 to 120 mM) increase in PGE2 production in HMC (24 h, 90 mM: 3.9+/-0.5 ng/10(5) cells versus 2.3+/-0.3 in untreated cells; P < 0.05). Mannitol (90 mM) or L-glucose (90 mM). nonmetabolizable osmotic compounds, also led to a significant (P < 0.05) but less intense increase in PGE2 synthesis (3.3+/-0.4 and 3.2+/-0.5 ng/10(5) cells, respectively). Increased PGE2 synthesis was completely blunted by coincubation with the specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220 or downregulation of PKC activity by preincubation with phorbol myristate acetate for 16 h. Furthermore, coincubation with PD 98059, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, also inhibited increased PGE2 synthesis by D-glucose or mannitol. In contrast, the iso-osmolar glucose polymer icodextrin, which is used as an alternative to D-glucose in peritoneal dialysis solutions, had no effect on PGE2 synthesis. These data indicate that D-glucose and metabolically inert sugars increase PGE2 synthesis in HMC at least in part by hyperosmolarity and that this effect requires activation of PKC and the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway of intracellular signaling.

Arachidonic Acid↗

New developments in peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Existing peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions were formulated mainly for the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance, correction of metabolic acidosis, and the removal of metabolic waste products. New solutions in development, and recently approved in some countries, are designed to improve ultrafiltration during long dwells (polyglucose or icodextrin solutions), to treat malnutrition (amino-acids solutions), and to improve peritoneal biocompatibility (bicarbonate-buffered solutions). Other new solutions under investigation are designed to address unmet clinical needs, including cardiovascular disease and sodium balance, through the use of a low-sodium PD solution; long-term peritoneal viability, through improvements in sterilization processes and the use of nonglucose osmotic agents; and PD adequacy, through the use of solution additives (such as glycosaminoglycans) and tailored PD prescriptions using APD. Future concepts for PD include remodeling of the peritoneum, perhaps using mesothelial gene therapy to introduce metabolic and anabolic machinery to remove or perpetually recycle metabolic wastes.

Amino Acids↗

Biocompatibility of new peritoneal dialysis solutions: what can we hope to achieve?

Despite the bioincompatibility of the "old", standard, high glucose, lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions, PD is itself a highly successful dialysis modality with patient survival equivalent to that of hemodialysis (HD) during the initial 3 - 5 years of dialysis therapy. Nevertheless, PD technique survival is often limited by infectious complications and alterations in the structure and function of the peritoneal membrane. These local changes also have a negative impact on patient survival owing to systemic effects such as those often seen in patients with high peritoneal transport rate and loss of ultrafiltration (UF) capacity. Patient mortality remains unacceptably high in both HD and PD patients, with most premature deaths being associated with signs of malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (MIA syndrome). These systemic signs are likely to be influenced by PD solutions both directly and indirectly (via changes in the peritoneal membrane). New, biocompatible PD solutions may have favorable local effects (viability and function of the peritoneal membrane) and systemic effects (for example, on MIA syndrome). Amino acid-based solution [Nutrineal (N): Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.] may improve nutritional status as well as peritoneal membrane viability. Bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution [Physioneal (P): Baxter Healthcare Corporation] may ameliorate local and systemic effects of low pH, high lactate, and high glucose degradation products. Icodextrin-based solution [Extraneal (E): Baxter Healthcare SA, Castlebar, Ireland] may improve hypertension and cardiovascular problems associated with fluid overload and may extend time on therapy in patients with loss of UF capacity. The positive effects of each of these new, biocompatible solutions have been demonstrated in several studies. It is likely that the combined use of N, P, and E solutions will produce favorable synergies in regard to both local effects (peritoneal viability) and systemic effects (less malnutrition, inflammation, and fluid overload). Solution combination is an exciting area for clinical study in the coming years. Furthermore, dialysis fluid additives such as hyaluronan, which protects and improves the function of the peritoneal membrane, may further improve PD solutions. The new, biocompatible PD solutions represent an entirely new era in the evolution of the PD therapy; they are likely to have markedly positive effects on both PD technique and PD patient survival in coming years.

Amino Acids↗

Is there a need for low sodium dialysis solution for peritoneal dialysis patients?

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and hypertension and volume expansion are highly prevalent in long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The ADEMEX study made it clear that increased small-solute clearance does not lead to better outcomes. To manage the problem, current clinical practice uses strategies of dietary salt and fluid restriction, diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, icodextrin, extra day dwells, and (as a last resort) PD combined with hemodialysis (HD) or switch to HD. Nevertheless, the prevalence of hypertension remains alarmingly high. In this article, we briefly discuss the therapeutic measures currently available for treating hypertension and volume overload in PD patients, the limitations of those measures, and the possibility of increasing sodium removal by reducing the dialysate sodium level.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Clinical effects of a peritoneal dialysis regimen low in glucose in new peritoneal dialysis patients: a randomized crossover study.

Standard glucose-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions have unfavorable effects on the peritoneum and contribute to metabolic abnormalities. A PD regimen in which solutions with an alternative osmotic agent (icodextrin, amino acids) and solutions with a bicarbonate/lactate buffer are combined may reduce those effects. In a prospective crossover study, we randomized new continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients to one of two groups. One group used 4 exchanges of standard PD (SPD) solution (Dianeal: Baxter Healthcare BV, Utrecht, Netherlands) daily. The second group used 1 exchange of Nutrineal (Baxter Healthcare BV), 1 exchange of Extraneal (Baxter Healthcare BV), and 2 exchanges of Physioneal (Baxter Healthcare BV) daily (NEPP). After 30 weeks of treatment, each group switched over to the other regimen for 24 weeks. Statistical analysis used analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements. Of the 74 patients enrolled into the study, 50 completed the full study period (24 NEPP-SPD, 26 SPD-NEPP). With regard to daily ultrafiltration and dialysis efficacy (Kt/V), the NEPP regimen was as efficacious as the standard regimen. The NEPP regimen was found to be safe: body weight, blood pressure, decline in urine volume, residual creatinine clearance, and laboratory measurements did not differ statistically significantly from those measured in the standard regimen. The NEPP regimen was well tolerated and was not accompanied by serious side effects. During the NEPP regimen, bicarbonate was found to be significantly higher in both groups. The NEPP regimen is a feasible treatment schedule for patients starting CAPD.

Amino Acids↗

Enhanced ultrafiltration using 7.5% icodextrin/1.36% glucose combination dialysate: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: A pilot study to compare the use of a combination dialysate (7.5% icodextrin/1.36% glucose) versus icodextrin 7.5% alone for the long dwell in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). DESIGN: A 4-week, prospective, randomized crossover study. SETTING: A large regional renal unit providing treatment for a population of 1.7 million. PATIENTS: Five patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and 3 patients on automated PD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Long-dwell and 24-hour ultrafiltration volumes, body weight, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, and antihypertensive/diuretic tablet count. RESULTS: The use of the combination dialysate resulted in an increase in the median (interquartile range) long-dwell ultrafiltration, from 750 (650-828) mL to 1000 (889-1100) mL (p < 0.001), and 24-hour ultrafiltration, from 739 (400-1623) mL to 956 (700-1750) mL (p < 0.001). Weight, blood pressure, and tablet count remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the novel combination dialysate resulted in a 33% increase in long-dwell ultrafiltration and a 29% increase in 24-hour ultrafiltration.

Adult↗

Glucose-free dialysis solutions: inductors of inflammation or preservers of peritoneal membrane?

OBJECTIVES: Glucose and other bioincompatible factors of conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions may damage the peritoneal membrane. The aim of our study was to investigate whether replacement of glucose with icodextrin (ID) or amino acids (AA) affects inflammatory parameters or cancer antigen 125 (CA125). DESIGN: Either ID or AA was used, in random order, in one daily exchange during an 8-week period. After the first study period, the patients entered a washout period and then switched to the other study solution for an 8-week period. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in serum, and CA125, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and hyaluronan (HA) were measured in the overnight dwell dialysates at the beginning and end of the study periods. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: 22 patients with duration on peritoneal dialysis of 1.5 - 6.3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of serum CRP and dialysate CA125, IL-6, HA, and sICAM-1 during use of ID and AA were compared to levels during use of glucose-only-based solutions. RESULTS: CRP increased significantly during use of ID. CA125 increased significantly during 8 weeks' use of AA, from 22.8 (5.4 - 89.0) to 42.9 (7.1 - 92.9) kU/L (p = 0.007). IL-6 increased during 8 weeks' use of AA, from 22.0 (9.0 - 108.0) to 36.5 (14.0 - 93.0) ng/L (p = 0.002) and ID, from 25.5 (8.0 - 82.0) to 40.0 (12.0 - 118.0) ng/L (p = 0.008). TNF-alpha also increased significantly during use of ID, but showed no significant changes during use of AA. CONCLUSIONS: The use of glucose-free solutions, especially AA, may lead to preservation of mesothelial cell mass and host defense. However, activation of systemic and peritoneal inflammation may appear during the use of ID and to a lesser extent during use of AA.

Adult↗

[Peritoneal dialysis in patients with diabetic nephropathy].

Since the introduction of peritoneal dialysis (PD) into clinical nephrology at the end of the 1970s, many improvements have led to acceptance of this method as renal replacement therapy equivalent to hemodialysis. It is unclear whether the diabetic patient is the ideal candidate for PD and if this procedure should be the preferred method of treatment of renal failure in these patients, especially when kidney transplantation cannot be performed. PD may provide several advantages for diabetic patients with end-stage renal failure; for example, better hemodynamic stability is achieved during peritoneal ultrafiltration and vascular access surgery becomes unnecessary. On the other hand, the continuous glucose absorption may lead to increased insulin requirements, obesity and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, peritoneal protein loss may aggravate malnutrition, which is frequently present in these patients. However, for a differentiated assessment of outcome in PD, the individual history (diabetes type 1 or type 2) and accompanying comorbidity of diabetic patients have to be considered. Nowadays nephrologists have to be aware of the concept of individualized therapy, which is integrated into an overall plan and takes into account the different conditions of diabetic patients and their treatment options. By improving removal of sodium and water, as well as improving quality of metabolic control, new dialysis solutions (icodextrin, neutral-pH solutions) and automated PD could have a positive impact on outcome in diabetic patients. In contrast, from retrospective studies on PD there is evidence of higher long-term mortality rates in elderly women with diabetes and in patients with cardiac insufficiency than in those on hemodialysis. Further research is necessary in order to optimize individualized therapy for diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease in the future.

Austria↗

In vitro effects of glucose polymer-containing peritoneal dialysis fluids on phagocytic activity.

Commercially available peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) are known to impair peritoneal cellular defense mechanisms. We have investigated the influence of glucose polymer-containing PDFs on phagocytic function in vitro. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNLs) and monocytes (MNs) from 10 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients and 10 healthy donors were incubated in PDFs containing either 7.5% icodextrin (glucose polymer) or 1.5% glucose at original pH and pH 7.4. Chemiluminescence response and H202 production were measured following stimulation with preopsonized Staphylococcus epidermidis or phorbol myristate acetate. Phagocytosis of radiolabeled bacteria and killing capacity of the cells were determined. A comparison of the impact of glucose polymer versus glucose-containing solutions at their original pH on the oxidative metabolism of the cells showed a highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) in favor of glucose polymers for H202 production of PMNLs (7.78 +/- 4.5 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6) cells/min v 1.11 +/- 0.67 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6) cells/min) and MNs (7.66 +/- 3.6 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6) cells/min v 1.29 +/- 0.86 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6)cells/min). Correspondingly, PMNLs and MNs incubated in glucose polymers showed a significantly higher chemiluminescence response irrespective of the stimulant used (P < 0.0001). Applying the killing assay on PMNLs also revealed a significantly higher percentage of inactivated bacteria (45.5% +/- 11.0% v 29.2% +/- 15.5%; P < 0.05). After adjustment of pH to 7.4, a significant difference could only be found for H202 production of PMNLs in favor of glucose polymers (16.73 +/- 6.98 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6) cells/min v 11.65 +/- 5.37 nmol cytochrome C reduction/10(6) cells/min; P < 0.05). In addition, we compared the glucose-polymer solution to an otherwise equally composed equiosmolar solution that contained 0.274% glucose instead of glucose polymers. No significant differences were detected with any of the tests applied. Our data suggest that glucose polymer solutions are comparatively less suppressive to phagocytic function than currently used glucose-containing PDFs. This effect may be attributed to the low osmolarity of these solutions.

Adult↗

Prevention and treatment of peritoneal dialysis membrane failure.

A review is given on the definition of peritoneal membrane failure, its pathogenesis, mechanisms of impaired ultrafiltration, and prevention and treatment of membrane failure. In the absence of clinical signs of peritoneal sclerosis and of nonresolving peritonitis, membrane failure is best defined as net ultrafiltration of less than 400 mL/4 hours on a 3.86% glucose-based dialysis solution. Evidence has been accumulating that glucose is a major pathogenetic factor. Reduced exposure to glucose is the most important preventive measurement. Strategies for treatment are discussed. The use of icodextrin-based dialysis solutions is an attractive possibility to reduce glucose exposure.

Bacterial Infections↗

Important causes of hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes on peritoneal dialysis.

AIM: Diabetes is now the commonest cause of end-stage renal failure, so there are many diabetic patients receiving dialysis therapy. There are several important ways in which dialysis practice can impinge unfavourably on glucose control. This study focuses on the interaction between maltose-derived metabolites in a new peritoneal dialysis fluid and blood glucose measurements using reagent sticks that depend on the glucose dehydrogenase method. CASE REPORT: We report the cases of three patients, with insulin-treated diabetes and end-stage renal disease treated with peritoneal dialysis, who experienced symptomatic hypoglycaemia with inaccurate glucose readings on reagent strips when converted to icodextrin. CONCLUSION: Careful teamwork between diabetes and renal physicians and specialist nurses is highly desirable to achieve good glucose control in a group of patients at particular risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Adult↗

Augmenting solute clearance in peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The removal of low molecular weight solutes by peritoneal dialysis is less than by hemodialysis. The targets for Kt/Vurea and creatinine clearance formulated in the Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative are unlikely to be achieved in a substantial portion of peritoneal dialysis patients. Possibilities to increase small solute clearances have therefore been subject to many investigations. METHODS: A review of the literature and of recent new data on determinants of solute removal, such as residual renal function, the role of drained dialysate volume and manipulation of the diffusive capacity of the peritoneum are presented. RESULTS: The contribution of residual GFR is more important for the clearance of creatinine than for Kt/Vurea. It is even more important for the removal of organic acids that are removed from the body by tubular secretion. High dosages of furosemide increase the urinary volume and the fractional Na+ excretion, but have no effect on the magnitude of residual GFR, renal creatinine clearance, renal urea clearance, and peritoneal transport characteristics. The drained dialysate volume per day is the main determinant of the peritoneal removal of urea. Its effect decreases the higher the molecular weight of a solute. It can be augmented by using large instillation volumes, by the application of more exchanges, and by increasing peritoneal ultrafiltration. A large exchange volume is especially effective in patients with an average transport state, but in those with high solute transport rates, Kt/Vurea is especially influenced by the number of exchanges. Possibilities to increase ultrafiltration are discussed. The diffusive capacity of the peritoneum can be augmented by using low dosages of intraperitoneally administered nitroprusside. This increases solute transport most markedly when it is applied in combination with icodextrin as osmotic agent. CONCLUSIONS: Small solutes clearances cannot be increased by furosemide. Increasing the instilled volume of dialysis fluid and the number of exchanges both affect solute clearance. Studies are necessary on long-term effects of manipulation of the peritoneal membrane with nitroprusside.

Diffusion↗