Comparison of Control of Serum Phosphate Levels during Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and during Hemodialysis

Abstract

Recent reports have suggested that oral aluminium hydroxide carries the risk of aluminium toxicity. We have compared the aluminium hydroxide dose and serum levels of phosphate and aluminium in 27 CAPD and 26 hemodialysis patients. Despite a more liberal protein intake and lower aluminium hydroxide dose, the CAPD patients achieved the same serum phosphate level as those on hemodialysis. While the reason for more efficient serum phosphate control with CAPD is uncertain, the better control gives CAPD an advantage in patients in whom it is particularly important to minimise exposure to aluminium.