Impact of Peritoneal Membrane Function on Long Term Clinical Outcome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

It is increasingly clear that peritoneal membrane transport status has clinical implications. The role of the peritoneum in dialysis delivery becomes para mount once residual renal function is lost, particularly as the membrane characteristics may change for the worse with time on treatment. These findings have several important implications: Clinicians need to take solute transport character istics into account as they assess their patients. Adverse effects of high solute transport include reduced ultrafiltration, solute removal (in particular, sodium), and increased peritoneal protein losses. A need exists to replace lost residual renal function, not just with enhanced solute removal, but also with adequate salt and water removal. The interpretation of urea and creatinine clear ances in anuric PD patients needs further consideration and validation. Hypoalbuminemia in PD patients will result from the combined effects of high protein losses, over hydration, comorbidity, and malnutrition.