Use of bicarbonate/lactate-buffered dialysate with a nighttime cycler, associated with a daytime dwell with icodextrin, may result in alkalosis in children

The aim of peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains to deliver "appropriate" renal replacement therapy, including sufficient ultrafiltration, correction of acid-base balance, and adequate dialysis dose. We switched our pediatric patients on automated PD from standard lactate-buffered glucose solution (Dianeal: Baxter Healthcare SA, Castlebar, Ireland) to bicarbonate/lactate-buffered solution (Physioneal: Baxter Healthcare SA) as soon as it became available in our country. We also decided to deliver "optimal" dialysis in children by prescribing a long daytime dwell with icodextrin solution (Extraneal: Baxter Healthcare SA). But, adding those three benefits together--APD, Physioneal, and a long dwell with icodextrin--the result, at least in children, was a possible overcorrection of acidosis and an evolution to alkalosis. Thought must be given to developing solutions with varying bicarbonate concentrations for various treatment modalities.

Silver Coating of Dialysis Catheters to Reduce Bacterial Colonization and Infection

Complications resulting from infection remain a major problem for hemodialysis catheters, with significant numbers of catheters being removed due to catheter-related sepsis. Numerous strategies have been employed to reduce the occurrence of infection and improve long-term outcomes, with varying degrees of success. One promising approach is coating the external surface of catheters with silver using physical vapor deposition processes. This article reviews results of animal and clinical experiments conducted to assess efficacy and biocompatibility of silver-coated dialysis catheters. It is concluded that silver coatings can reduce bacterial colonization and occurrence of infection associated with these devices.

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema induced by a molecular adsorbent recirculating system: case report

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is a well-recognized manifestation of acute lung injury which has been related, among others, to blood or blood-product transfusion, intravenous contrast injection, air embolism, and drug ingestion. We describe two cases of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after use of a molecular adsorbent recirculating system, a cell-free dialysis technique. Patients in this series presented at our institution to be evaluated for liver transplantation. Subsequently, they developed an indication for the molecular adsorbent recirculating system. Two patients of 30 (6.6%) treated with the molecular adsorbent recirculating system for acute-on-chronic liver failure and intractable pruritus had normal chest X-rays before treatment and developed severe pulmonary edema, in the absence of cardiogenic causes, following use of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system. For each patient we reviewed the history of blood or blood-product transfusion, echocardiograms if available, daily chest X-rays, and when available pre- and postmolecular adsorbent recirculating systemic blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressures, cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, and arterial blood gas. Our data suggest that the molecular adsorbent recirculating system may cause noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, possibly by an immune-mediated mechanism.

High peritoneal clearance of small molecules did not provide low serum beta2-microglobulin concentrations in peritoneal dialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

Although early reports demonstrated that serum beta(2)-microglobulin (s-beta(2)m) concentrations in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) were lower than those in patients on hemodialysis (HD), more recent studies demonstrated lower s-beta(2)m concentrations in HD patients treated mainly with high-flux synthetic membranes. We therefore compared s-beta(2)m concentrations between patients on PD and on HD, and also analyzed the relationship between s-beta(2)m concentrations and other parameters in patients on PD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated 24 patients who had been undergoing PD [11 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, 13 on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis] for 4.3 +/- 2.7 years, and 24 patients who had been undergoing HD with high-flux synthetic membranes for 6.1 +/- 3.2 years. Concentrations of s-beta(2)m in the PD patients were compared to concentrations in the HD patients. In patients on PD, we also analyzed the relationship between s-beta(2)m concentration and other parameters, including residual renal function, total weekly Kt/V urea, total weekly creatinine clearance (CCr), and dialysis schedules.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in s-beta(2)m concentrations between the PD and HD patients (33.6 +/- 10.4 mg/L vs 30.3 +/- 10.5 mg/L respectively). Concentrations of s-beta(2)m in PD patients rose with PD duration and were significantly inversely correlated with residual renal function (r = -0.71, p < 0.0001). Unexpectedly, concentrations of s-beta(2)m in anuric PD patients rose as peritoneal CCr increased. And most of the patients with high s-beta(2)m levels fell into the high or high-average transport categories according to a peritoneal equilibration test.

CONCLUSIONS

Concentrations of s-beta(2)m in patients on PD did not differ significantly from concentrations in HD patients who were using high-flux synthetic membranes. The contribution of residual renal function to removal of beta(2)m was more important than the contribution of peritoneal clearance. High peritoneal clearance of small molecules did not result in low s-beta(2)m concentrations, especially in anuric patients with accelerated peritoneal permeability.

Patient and technique survival on peritoneal dialysis in the United States: Evaluation in large incident cohorts

Patient and technique survival on peritoneal dialysis in the United States: Evaluation in large incident cohorts. Secular trends in dialysis require a frequent re-examination of outcomes in patients on renal replacement modalities. We examined three large cohorts of patients initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 1999, 2000, and 2001 (total of > 30,000 patients) to ascertain trends in patient outcomes, technique success, and predictors of both parameters of interest. Trends toward improved patient survival, higher technique success, and increasing use of cycler-based therapy, with more recent calendar years were noted. Age and diabetes were clear predictors of patient survival, but did not appear to influence technique success. Technique success was higher in patients on automated PD (APD) than in patients on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD), but this difference was mostly concentrated in the first year on therapy. Patients starting PD after a failed allograft had excellent survival. We conclude that the current state of PD in the United States is characterized by improving patient outcomes, higher technique success, and a predominance of use of cycler-based therapy. Several opportunities for improving technique success amenable to practice interventions have been identified. The high success of PD in patients with failed allograft suggests that it is beneficial to utilize this modality more frequently in this patient group than current practice.

Viability of home peritoneal dialysis: experience with 100 patients from an Arab population

BACKGROUND

The viability of home peritoneal dialysis (HPD) is being debated in Arab countries. We therefore undertook the present study to assess the viability of HPD in the Arab culture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients with end-stage renal failure were treated with HPD during the period January 1996 to October 2001.

RESULTS

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was performed in 81 patients (81%), and nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) in 19 patients (19%). The patient group included 54 men (54%) and 46 women (46%) with a mean age of 54.94 +/- 14.58 years. They were followed for a total of 2118.3 patient-treatment months and had a mean dialysis duration of 21.2 +/- 9.97 months. Peritonitis occurred at the rates of 1 episode every 18.5 patient-treatment months (Bieffe L3 double-bag system: Bieffe Medital, Grosotto, Italy), 1 episode every 22.5 patient-treatment months (ANDY Plus system: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), and 1 episode every 23.7 patient-treatment months (NIPD system Fresenius PD-Night: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Recurrent peritonitis was the main reason (70.6%) for transfer to hemodialysis. A good level of social well-being and rehabilitation was achieved in 49 patients on CAPD (60.5%) and 13 patients on NIPD (68.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that HPD is a viable modality of renal replacement therapy in Arab countries. By adopting a strict training model, the peritoneal dialysis team can train even patients or caregivers with limited education, preventing peritonitis and promoting the general well-being of patients.

The ADEMEX study and PD adequacy

The ADEMEX study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional trial that evaluated the effect of an increase in peritoneal clearance on the relative risk of death for patients on CAPD. The results suggest that over the range of solute clearance studied, increasing peritoneal solute clearance had no beneficial effect on survival. Residual renal function did predict outcome. The findings are clinically relevant, but there are some limitations of the study that may limit the generalizability of the results. First of all, exclusion criteria were likely to result in the exclusion of rapid transporters and small patients, the subgroup of patients found to have an increased relative risk of death on PD in other studies. Secondly, ADEMEX evaluated the effect of an increase in small solute, not middle molecular weight solute clearances on outcome. Lastly, ADEMEX did not evaluate outcomes for patients on cycler therapies, the most popular form of PD in use currently. The data confirms (a) that one size prescription does not fit all; (b) that many patients below current NKF-DOQI targets for small solute clearance may be adequately dialyzed, and (c) it provides us with evidence-based data that national societies can consider using when preparing for the next revisions of their guidelines.

ADEMEX and HEMO trials: where are we going?

Doubt has remained as to whether or not the K/DOQI recommended targets for adequacy of dialysis for peritoneal dialysis patients is appropriate (weekly Kt/V 2 + creatinine clearance 50-60 l/1.73 m(2)). The ADEMEX trial can be interpreted as indicating that lower targets might be acceptable. The HEMO trial, not yet published but presented in April 2002, casts doubts on the advantages of achieving higher than recommended small solute clearance targets. Taken together, these trials require that we broaden our concept of adequacy. There is also a risk of complacency with respect to dialysis adequacy because of these trials and this would be unwise.

Recent concepts in the molecular biology of the peritoneal membrane - implications for more biocompatible dialysis solutions

This paper reviews some important recent findings on the molecular biology of the peritoneal membrane. It attempts to correlate in vitro and in vivo experimental results with the possible clinical consequences. The most common functional alteration during long-term CAPD is increased peritoneal small-solute transport rate, resulting in impaired ultrafiltration and decreased dialysis efficiency. This contribution first discusses the most relevant advances in the biochemistry and molecular biology of the peritoneal membrane following peritonitis and as consequence of the continuous exposure to unphysiological dialysis fluids. In a second part the preliminary experimental and clinical experience with more biocompatible fluids is summarized. The most relevant structural and functional alterations of the membrane following repeated peritonitis is the consequence of the response of the peritoneum to infective organisms involving the inflammatory cytokines and the interaction between membrane resident cell populations: macrophages, mesothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this setting, human biopsy studies and animal experiments have identified an increase in the peritoneal-associated vasculature, which seems to be the primary cause of increased solute transport. The structural and functional alterations in the membrane in long-term peritoneal dialysis are thought to be the consequence of the toxicity of glucose, either directly or indirectly through the generation of glucose degradation products or the formation of advanced glycation end-products. In particular, an important role for vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide as downstream mediators of the alterations has been suggested. Finally, the last part of this paper reviews the actual and future research aimed at an amelioration of the biocompatibility of the dialysis fluids. Replacing glucose by other osmotic agents, changing the sterilization process, replacing the lactate buffer by bicarbonate, blocking the formation of reactive carbonyl products and of the neoangiogenesis are the most promising changes to enhance the biocompatibility. Finally, gene therapy may in the future have an important contribution. Ex vivo gene therapy involves harvesting peritoneum samples to isolate mesothelial cells that will be genetically modified before re-implantation into the peritoneal cavity.

Intraperitoneal hydrostatic pressure and flow characteristics of peritoneal catheters in automated peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

In automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) one of the most important factors that influence the efficiency of the treatment is the total volume of dialysate infused per session and the dwell time. This study is aimed at examining the relationships between i.p. pressure (IPP), dialysate flow characteristics, and different dialysate fill volumes in order to optimize APD.

METHODS

We studied 20 patients who received APD, with the standard fill volume (2 l, A), or individualized fill volumes based on the patient's body surface area (2.5 l/BSA/1.73 m, B) or on body weight (40 ml/kg body weight, C). The patient's tolerance to a given fill volume was evaluated by measuring IPP, and catheter flow characteristics were evaluated by an automated machine.

RESULTS

IPP increased with the increase of the infused volume of dialysate (P < 0.05) and tended towards a positive relationship with the patient's body mass index (BMI: A vs IPP: R = 0.39, P = 0.0019; B vs IPP: R = 0.66, P = 0.0012; C vs IPP R = 0.55, P = 0.009). We also found a relationship between fill volume, BMI and IPP: IPP = 1.0839 + 0.53 (beta) x BMI + 0.211 (beta) x fill volume (R = 0.65; r(2) = 0.40 P < 0.01). The mean IPP with different dialysate fill volumes tended to be related to the volume of dialysate drained at the transition point (R = 0.37; P < 0.05). The pre-transition flow rate/mean IPP ratio tended towards a positive relationship with the volume of dialysate drained at the transition point (R = 0.35, P < 0.05), the transition time (R = 0.34; P < 0.05) and a negative one with the transition volume (R = -0.35, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is possible to customize APD, where the tidal percentage coincides with the transition point for a given catheter and a specific initial dialysate fill volume, the tolerance of which can be measured by assessing IPP.

Peritoneal dialysis after surgery for congenital heart disease in infants and young children

BACKGROUND

We determined the risk factors for peritoneal dialysis (PD) in young children undergoing open heart surgery and, in those patients requiring PD, factors associated with prolonged PD and mortality.

METHODS

The clinical records of 182 children, aged 3 years or younger, who had undergone open heart surgery during a 2-year period were reviewed. Demographic data, preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications were compared between patients requiring PD and those who did not, and between survivors and nonsurvivors of PD.

RESULTS

Of the 182 patients, 31 (17%) required PD. Patients requiring PD were lighter and more likely to have required preoperative ventilation; had undergone more complex surgery requiring longer bypass and circulatory arrest; and had experienced a pulmonary hypertensive crisis (p < 0.01). Logistic regression identified circulatory arrest (relative risk, 9.4; p = 0.002), cardiopulmonary bypass duration (relative risk, 1.02; p = 0.028), and low cardiac output syndrome (relative risk, 12.9; p < 0.0001) as significant determinants. Peritoneal dialysis was effective in achieving negative fluid balance, although serum urea and creatinine levels remained static. Prolonged PD was associated with younger age, higher preoperative serum creatinine, higher postoperative oxygen requirement, postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis, and low cardiac output syndrome (p < 0.05). When compared with survivors (n = 22), nonsurvivors (n = 9) were more likely to have had syndrome disorders and required preoperative ventilation and higher postoperative ventilatory settings (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for PD in young children undergoing open heart surgery are circulatory arrest, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and low cardiac output syndrome. The preoperative and postoperative cardiopulmonary status has a significant bearing on PD duration and patient survival.

[Influence of different pharmacological agents in the ex vivo proliferation of mesothelial cells obtained from the peritoneal effluent of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis]

Mesothelial cells (MC) are the first peritoneal membrane barrier in contact with dialysate. The aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro capacity of different pharmacological agents to modify the ex vivo proliferation of MC obtained from the peritoneal effluent of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty cultures of MC taken from nocturnal peritoneal effluent were performed. After identification, MC are subcultured in 24 multi-well plates, adding the different exogenous agents. Proliferative capacity and cell morphology were estimated on day 16th of culture. The agents evaluated were insulin, IGF-1, tamoxifen, labetalol, carvedilol, enalapril and losartan.

RESULTS

Insulin shows a dose-dependent effect on MC growth, with a limit that is stimulated by the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Concentrations higher than 100 micrograms/ml, are not associated with further growth, even with cell damage. In contrast, the wide range of IGF-1 dose used did not affect to MC proliferation. Tamoxifen causes negative effects on MC growth just a very high doses, not resembling doses in clinical practice. Labetalol does not modify MC proliferation used under therapeutic calculated range. However, concentrations higher than 40 micrograms/ml showed a negative influence on growth, behaving as lethal doses that over 100 micrograms/ml. The addition of FBS attenuates this effect. These effects were very similar to that caused by carvedilol addition. Enalapril and losartan act as antiproliferative agents for MC. This effect is potentiated with angiotensin II, reaching lethal concentrations increasing the dose. In conclusion, mesothelial cell growth ex vivo taken from nocturnal peritoneal effluent on PD patients is an useful tool to explore the effects of any pharmacological agent on the biology of the cell of the peritoneum. The agents used had any influence in the proliferation capacity of mesothelial cells.

Measurement of hydrostatic intraperitoneal pressure: a useful tool for the improvement of dialysis dose prescription

The prescription of peritoneal dialysis should be individualized based on parameters of tolerance and adequacy. Determination of the intraperitoneal fill volume is essential for optimal patient care. Fill volume enhancement is a factor of exchange surface area recruitment: the wetted, contact peritoneal dialysis membrane. Nevertheless, fill volume enhancement can also lead to patient discomfort, with the potential risk of too high an intraperitoneal pressure (hernia, gastro-esophageal reflux). The perception of the individual patient is also a subjective parameter of fill volume tolerance assessment. In contrast, measurement of the hydrostatic intraperitoneal pressure (IPP, cmH(2)O) allows an objective approach to fill volume tolerance. From our clinical experience of more than 10 years of IPP measurements in child care, we can give a recommendation for normal values in children: less than 18 cm of water, usually between 5 and 15 cm, correlated to the intraperitoneal fill volume (naturally), but individually taking into account age, gender, "accustomization" and overall body mass index.

Mathematical models of fluid and solute transport in peritoneal dialysis

Three types of mathematical models of peritoneal transport are reviewed: distributed models, membrane models, and pore models. The distributed model described the capillary bed distributed within the tissue with two sets of transport parameters for the capillary wall and for the tissue separately. The membrane and the three pore models consider blood as a compartment separated by a transport barrier from the dialysis fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The membrane model describes the barrier using "black box" transport parameters, whereas the three pore model assumes three types of pores across the barrier (large, small, and ultra small pores) and a mathematical theory of fluid and solute transport through the pore. Each model contributes its specific share to investigations of peritoneal transport. The basic features and specific areas of application of all three types of the models are discussed.

[Quality of life and therapy in the elderly patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis]

In this study quality of life adequacy of treatment was assessed in 32 PD patients over 65 years of age and compared with younger patients on PD (age 40 on average). Quality of life was examined with help of QLQ-C30 questionnaire, negative emotions with use of HADS and own Aggression Scale, life satisfaction on the Cantril's Ladder. Total weekly clearances were used for adequacy assessment as well as nutrition parameters and rate of anaemia and EPO use. Frequency of complications was also compared. Elderly patients were starting dialysis with lower GFR, but in the course of observation neither total clearances nor nutrition parameters and degree of anaemia did not differ between the groups. Elderly used EPO significantly less frequently in comparison to the younger patients. Peritonitis rate was similar and exit site infections were less frequent in elderly population. There was no difference between quality of life and level of negative emotions between the groups.

IN CONCLUSION

PD appears to be effective and acceptable method of dialysis for the elderly.

Intravenous iron therapy in chronic kidney disease and peritoneal dialysis patients

Identical National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) hematologic and iron targets apply to chronic kidney disease (CKD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and hemodialysis (HD) patients, yet intravenous (i.v.) nondextran iron therapy is FDA approved only in HD patients. This is because oral iron has been considered adequate in CKD and PD patients, and delivering a parenteral therapy on a frequent basis to an outpatient population with notoriously poor vascular access presents logistical complexities. However, recognition of the need for more aggressive treatment of anemia in the CKD and PD population is growing. This awareness, along with the improved safety profiles of the new, nondextran irons, is tipping the risk-benefit ratio toward more widespread use of i.v. iron in these patients. This article provides a summary of the literature and of our own experience using i.v. iron therapy in CKD and PD patients. Our protocol relies on early monitoring and intervention with i.v. ferric gluconate before severe iron deficiency develops. The proactive approach allows for relatively infrequent treatments at only moderately "high" doses (250 mg) of ferric gluconate. The convergence of convenience and safety may expedite more energetic anemia prevention and treatment in PD and CKD patients.

[Malnutrition -- inflammation -- atherosclerosis (MIA syndrome) in patients with renal failure]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Malnutrition may worsen patient outcome by aggravating existing inflammation and heart failure, accelerating atherosclerosis and increasing susceptibility to infection. Available data demonstrate that chronic inflammation, a non-traditional risk factor which is observed commonly in uremic patients, play a key role in the genesis of both malnutrition and CVD in ESRD. Moreover, inflammation is associated with congestive heart failure. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are pivotal to the inflammation. There is evidence that a chronic inflammation with activation of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and other cytokines is associated with increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in ESRD patients. Strong relations between malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis in ESRD patients suggest the presence of a MIA (malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis) syndrome, which is associated with high mortality rate. Thus, it could be speculated that suppression of the vicious cycle of malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis (MIA) would improve survival in ESRD patients. Therefore, the early stage of chronic renal failure is the ideal time to start therapeutic interventions.

Medical decision-making and information needs in end-stage renal disease patients

Health information and decision-making are increasingly important to patients with diverse illnesses. The aim of this study was to examine health information needs and decision-making in individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to examine the influence of age and gender. A self-report survey was administered to 197 consecutive ESRD patients receiving renal replacement therapy. Their mean age was 52.8 years; 58.2% were male, 64.3% were on hemodialysis, and 35.7% on peritoneal dialysis. Actual participation levels in decision-making were not necessarily in agreement with the preferred degree of participation. Eighty percent of patients wanted the health care team (HCT) to make their treatment decisions for them, but only 40% of those who preferred autonomous and 30% of those who preferred shared decision making with their HCT reported that this was their actual experience. Consequently, many more patients perceived that their decision-making was made by their HCT than preferred this. No significant gender differences were observed; however, older participants preferred and experienced their HCT make their treatment decisions (P<.05). All patients wanted high levels of information with some differences by gender and age. HCT should strive to ascertain and meet the information needs and treatment decision-making roles preferred by individual patients.

"Flush before fill" in children receiving automated peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the "flush before fill" technique on the frequency of peritonitis in children receiving automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

DESIGN

Randomized prospective multicenter study.

SETTING

Participating pediatric dialysis programs of the Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Study Consortium.

PATIENTS

121 pediatric (< 21 years of age) patients that had received peritoneal dialysis for > or = 2 months and that were currently receiving APD were randomized to use (flush group) or non-use (no flush group) of the "flush before fill" option. 66 patients were followed for > or = 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Peritonitis rates.

RESULTS

Overall, patients enrolled in the flush group experienced a peritonitis rate of 1 infection every 16.8 patient months; patients in the no flush group experienced a rate of 1 infection every 12.6 patient months (p = 0.193). However, analysis by gender revealed the peritonitis rate of females in the flush group (1 infection every 44.7 patient months) to be significantly better than females in the no flush group (1 infection every 12.4 patient months) (p < or = 0.01). There was no difference noted in the male patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of the "flush before fill" option in pediatric patients receiving APD is associated with a marked improvement in the peritonitis rate of female but not male patients. Further study is indicated to explain the gender differences.

Influence of peritoneal dialysate flow rate on the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of dialysate flow rate (DFR) on cefazolin pharmacokinetics (PK) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of published reports, identified by MEDLINE search (1966-2002) and other sources, containing information on cefazolin PK data in PD patients was conducted. Data were analyzed based upon low DFR (< or = 5.50 mL/minute) or high DFR (> 5.50 mL/minute). Data available were from North American (NA) (n = 45) and Singaporean (n = 10) patients. Complete data sets were available for 33 patients (CDS patients). Data were analyzed with respect to data origin and data set completeness: all patients (ALL), NA, and CDS. Analysis of log-transformed cefazolin PK data was performed to determine coefficient of determination (r2) between DFR and cefazolin elimination rate constant (kel), clearance total (ClT), and clearance peritoneal (ClPD). Clearance total data were extrapolated to DFR observed in continuous flow PD.

RESULTS

Published literature provided data on 55 PD patients (12 high DFR, 43 low DFR). Regardless of data origin (ALL, NA, or CDS), a prominent coefficient of determination (p < 0.0001) existed between DFR and all cefazolin PK data except ClPD. The p value for DFR correlation to ClPD was 0.953, 0.011, and 0.036 for ALL, NA, and CDS patients, respectively. Cefazolin ClT and ClPD increased at higher DFRs.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that an increased DFR leads to an increased rate of cefazolin clearance in NA PD patients. The impact of Asian descent on cefazolin ClPD warrants further investigation. Clinicians dosing cefazolin in PD patients using a higher DFR than that used to determine cefazolin PK should use increased doses or prescribe lower/comparable DFRs. Data are not yet available for patients prescribed very high DFRs (e.g., continuous flow PD); extrapolation of our results demonstrates significant influences on clearance and risk for underdosing.