Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in the era of a multi-disciplinary approach based on biocompatible solutions: the NEXT-PD study

INTRODUCTION

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Over the past decade in Japan, a multidisciplinary approach has been adopted to minimize the incidence and improve outcomes of EPS. This strategy includes planned PD discontinuation for high-risk patients and the introduction of biocompatible solutions. This study examined the current clinical status of EPS in representative PD centers in Japan.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Patients (n = 1,338) from 55 PD centers in Japan who were using neutral-pH solutions from the initiation of therapy (mean age, 62 years; median PD duration, 32 months; concomitant use of icodextrin, 35.2%; PD and hemodialysis combination therapy, 12.2%) were assessed every 6 months to ascertain the reasons for PD discontinuation and the development of EPS development. Outcomes were also recorded. The study period was from November 2008 to March 2012.

RESULTS

There were 727 patients who discontinued PD, including 163 deaths. Among all causes of PD withdrawal except for death, planned PD discontinuation to avoid EPS was utilized in 58 cases (7.1% in total). The strategy was increasingly utilized in proportion to the duration of PD: 0.5% for patients undergoing PD for < 3 years, 0.6% for patients undergoing PD for 5 years, 14.7% for patients undergoing PD for 8 years, and 35.5% for patients undergoing PD for > 8 years. Fourteen patients developed EPS (three cases after PD), which corresponded with an overall incidence of 1.0%. The incidence according to the duration of PD was 0.3% for PD < 3 years, 0.6% for PD = 5 years, 2.3% for PD = 8 years, and 1.2% for PD > 8 years. In terms of therapy, 11 patients were treated with prednisolone (PSL), and surgical enterolysis was utilized in two cases. Complete remission of abdominal symptoms was achieved in twelve patients (85.7%), and three died due to EPS (mortality rate of 21.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the multidisciplinary approach described above reduces the risk of the development of EPS according to PD duration. In cases of de novo EPS cases in Japan, this strategy can also attenuate the clinical course of the condition.

A case of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis presented shortly after renal transplantation

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), characterized by extensive intraperitoneal fibrosis and encasement of bowel loops. It typically associates with long-term PD and progressive loss of ultrafiltration. The management of EPS has evolved substantially from the original report of this entity and now includes immunosuppressive agents, antifibrotic agents, nutritional support, and surgical intervention. Although the exact cause of this condition remains obscure and despite the possible positive effect of immunosuppression on EPS, it has been described in the post-transplant setting upon the discontinuation of PD. We report such a case of a former PD patient who presented with EPS a month after renal transplantation. This article will highlight the current views regarding the management of post-transplant EPS and introduce the problem of long-term PD patients on the deceased-donor transplant waiting list.

Can sonographic peritoneal thickness be used to follow pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis?

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective and successful therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, PD does not have a life-long effectiveness, and peritoneal membrane failure is commonly observed in long-term PD patients. We hypothesized that ultrasonography could be used to follow these patients.

METHODS

We recruited two patient groups (age range 3-18 years), of whom 20 had ESRD with ongoing PD for ≥24 months (study group) and 20 were pre-dialysis non-ESRD patients (control group). None of the patients had peritonitis during the preceding 3 months, and none had a history of abdominal surgery or malignancy. We measured the sonographic thickness of the parietal peritoneum and obtained Doppler indices of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) by trans-abdominal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Peritoneal thickness as determined by sonography was significantly greater in the PD group than in the controls. The correlation between duration of PD and thickness of the peritoneal membrane was linear and statistically significant. We categorized all 20 patients as either rapid transporters or slow transporters for both creatinine and glucose. The peritoneal membranes of patients who were rapid transporters for both creatinine and glucose were significantly thicker than those of the slow transporters. No statistical difference was found between the Doppler indices of the SMA between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Thickness of the parietal peritoneum as determined by sonography is associated with PD duration and transport characteristics. We conclude that ultrasonography is a non-invasive and practical method which can be useful for following PD patients.

The local inflammatory responses to infection of the peritoneal cavity in humans: their regulation by cytokines, macrophages, and other leukocytes

Studies on infection-induced inflammatory reactions in humans rely largely on findings in the blood compartment. Peritoneal leukocytes from patients treated with peritoneal dialysis offer a unique opportunity to study in humans the inflammatory responses taking place at the site of infection. Compared with peritoneal macrophages (pMϕ) from uninfected patients, pMϕ from infected patients display ex vivo an upregulation and downregulation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, respectively. Pro-IL-1β processing and secretion rather than synthesis proves to be increased in pMϕ from infectious peritonitis suggesting up-regulation of caspase-1 in vivo. A crosstalk between pMϕ, γδ T cells, and neutrophils has been found to be involved in augmented TNFα expression and production during infection. The recent finding in experimental studies that alternatively activated macrophages (Mϕ2) increase by proliferation rather than recruitment may have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS).

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: what have we learned?

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), but carries significant morbidity and mortality. We review the clinical features and radiologic and histologic changes found at diagnosis of EPS. Although EPS is strongly associated with the duration of PD, the pathogenesis remains only partly understood. We discuss the mechanisms thought to underlie the abnormally thickened, sclerotic peritoneal membrane seen in long-term PD patients including epithelial to mesenchymal transition and the molecular mediators of fibrosis and angiogenesis. We review how exposure to high-glucose, nonphysiological dialysis fluids, peritonitis, and uremia may be responsible for these changes. Much remains to be learned about optimal management of EPS, both medical and surgical, because the literature lacks controlled studies. Future research challenges include defining the role of surgery, immunosuppression, and antifibrotic agents in the management of EPS. We also need to understand why some patients progress from asymptomatic peritoneal sclerosis to the extreme levels of fibrin deposition and bowel encapsulation seen in EPS. Screening PD patients for potential future EPS remains difficult, and we need strategies for monitoring patients on longer-term PD that enable us to better quantify the risk of EPS for the individual patient.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: the state of affairs

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a severe complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a 50% mortality rate. EPS is characterized by progressive and excessive fibrotic thickening of the peritoneum, leading to encapsulation of the bowels and intestinal obstruction. At present, EPS cannot be detected with certainty during its early stages; however, a progressive loss of ultrafiltration capacity often precedes its development. Studies that attempted to elucidate the pathogenesis of EPS have shown that the duration of exposure to PD fluids is the most important risk factor for EPS, and that young age and possibly the effects of peritonitis are additional contributory factors. The pathophysiology of EPS is probably best described as a multiple-hit process with a central role for transforming growth factor β. A form of EPS that develops shortly after kidney transplantation has also been recognized as a distinct clinical entity, and may be a common form of EPS in countries with a high transplantation rate. Criteria have been developed to identify EPS by abdominal CT scan at the symptomatic stage, but further clinical research is needed to identify early EPS in asymptomatic patients, to clarify additional risk factors for EPS and to define optimal treatment strategies.

Fluid flow stress affects peritoneal cell kinetics: possible pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis is an essential precursor condition to the development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). This serious complication leads to a high mortality rate in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Although several factors, including highly concentrated glucose in the dialysis solution, are believed to be potent agents for peritoneal fibrosis, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. During PD, the dialysis solution continuously generates fluid flow stress to the peritoneum under peristalsis and body motion. Fluid flow stress has been implicated as playing a critical role in the physiologic responses of many cell types. We therefore hypothesized that fluid flow stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis leading to EPS.

METHODS

To generate fluid flow stress, culture containers were placed on a rotatory shaker in a thermostatic chamber. In this system, the shaker rotated at a speed of 25 rpm with a radius of 1.5 cm. Mesothelial cells were cultured in low-glucose (1000 mg/L) or high-glucose (4500 mg/L) complete medium with and without flow stress.

RESULTS

Fluid flow stress promoted hyperplasia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells independent of glucose concentration. Fluid flow stress inhibited expression of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in mesothelial cells. Administration of ERK and p38 MAPK inhibitors replicated the stress-induced morphology of mesothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data indicate that fluid flow stress promotes hyperplasia and EMT of mesothelial cells via the MAPK axis, suggesting that fluid flow stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis.

2009 Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy guidelines for peritoneal dialysis

The guidelines for peritoneal dialysis (PD) of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Treatment were prepared at 2009. Upon presenting a concrete frame of PD practiced in Japan, it aims to promote PD as a standardized therapy in Japan. Notably, the guidelines recommended combination therapy of PD and hemodialysis as a part of integrated renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease, as well as timely PD withdrawal by peritoneal degeneration in order to prevent progression of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis following a peritoneal foreign body reaction to Dacron fibres-a case report

The aetiological factors and the pathophysiological mechanisms of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) have not been fully elucidated. We present a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis whose peritoneal catheter was exchanged due to repeated episodes of bacterial peritonitis. Immediately afterwards, he experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea and fever. Peritoneal biopsy, taken 12 days after the operation, revealed fibrotic thickening of the peritoneum and a foreign body inflammatory reaction to particles manifesting striking similarity to the Dacron fibres of the catheter cuff. Shedding of Dacron fibres into the peritoneum may have elicited the acute fulminant phase of the EPS diagnosed in this case.

Matrix metalloproteinase levels in the drained dialysate reflect the peritoneal solute transport rate: a multicentre study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) leads to peritoneal injury with high solute transport of the peritoneal membrane. At worst, peritoneal injury leads to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis with an extremely high mortality rate. To perform PD safely and adequately, it is necessary to monitor peritoneal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as new indicators of peritoneal injury.

METHODS

The subjects included 215 PD patients with end-stage renal disease at 20 centres in Japan. MMPs or tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs) in the drained dialysate were quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The peritoneal solute transport rate was assessed to estimate peritoneal injury and PD efficiency by the peritoneal equilibration test (PET).

RESULTS

MMP-2, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels in the drained dialysate obtained by the PET were correlated with the D/P Cr ratios (ρ = 0.69, ρ = 0.52, ρ = 0.55, respectively) and the D/D0 glucose ratios (ρ = -0.60, ρ = -0.47, ρ = -0.48, respectively). The measured D/S ratios of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher than the expected D/S ratios when MMP-2 and TIMP-1 would have been transported from only the circulation. The measured D/S ratios of MMP-3 nearly corresponded to the expected ratios. MMP-1 and TIMP-2 in the drainage were undetected in most patients.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results, most MMP-2 in the drained dialysate may be produced from the peritoneum, and MMP-2 is expected to be a useful marker of peritoneal injury or change in peritoneal solute transport.

CT in predicting abdominal cocoon in patients on peritoneal dialysis

AIM

To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) signs of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) as predictive factors for the evolution to abdominal cocoon (AC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical features and CT signs of 90 patients on PD were retrospectively reviewed. According to the clinical features, they were divided into three groups (asymptomatic, moderate, or severe). Clinical results were correlated with previously reported CT signs of EPS, i.e., peritoneal thickening, peritoneal calcifications, loculated fluids, small bowel faeces sign, small bowel obstruction, clustered bowel loops, pseudo sac, signs of bowel ischaemia or necrosis. AC was defined at CT by the association of clustered bowel loops and a pseudo sac. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test and the t-test.

RESULTS

Although demonstrated in symptomatic patients (p=0.041), the occurrence of AC was not correlated with the severity of the symptoms (p=0.16). Among the CT signs, the presence of loculated fluids (p=0.011), a small bowel faeces sign (p=0.002); and small bowel obstruction (p=0.0001) were found to be statistically correlated with the appearance of an AC. Moreover, the association of loculated fluids, small bowel faeces sign, small bowel obstruction was extremely sensitive and specific in the development of AC (sensitivity=67%, specifity=100%, positive predictive value=100%, negative predictive value=96%).

CONCLUSION

CT should be carried out in every symptomatic patient on PD. Indeed, the association of loculated fluid, small bowel faeces sign, and small bowel obstruction enables the prediction of the development of AC, which is likely to curtail PD and require surgery.

Imaging features of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to present the spectrum of radiologic findings of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

CONCLUSION

Although a rare diagnosis, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in patients undergoing CAPD has a high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is often delayed because clinical features are insidious and nonspecific. Radiologic imaging may be helpful in the early diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and in facilitating timely intervention for CAPD patients with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

Tamoxifen is associated with lower mortality of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: results of the Dutch Multicentre EPS Study

BACKGROUND

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with an increasing incidence. There is no clear consensus on the treatment of EPS, but anecdotal reports indicate improvement in EPS patients treated with tamoxifen. At present, there is no evidence for the effect of tamoxifen treatment in EPS patients. This study investigates the effect of treatment with tamoxifen on survival in EPS patients.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of survival in EPS patients as part of the Dutch multicentre EPS study in the period January 1996 to July 2007. Sixty-three patients with severe EPS were followed up until August 2008. Demographic, patient and PD-related variables of EPS patients were investigated. Patients treated with tamoxifen were compared to patients not treated with tamoxifen. Survival was analysed with multivariate Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were treated with tamoxifen, and 39 were not treated with tamoxifen. The clinical and demographic characteristics were similar for the tamoxifen-treated and non-treated groups. The mortality rate was significantly lower in tamoxifen-treated patients compared to EPS patients not treated with tamoxifen (45.8% vs 74.4%, P=0.03). Survival in tamoxifen-treated patients, adjusted for calendar time, age, use of corticosteroids, presence of functioning transplantation, use of parental nutrition and centre influences was longer in comparison to not-treated patients (HR 0.39, P=0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Tamoxifen treatment in EPS patients is associated with lower mortality and shows a trend to an increased multivariate-adjusted survival. This supports additional use of tamoxifen to treat patients with severe EPS.

The peritoneal osmotic conductance is low well before the diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is made

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious condition whose frequency is increasing the longer the duration of peritoneal dialysis. To identify prognostic indicators of EPS, we studied here longitudinal changes in peritoneal membrane function of patients who later developed this complication. We identified all patients with an unequivocal diagnosis of EPS who began their peritoneal dialysis in our unit over a 20-year period and matched each of them for dialysis duration and age with four control patients who completed their dialysis. The dialysate/plasma creatinine ratio increased with time in both groups but was significantly higher in the patients with EPS only at the time their dialysis was discontinued. The ultrafiltration capacity was significantly worse for at least 2 years before stopping dialysis, diverging further at the time dialysis ceased, suggesting reduced osmotic conductance in the EPS patients. Both the glucose exposure rate for the 5 years preceding stoppage of dialysis and exposure to the osmotic agent icodextrin were significantly higher. Residual renal function was less in the EPS group, but there was no significant difference in the rates of peritonitis compared to the control group. The 24 h peritoneal protein clearance was not significantly different in EPS patients, possibly due to a greater fibrous matrix. Thus, our study shows that regular peritoneal membrane function tests can identify most patients at high risk of developing EPS before its occurrence.

Abdominal pseudocysts following peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a report of 3 cases

Common complications of peritoneal dialysis are peritonitis, leakages, hernias, catheter dislocation, and loss of ultrafiltration. We describe 3 cases of abdominal pseudocysts with progressive difficulty instilling and draining peritoneal dialysis fluid. The 3 patients had been treated with peritoneal dialysis for 1, 2, and 6 years. Two patients had experienced previous episodes of peritonitis and 1 had signs of peritonitis when the pseudocyst was first detected. In all 3 patients, ultrasound and computed tomographic scans, obtained because of progressive decreases in solute clearance, showed dialysate entrapped in a cyst that enclosed the inner tip of the Tenckhoff catheter. The cyst was resected in 2 patients, and the Tenckhoff catheter was removed in 1 patient. Histologic samples were not suggestive of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. Abdominal pseudocysts are a rare complication after peritoneal dialysis therapy, but are reported in 1% of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. The outcome of our described patients was good, although they had to be switched to hemodialysis therapy.

Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in a Patient with Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1: A Case Report

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a defect in glyoxylate metabolism attributable to low or absent activity of the liver-specific peroxisomal enzyme alanine/glyoxylate aminotransferase. This defect leads to enhanced conversion of glyoxylate to poorly soluble oxalate, which is then excreted into the urine. This process may lead to deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in many tissues as well as in the kidneys, resulting in nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and/or renal failure.

We present a 39-year-old patient with end-stage renal failure due to PH1, who was admitted with symptoms of feeling bloated, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain related to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). He had been treated with peritoneal dialysis for a total period of 5 years.

EPS is a rare condition characterized by fibrosis and adhesions of the peritoneum to loops of the small intestine and has been described secondary to treatment with peritoneal dialysis. It also occurs in a variety of other clinical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and peritoneal and intra-abdominal malignancies.

The calcium oxalate crystals found in the peritoneal fascia of this particular patient may suggest a causative relationship between crystal deposits and evolution to fibrosis and sclerosis of the peritoneum. The degree of impact of the peritoneal dialysis treatment itself on the development of EPS, however, is uncertain.

Long-term peritoneal dialysis and encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in children

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is the most serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD), with a mortality rate that exceeds 30%. There have been many reports of the incidence of EPS being strongly correlated to the duration of PD. Patients on PD for longer than 5 years, and especially those receiving this treatment for more than 8 years, should undergo careful and repeated surveillance for risk factors associated with the development of EPS. The development of ultrafiltration failure, a high dialysate/plasma creatinine ratio, as determined by the peritoneal equilibration test, peritoneal calcification, a persistently elevated C-reactive protein level, and severe peritonitis in patients on PD for longer than 8 years are signals that should prompt the clinician to consider terminating PD as a possible means of preventing the development of EPS. The impact of the newer, biocompatible PD solutions on the incidence of EPS has not yet been determined.

Risk factors for developing encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in the icodextrin era of peritoneal dialysis prescription

BACKGROUND

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication of peritoneal dialysis. We have observed an increased incidence in our centre over the last few years.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

To look at potential risk factors for developing EPS, we reviewed 39 cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 and compared these with a control group of 71 patients who had been treated by peritoneal dialysis for a minimum of 4 years. Both groups extensively used icodextrin, >80% of patients.

RESULTS

Both groups had been treated by peritoneal dialysis for a similar time: EPS median 54 months (46-87.5), compared to controls 70 (54-79.5). However, more of the EPS group were treated with peritoneal cyclers (75% vs 46%, X(2) = 6.86, P = 0.009) and prescribed more peritoneal dialysate 14.2 l/day +/- 0.7 vs 10.8 +/- 0.5, P < 0.0001. Although both groups were fast transporters, those with EPS had higher D/P creatinine ratios on peritoneal equilibration testing, 0.84 +/- 0.1 vs 0.77 +/- 0.1, P < 0.05, and lower peritoneal test ultrafiltration volumes, 193 +/- 26 ml vs 283 +/- 21 ml, P < 0.05. Discussion. The patients in the EPS group were faster transporters, with lower peritoneal equilibration and 24-h ultrafiltration volumes, and were exposed to greater volumes of peritoneal dialysates compared to peritoneal dialysis vintage controls.

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: Basic and Translational Research

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a devastating condition in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients. Animal models have employed chemical insults to simulate its pathology and have provided insights into its pathophysiology, which appears to include inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Monitoring of biomarkers and interruption of molecular pathways have provided potential interventions to slow or prevent the disease process. However, there remain many questions concerning the trigger that alters chronic peritoneal inflammation in peritoneal dialysis to severe sclerosis, peritoneal adhesions, and bowel obstruction. Further advances in therapy will likely require an effective means of an early diagnosis through related biomarkers, which in turn will require further advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease process.

The Effects of Colchicine on the Progression and Regression of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an infrequent but extremely serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. Fibrosis of the submesothelial compact zone and neoangiogenesis underlie the pathophysiology of EPS. Colchicine is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agent that has been used for some fibrosing clinical states, such as liver fibrosis.

Objective

To determine the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of colchicine in an EPS rat model in both progression (P) and regression (R).

Methods

48 nonuremic albino Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, 2 mL isotonic saline intraperitoneally (IP) daily for 3 weeks; CG group, IP injection of 2 mL/200 g chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) (0.1%) and ethanol (15%) dissolved in saline, daily for 3 weeks; resting group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + peritoneal resting (4 – 6 weeks); C-R group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + 1 mg/L colchicine (4 – 6 weeks); C-P group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + 1 mg/L colchicine in drinking water (0 – 3 weeks). At the end, a 1-hour peritoneal equilibration test was performed with 25 mL 3.86% peritoneal dialysis solution. Dialysate-to-plasma ratio of urea (D/P urea), dialysate WBC count, ultrafiltration volume, and morphological changes of parietal peritoneum were examined.

Result

Exposure to CG for 3 weeks resulted in alterations in peritoneal transport (increased D/P urea, decreased ultrafiltration volume; p < 0.05) and morphology (increased inflammation, neovascularization, fibrosis, and peritoneal thickness; p < 0.05). Resting had some beneficial effects on peritoneal derangements; however, once the peritoneum had been stimulated, resting alone was not enough to reverse these pathological changes. Colchicine had more pronounced effects on membrane integrity via decreased inflammation, cell infiltration, and vascularity compared to the resting group.

Conclusion

We suggest that colchicine may have therapeutic value in the management of EPS.

A Role for the Asian Peritoneal Dialysis Community in Renal Replacement Therapy Worldwide

Prevalence and incidence of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Asia are both increasing, but the increase is not homogenous. In some countries and regions, PD is not used as one of the standard therapeutic modalities, because of either insufficient medico-economic infrastructure or a lack of clinical experience and knowledge—or sometime both. In the present article, we would like to introduce a little “Asian heat” with regard to PD utilization and academic and scientific contributions to the PD community in the world.

An emerging and devastating acute abdomen in a patient under peritoneal dialysis: encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been applied to patients with end-stage renal disease for more than 2 decades. It should raise physicians' concern about the serious complications of prolonged PD therapy, particularly encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), the most potentially life-threatening one. The prevalence and mortality rate of EPS increase as PD duration increases. We report a case of EPS presented with blood-tinged effluents and abdominal pain.

Case report of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: the interpretation of functional and structural peritoneal changes

A case report describing the evolution of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is presented to illustrate some of the functional and structural peritoneal membrane changes characteristic of this complication of peritoneal dialysis. The appropriate monitoring of peritoneal transport rates and ultrafiltration, together with attention to clinical signs and symptoms, are essential to the early diagnosis of peritoneal membrane deterioration. Recent reports suggest that timely interventions such as a peritoneal membrane rest period may effectively halt the progression of these functional and structural changes. While the optimal surgical and pharmacological treatment of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis remains uncertain, the latest literature provides a certain degree of optimism.

Histomorphological and functional changes of the peritoneal membrane during long-term peritoneal dialysis

In long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) morphological and functional changes of the peritoneal membrane are common. Sub-mesothelial fibrosis, angiogenesis and vasculopathy are typical histomorphological alterations of the peritoneal membrane, which, to a certain degree, are induced by uremia and recurrent peritonitis. The most important causative factor, however, represents the chronic exposure to PD solutions. Glucose, glucose degradation products and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) via different pathways induce inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. As a functional consequence ultrafiltration failure due to peritoneal hyperpermeability and an increased effective peritoneal surface area represents a major clinical problem. An insufficient function of the water-selective aquaporin 1 (AQP-1) channel may also be causative for inadequate ultrafiltration. A rare but life-threatening complication of long-term PD is encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). For both impaired AQP-1 function and EPS, the long-term effects of PD fluids are believed to be responsible, even though the mechanisms are not yet understood. The avoidance of glucose and modern PD fluids with fewer glucose degradation products, as well as first pharmacological attempts may help to preserve the peritoneal membrane in the long term.

[Surgical treatment of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis]

OBJECTIVES

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) or abdominal cocoon is a rare disease characterized by the formation of a fibrocollagenous membrane that wraps around the loops of the small bowel, producing obstruction. We present the results of the surgical treatment of this disease in three patients with chronic renal failure who developed SEP during the course of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and provide a literature review on the subject aimed at the general surgeon.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

In our area, the PD program treated 150 patients in 14 years, with seven cases of suspected SEP. In three patients, exploratory laparotomy was required. Clinical data, diagnostic imaging tests, type of surgery, immediate postoperative course, and status of the patient during subsequent follow-up are described.

RESULTS

In one of the three patients, bowel obstruction led to perforation requiring resection with anastomosis; the postoperative course was complicated and the patient died. In the remaining two patients, elective surgery was performed with the aim of removing the capsule enclosing the intestinal loops. In both patients the immediate postoperative course was favorable, although recurrence of intestinal encapsulation occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The success of surgery in this disease is determined by the technique used. The correct technique consists of freeing the adhesions and extirpating of the capsule as far as possible. Perforation, as well as resection and intestinal anastomosis, significantly increase mortality.