Hematocrit and Residual Renal Creatinine Clearance in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

In a recent report, the relationship between renal creatinine clearance and hematocrit in patients with renal creatinine clearances, ranging from 55 to 8 mL per min. per 1.73 square meters of body surface area, was analyzed (1). The authors of this study have performed a crosssectional analysis of the relationship of hematocrit to residual renal creatinine clearance in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The authors of this study wanted to examine whether or not these hematocrits fall within extrapolations of the published 95% confidence limits for males and females with renal failure prior to end-stage renal disease and dialytic intervention. Authors also compare d regression intercepts at residual creatinine clearances of 0. Most of the CAPD patients had hematocrits within the upper half or above the extrapolated 95% confidence limits for the predialysis population. Within the CAPD population, there were no significant correlations of hematocrit with residual creatinine clearance at these lower ranges. The degree of scatter in the CAPD population for hematocrit values was similar to that in the predialysis population. Residual creatinine clearance appears to be a crude index of the increasing severity of multiple factors that may contribute to the anemia. CAPD appears to maintain or improve hematocrit as renal mass and function decline.

Systematic review of cognitive deficits in adult mitochondrial disease

The profile and trajectory of cognitive impairment in mitochondrial disease are poorly defined. This systematic review sought to evaluate the current literature on cognition in mitochondrial disease, and to determine future research directions. A systematic review was conducted, employing PubMed, Medline, Psycinfo, Embase and Web of Science, and 360‐degree citation methods. English language papers on adult patients were included. The literature search yielded 2421 articles, of which 167 met inclusion criteria. Case reports and reviews of medical reports of patients yielded broad diagnoses of dementia, cognitive impairment and cognitive decline. In contrast, systematic investigations of cognitive functioning using detailed cognitive batteries identified focal cognitive rather than global deficits. Results were variable, but included visuospatial functioning, memory, attention, processing speed and executive functions. Conclusions from studies have been hampered by small sample sizes, variation in genotype and the breadth and depth of assessments undertaken. Comprehensive cognitive research with concurrent functional neuroimaging and physical correlates of mitochondrial disease in larger samples of well‐characterized patients may discern the aetiology and progression of cognitive deficits. These data provide insights into the pattern and trajectory of cognitive impairments, which are invaluable for clinical monitoring, health planning and clinical trial readiness.

Side Holes at the Tip of Chronic Hemodialysis Catheters are Harmful

Side holes at the inflow tip are necessary for acute hemodialysis catheters without inflow end-hole. Most catheters for chronic dialysis, both single and dual lumen, are also provided with side holes. There are no data in support of the notion that side holes improve blood flow or prolong the life of chronic catheters. The opposite may be true. Firstly, the side holes are created by drilling and have rough edges as can be seen in scanning electron microscopy. Secondly, many times, while removing chronic catheters, either electively or because of obstruction, a clot is found at the tip of the catheter and anchored in the side hole(s). Such a clot is difficult to strip by a snare in situ. Thirdly, a difficult to remove clot is formed on the outer surface of the catheter and extends to the inside lumen. If so, the holes have no role in extending the life of the catheter. Fourthly, the heparin or other anticoagulant, which is instilled to the catheter lumen at the end of dialysis, may not reach the catheter tip and/or be leached out in the period between dialyses, thus, predisposing to clot formation at the tip of the lumen. Finally, if the inflow bore is occluded and the blood flows through the side holes, it is likely that the vein intima is sucked into the holes, becomes damaged and causes formation of the mural thrombus. In such a case these holes would not be beneficial in prolonging catheter life, but may even preclude the possibility of inserting another catheter into the same vein at a later date.

Peritoneal accumulation of advanced glycosylation end-products in diabetic rats on dialysis with icodextrin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the effects of glucose-based solutions to those of icodextrin with respect to peritoneal transport characteristics and formation of advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs) in the peritoneal membrane in the diabetic rat model of peritoneal dialysis (PD).

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-three male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 275 - 300 g were divided into 5 groups: group C (n = 6), control rats with catheter but not dialyzed; group D (n = 5), diabetic rats with catheter but not dialyzed; group G (n = 7), diabetic rats dialyzed with standard 2.5% glucose solution for daytime exchanges and 4.25% glucose solution for the overnight exchange; group H (n = 8), diabetic rats dialyzed with standard 2.5% glucose solution for daytime exchanges and 7.5% icodextrin solution for overnight exchanges; group I (n = 7), diabetic rats dialyzed with 7.5% icodextrin solution for all exchanges. Dialysis exchanges were performed three times daily with an instillation volume of 25 mL per exchange for a period of 12 weeks. Tissue sections were stained using a monoclonal anti-AGE antibody. One-hour peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) were performed every 4 weeks for comparison of transport characteristics.

RESULTS

The level of immunostaining was lowest in group C and highest in group G. Significant differences were seen between group C and groups G, H, and I (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p< 0.05 respectively). Significant differences were also found between group G and groups D and I (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 respectively). Over time, glucose concentration at the end of an exchange versus concentration at instillation (D/D0 glucose) decreased and dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of urea increased. Significant differences were found between groups C and H for D/D0 glucose (0.40+/-0.01 vs 0.35+/-0.01, p < 0.05); and between groups C and H for D/P urea (0.87+/-0.03 vs 0.97+/-0.02, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AGE formation is lower with the use of peritoneal dialysis solution containing icodextrin than with glucose-based solutions. We conclude that the use of icodextrin may be helpful in slowing the deterioration of the peritoneal membrane, prolonging its use for dialysis.

Determination and importance of clinical and patient-based measures in outcome assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Therapeutic effectiveness is the overall effect of an intervention on clinical and quality-of-life measures. Traditionally, in peripheral arterial disease, this has been evaluated in terms of clinical outcomes only. The lack of correlation between quality-of-life and clinical measures means that these cannot adequately describe overall patient benefit or adverse effects from an intervention. Therefore, patient-based measures such as changes in disease-specific questionnaire scores must be included in the evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.

Effect of cause and time of dropout on the residual GFR: a comparative analysis of the decline of GFR on dialysis

BACKGROUND

The decline of residual renal function (RRF) on dialysis has been reported to be slower in peritoneal dialysis (PD) then hemodialysis (HD). However, some clinicians have questioned whether this reported difference might not be caused by selection bias. In particular, if continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) delivers only marginally adequate therapy as some clinicians speculate, then perhaps those patients on CAPD with low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are purposefully switched to HD. If true, transferring CAPD patients with low GFR to HD could create a selection bias that very well may account for the differences in GFR between PD and HD. This is particularly problematic if one then censors patients at the time of transfer from PD to HD from analysis (that is, patients are no longer followed in the study once they have switched treatment modalities). When this occurs, the data are said to be informatively censored, a term used by statisticians to describe any kind of systematic bias associated with censored or incomplete data. In particular, informative censoring occurs when patients who die or transfer to another modality very early have an associated lower starting GFR or higher rate of decline of GFR than patients who either complete the study or who die or transfer much later. If patient dropout is indeed related to the rate of decline in GFR and if this relationship differs between PD and HD but is ignored in the analysis, then the results of such analysis may be biased.

METHODS

This article analyzes the decline in GFR among 141 incident dialysis patients (39 HD and 102 PD) undergoing either HD or PD at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The decline in GFR was modeled as a nonlinear function of time, taking into account the possibility that missing values of GFR may be associated with patient dropout (death, transfer to another modality, or transplantation). To safeguard against this possibility, we utilized a conditional nonlinear mixed-effects model. The model was used to fit and compare each patient's GFR data to time adjusting for the patient's treatment modality (HD vs. PD), cause of dropout (death, transfer, transplant, lost to follow-up/study ended), and time to dropout. The model allowed a comparison of the starting GFR and the rate of decline in GFR between PD and HD adjusting for these three factors.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The results of our analysis suggest that such informative censoring is independent of treatment modality and that even after correcting for dropout caused by death or transfer to another modality, patients starting on PD have a lower rate of decline in GFR (that is, better preservation of GFR) than patients starting on HD.

Chronic peritoneal dialysis in iron-deficient rats with solutions containing iron dextran

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the effects of different concentrations of iron dextran administered through the intraperitoneal route, in iron-deficient rats, on hematocrit (Hct in percentage), serum iron (mg/dL), total iron binding capacity (TIBC in mg/dL), and the function and histology of the peritoneal membrane.

METHODS

Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 85 to 110 g were divided into two groups and seven subgroups. Group I consisted of rats on iron-deficient chow, and group II consisted of rats on normal chow. Both groups contained dialysis control subgroups (N = 12: IA, IID), dialyzed with Dianeal solution, and tissue control subgroups (N = 6: IE, IIN), in which rats were not dialyzed and catheters were not implanted. Study group I contained the following study subgroups (N = 12): (B) rats dialyzed with Dianeal solution containing 2 mg/L of iron dextran and (C) rats dialyzed with Dianeal solution containing 1 mg/L of iron dextran. Group IID was dialyzed with Dianeal solution containing 2 mg/dL of iron dextran. Study duration was 12 weeks with peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) performed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Prior to baseline, rats were placed on iron-deficient chow or normal chow for three weeks. Dialysis was performed with three 25 mL volume exchanges per day. Hematocrit (Hct), serum iron (Fe), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were determined for each study interval. After the final PET, the animals were sacrificed, and the peritoneal membrane was evaluated by gross inspection and light microscopy.

RESULTS

Rats on an iron-deficient diet developed severe iron-deficiency anemia after three weeks of the diet (Hct 27; Fe 21 to 23; TIBC 799 to 806). After 12 weeks, the rats remained anemic in groups A (Hct 34 +/- 0.9; Fe 16 +/- 2; TIBC 998 +/- 27) and IE (Hct 38 +/- 2.7), whereas the rats corrected anemia in group B (Hct 45.8 +/- 1.8; Fe 115 +/- 15; TIBC 546 +/- 77). The results were not significantly different from those of group IID (Hct 47.1 +/- 1.6; Fe 94 +/- 19; TIBC 516 +/- 46). In group C, Hct (44.8 +/- 2.1) and Fe (94 +/- 19) did not differ significantly from group IID, but TIBC (734 +/- 76) remained significantly higher than that in the group IID. Peritoneal iron deposits were not detected. The morphometric analysis of the submesothelial space did not reveal any difference in thickness between dialysis groups. PETs were not significantly different among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal iron dextran supplementation in concentrations of 2 mg/L of dialysis solution is nontoxic to the peritoneum and effective in correcting iron deficiency in rats maintained on an iron-deficient diet. Iron dextran in concentration of 1 mg/L of dialysis solution may be sufficient for correcting a lesser degree of iron deficiency.

Advanced glycosylation end-products in diabetic rats on peritoneal dialysis using various solutions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the effects of glucose-based solutions to those of icodextrin with respect to peritoneal transport characteristics and advanced glycosylation end-product (AGE) formation in the peritoneal membrane in a diabetic rat model of peritoneal dialysis (PD).

DESIGN

Thirty-three male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 275-300 g were divided into five groups: group C (n = 6), control rats implanted with a catheter but not dialyzed; group D (n = 5), diabetic rats implanted with a catheter but not dialyzed; group G (n = 7), diabetic rats implanted with a catheter and dialyzed with standard 2.5% glucose solution for daytime exchanges and 4.25% glucose solution for overnight exchanges; group H (n = 8), diabetic rats implanted with a catheter and dialyzed with standard 2.5% glucose solution for daytime exchanges and 7.5% icodextrin solution for overnight exchanges; group I (n = 7), diabetic rats implanted with a catheter and dialyzed with 7.5% icodextrin solution for all exchanges. Dialysis exchanges (25 mL per exchange) were performed three times daily for a period of 12 weeks. Tissue sections were stained using a monoclonal anti-AGE antibody. One-hour peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) were performed every 4 weeks for comparison of transport characteristics.

RESULTS

The level of immunostaining was lowest in group C and highest in group G. Significant differences in immunostaining were seen between group C and group G (p < 0.001), group C and group H (p = 0.001), and group C and group I (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between group G and group D (p < 0.05), and between group G and group I (p < 0.05). Over time, the ratio of glucose concentration after 1 hour to glucose concentration at instillation (D/D0) decreased and the dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of urea increased. Significant differences in D/D0 glucose and D/P urea were found between group C and group H (D/D0: 0.40 +/- 0.01 vs 0.35 +/- 0.01, p < 0.05; D/P urea: 0.87 +/- 0.03 vs 0.97 +/- 0.02, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AGE formation is lower with the use of peritoneal dialysis solution containing icodextrin than with glucose-based solution. We conclude that use of icodextrin may help to slow the deterioration of the peritoneal membrane, prolonging its use for dialysis.

Effects of chlorpromazine or diltiazem given intraperitoneally alone or in combination on peritoneal transport of solute and water

Calcium channel blocker given intraperitoneally (i.p.) in rats was reported to increase urea D/P ratio without protein loss. Chlorpromazine (CP) given i.p. in humans was reported to increase ultrafiltration (UF) and urea clearance. We studied the effects of i.p. Diltiazem (DZ) (15 mg/kg) and i.p. chlorpromazine (0.25 mg/L dialysate)--given alone or in combination--on urea D/P ratio, dialysate protein (Dpro), glucose concentration (Dg), UF, and drainage volume (Vd). Six male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. The rats underwent 21 consecutive 30-minute exchanges with 15 mL of 1.5% of Dianeal solution (Baxter Healthcare Inc., Deerfield, Illinois, U.S.A.). DZ or CP was added to the dialysis solution during exchanges 4-6 and 10-12. During exchange 16-18 both DZ and CP were added to the dialysis solution. Exchanges 1-3, 7-9, 13-15, and 19-21 were control exchanges performed with 1.5% Dianeal solution alone. The mean weight of the rats was 541.6 +/- 44 g. The animals' blood pressure remained stable during the study period. An increase in D/Purea ratio was observed with DZ, with CP, and with the two drugs in combination, without increase in dialysate protein loss. An increase in UF with a decrease in D/D0 was observed with DZ, with CP, and with the two drugs in combination, suggesting a mechanism other than osmotic gradient--such as increased blood flow or decreased surface tension.

Preservation of glomerular filtration rate on dialysis when adjusted for patient dropout

BACKGROUND

Residual renal function (RRF) plays an important role in dialysis patients. Studies in patients on maintenance dialysis suggest that RRF is better preserved in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) vis-à-vis those receiving hemodialysis (HD). We speculated that regardless of the patient's type of therapy, the estimate obtained for the rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be biased because of informative censoring associated with patient dropout. Informative censoring occurs when patients who die or transfer to another modality very early have associated with them a lower starting GFR or a higher rate of decline of GFR than patients who either complete the study or who die or transfer much later. If patient dropout is indeed related to the rate of decline in GFR and if this relationship is ignored in the analysis, then the estimate obtained of the rate of decline in GFR may be biased.

METHODS

In an attempt to determine if there is a relationship between patient dropout and the decline in GFR, we reanalyzed the CANUSA data by modeling GFR as a nonlinear function of time with the rate of decline being exponential.

RESULTS

This article highlights the significance of "informative censoring" when studying the decline of RRF on dialysis. The results show that for the CANUSA cohort, the mean initial GFR was significantly lower, and the rate of decline was significantly higher for patients who died or transferred to HD than for patients who were randomly censored or received a transplant. It is important to emphasize that the impact of informative censoring on previous analyses of the decline of RRF between PD versus HD is presently unclear. If bias caused by informative censoring is the same regardless of what therapy a patient is on, then conclusions from previous studies comparing the decline in GFR between PD and HD would still be valid. However, if the magnitude of the bias differs according to therapy, then additional adjustments would be needed to fairly compare the decline in GFR between PD and HD. Because this analysis is restricted to patients on PD, it would be scientifically incorrect to interpret previous studies solely on the basis of the results from this analysis.

CONCLUSION

In any longitudinal study designed to estimate trends in an outcome measured over time, it is important that the analysis of the data takes into account any effect patient dropout may have on the estimated trend. This analysis demonstrates that among PD patients, both the starting GFR and the rate of decline in GFR are associated with patient dropout. Consequently, future studies aimed at estimating the rate of decline in GFR among PD patients should also account for any dependencies between dropout and GFR. Similarly, data analyzing for apparent differences in the rate of decline of GFR between PD and HD should also adjust for possible informative censoring.

Seven spoonfuls of preventive medicine for sexual harassment in health care

Sexual harassment claims have increased substantially since 1990 and continue to be prominent in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's discrimination caseload. The authors surveyed high-level training and human resource practitioners in small, medium, and large health care organizations for suggestions to counter this trend. Three fourths of these professionals suggested that behavior modeling of strong policies combined with effective training helped. The survey results suggest seven preventive medicine strategies for reducing work-related sexual harassment incidents in health care organizations.

Toward targets for initiation of chronic dialysis

OBJECTIVES

To better define the targets for initiation of chronic dialysis, we compared the relationship between the normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA, g/kg standard weight/day) and weekly urea clearance (Kt) normalized to total body water (V) in predialysis chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). We also studied the relationships of other nutritional parameters to weekly Kt/Vurea in CRF patients.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was a prospective observational design meant to study each patient once.

SETTING

The University Hospital and Clinics and Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center, Columbia, Missouri.

PATIENTS

Forty-five consecutive predialysis CRF patients were enrolled and the results compared with patients on CAPD and HD.

RESULTS

In CRF, the nPNA calculated from urea appearance correlated with the weekly Kt/Vurea (r = 0.57, p < 0.0001) and, using exponential best-fit, nPNA = 1.217 x (1-e-0.769Kt/V). This exponential relationship was similar to that for CAPD and both were different from that in patients on HD. Likewise, nPNAs, calculated from Kjeldahl nitrogen output, and weekly Kt/Vurea were correlated (r = 0.37, p = 0.014) and, using exponential best-fit, nPNA = 1.102(1-e-0.867Kt/V), similar to the relationship in patients on CAPD. Evidence is presented that these relationships are not explained only by mathematical coupling. There was a significant correlation between the weekly Kt/Vurea and 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that in CRF, as in CAPD, a weekly Kt/Vurea less than 2.0 is likely to be associated with a nPNA less than 0.9 g/kg standard weight. In CRF patients, initiation of chronic dialysis should be considered if weekly renal Kt/Vurea falls below 2.0 and a nPNA greater than 0.8 is desired.

Evidence that urea is a better surrogate marker of uremic toxicity than creatinine

The protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance normalized to standard weight was determined from urea nitrogen appearance (nPNA U) and from total Kjeldahl nitrogen appearance (nPNA K) in dialysate and/or urine in 45 predialysis patients (pre D) and in 95 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Correlations with weekly Kt/Vurea and creatinine clearance (Ccr, L/wk/1.73 m2) were determined; renal contributions of CCr in both populations were calculated both as total CCr (A) and as CCr by GFR (CCr [B], mean of renal CCr and Curea). Correlations with weekly Kt/Vurea were significant in individual (pre D:nPNA U 0.57, p < 0.01, and nPNA K 0.37, p < 0.01; CAPD:nPNA U 0.50, p < 0.01, and nPNA K 0.43, p < 0.01) and pooled populations (nPNA U 0.54, p < 0.01 and nPNA K 0.37, p < 0.01). Correlations with neither Ccr (A) nor Ccr (B) were significant. The data also allowed comment on mathematical coupling. Ccr vs nPNA K correlations share even more mathematical couplers than does the nPNA K vs Kt/Vurea correlation, yet the correlation of nPNA K with Ccr is quite low. The authors conclude that urea is a better surrogate marker of small molecular weight toxins that inhibit protein intake in uremia, and correlations of nPNA with Kt/Vurea represent more than simple mathematical coupling.

Effect of dialysis modality and membrane transport characteristics on dialysate protein losses of patients on peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine if peritoneal dialysis modality has an impact on protein losses in dialysate.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS

190 patients who had selected peritoneal dialysis were classified into one of four transport categories (high, high-average, low-average, or low) based on standard peritoneal equilibration test results. Patients were then assigned to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) based on membrane transport characteristics and individual preferences.

RESULTS

Patients with similar membrane transport characteristics had essentially no differences in dialysate protein and albumin losses whether treated with CAPD or NIPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although high transporters may be better managed with short-dwell therapies such as nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis or daily ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, consistent marked decreases in protein losses cannot be cited as a benefit of NIPD over CAPD.

Calculation of 6-hour D/P creatinine ratio from the 4-hour peritoneal equilibration test. The effect of dwell duration on the results

OBJECTIVES

Since the introduction of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), the 4-hour dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P Cr) has been used by several authors for determining continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) prescriptions. However, the results have been unsatisfactory because the 4-hr D/P Cr does not accurately reflect the D/P Cr in 24-hr collections. The PET and the 24-hr dialysate collections differ in the duration of dwell and the tonicity and volume of dialysate, all of which influence the equilibrated D/P Cr. It can be assumed that the D/P Cr in 24-hr collections in these patients is closer to a 6-hr D/P Cr. Because a 6-hr PET is inconvenient, we developed a mathematical model to calculate the 5- and 6-hr D/P using the results of a standard PET.

DESIGN

In a retrospective analysis, D/P Cr ratios in 24-hr collections and D/P Cr ratios calculated from a mathematical formula were correlated. Using a mathematical model, the data collected fit an exponential relation of the type D/P = a(1-e-t/tau). The values of a and tau are unique for a given patient and were determined using a nonlinear regression technique. The formula performed well on our published data-the true and predicted 6-hr D/P Cr being 0.696 and 0.71, respectively.

SETTING

The University Hospital and Clinics, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center and Dialysis Clinic, Inc., Columbia, Missouri.

PATIENTS

All CAPD patients on four 2-L exchanges/day at the time of the 24-hr collections were included.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Closeness of 4-hr and 6-hr D/P Cr values to those of 24-hr ratios.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 74 patients (age, mean +/- SEM: 56.4 +/- 1.8 yr) with 80 PETs and 145 (24-hr) collections. The interval between the two tests was 8.3 +/- 0.9 months (0-48.7 months). The median 24-hr D/P Cr of 0.760 did not differ significantly from the predicted median 6-hr D/P Cr of 0.755. A subgroup analysis, based on transport type, showed that this relationship was most precise in the high-average transporters. The predicted 6-hr D/P Cr was within 10% of the 24-hr D/P Cr in 48% of patients and within 20% in 77% of patients. The margin of error was greatest in the low transporters.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, the 4-hr D/P Cr from a PET cannot be used interchangeably with the D/P Cr in the 24-hr dialysate collections, hence, the clearances calculated thereof will be inaccurate. Using the proposed model, it is feasible to use the 4-hr PET results to obtain 5- and 6-hr D/P Cr values. In our study, using this model, the extrapolated 6-hr D/P Cr is similar to the D/P Cr in 24-hr dialysate collections only in the high-average transporters. Hence, the best way to determine clearances in peritoneal dialysis patients is still by collecting 24-hr dialysates.

Chronic administration of iron dextran into the peritoneal cavity of rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of chronic iron dextran administrations into the peritoneal cavity of rats on function and anatomy of the peritoneal membrane, as well as on erythropoiesis and serum iron.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized animal study.

SETTING

Animal laboratory.

ANIMALS

36 Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTIONS

The rats were divided into three groups (n = 12). The animals were given standard 1.5% Dianeal (control group) or 1.5% Dianeal containing iron dextran in a concentration of 2 mg/L [low-dose group (LDG)] or 10 mg/L [high-dose group (HDG)].

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

On the 8th day, at 3 months, and at 6 months a 2-hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and blood tests including hematocrit, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were done. After the final PET at 6 months, the peritoneal membrane was evaluated by gross inspection and by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Hematocrit and serum iron levels increased only in the HDG and LDG. Peritoneal transport of small solutes decreased significantly in the HDG compared to baseline. All cases of the HDG group revealed peritoneal adhesions and fibrosis around the peritoneal catheter as well as massive iron deposits on the peritoneum. Similar but less pronounced changes were found in the LDG.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest an efficient absorption of iron from the peritoneal cavity of rats, however, dialysate iron dextran concentrations of 2 mg/L or greater are toxic to the peritoneal membrane. Therefore, future studies should be performed to determine the minimal effective and nontoxic iron dextran concentrations for intraperitoneal administration.

Effects of bicarbonate dialysis solution on peritoneal transport in rats

We studied the effects of bicarbonate dialysis solution (TB 1.36) on the peritoneum in our rat model of dialysis. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n = 12 each). One group was dialyzed with standard 1.36% Dianeal PD-2 (L-group); the other group was dialyzed with TB 1.36 (B-group). After break-in dialysis after catheter insertion, the animals were dialyzed twice daily with 30 mL of the designated dialysis solution for four weeks. White blood cell count with differentials and microbiological culture of the dialysate were examined once a week to detect peritonitis. A peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed on the eighth and thirty-sixth days. The dialysate was obtained at 0, 2, and 4 hours; a blood sample was taken at 0 hour. Peritoneal tissue specimens were obtained after the second PET. Histological score was calculated based on the degree of thickening of the peritoneum. Five rats in L-group and three rats in B-group suffered from peritonitis. Two other rats in B-group had complications and did not complete the experiment. Therefore, seven rats from each group finished the experiment, and the PET data was analyzed. The peritoneal transport property of B-group did not change over time, while, in L-group it became less permeable on the thirty-sixth day. Fibrotic thickening of the peritoneum was observed in both groups, however, the histological score was slightly lower in B-group. These results suggest that the bicarbonate dialysis solution may be less harmful to the peritoneum.

A new approach to optimizing urea clearances in hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Recent studies suggest that the relationship of the net normalized protein catabolic rate (which is the normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance [nPNA]) to the weekly clearance of urea normalized to total body water (Kt/V urea) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is curvilinear, rather than linear, as has been thought. The authors have reexamined the relationship of nPNA to weekly Kt/V urea in a CAPD population by cross-sectional analysis to see if the curvilinear definition of the relationship is as good as or better than the usual linear description. They also examined this relationship in the hemodialysis populations at the Dialysis Clinics Inc. in Columbia, Missouri, and in the Renal Kidney Disease Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It seems obvious that there should be a plateau of nPNA in each therapy because extension of linear regressions would predict protein intakes of normal individuals exceeding 8 g/kg/body weight/day. The authors compared their findings to other published results. Intuitively and analytically, the curvilinear relationships seem likely. The authors observed that the nPNA plateau is achieved at lower Kt/V in patients on CAPD than in those on hemodialysis, which is compatible with the peak concentration hypothesis. Asymptotes for CAPD and hemodialysis are similar. Weekly Kt/V urea requirements to achieve nPNA values at 95% of the asymptote are greater than those usually delivered. However, such nearly complete elimination of uremic appetite suppression may not be practical or necessary for achieving acceptable nutritional status and long-term survival in most patients. Optimum therapy may be well above adequate therapy relative to minimizing appetite suppression by uremia.

A prospective study of the effect of noncompliance on small solute removal in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Preliminary report

In nine patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who were in stable condition, the authors measured the effects of an extra daily exchange on small solute removals and clearances and the measured/predicted creatinine production (M/P). The goal was to evaluate the sensitivity of M/P to single exchange noncompliance. Daily collections of urine and dialysate were performed on the usual prescribed program and on the next day with an extra exchange of usual exchange volume. The average increase in drain volume of 26% was associated with an average increase in M/P of 6%. The maximum M/P increase was 15%; the percentage increase in M/P correlated inversely with renal creatinine clearance. Daily total urea clearance normalized to total body water by dialysis and renal function increased 12%. Extrapolating these findings suggests that an average patient with a baseline M/P near 1.0 and renal creatinine clearance of 5 ml/min would require more than 50% drain volume noncompliance to yield a M/P of 1.24 on the complaint day. A 50% noncompliance may not yield a M/P greater than 1.0 on the first compliant day if baseline M/P is less than 0.94. The authors suggest monitoring daily urine and dialysis creatinine output because M/P creatinine is relatively insensitive to noncompliance (particularly in patients with residual renal function) and because there are questions about the accuracy of predictions in patients with renal failure using formulae established in different populations. The authors recommend simply monitoring total daily creatinine output and establishing patients as their own controls. The authors provide a table for the interpretation of changes in creatinine output in conjunction with changes in other routinely monitored parameters.

Leukocyte kinetics in patients with peritonitis on long-term peritoneal dialysis

Dialysate and blood leukocyte counts were measured during 130 episodes of peritonitis in 91 hospitalized patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (CPD). The authors found that the blood/dialysate leukocyte count can be less than 1.0, and this is usually the case when dialysate leukocyte count exceeds 20,000/mm3. Dialysate leukocyte removal in a single 2 L drain bag can approach the leukocyte number in the entire circulating blood volume. Daily drainage can remove leukocytes in amounts exceeding the blood leukocyte pool 2 to 3 fold. The observed blood leukocyte counts throughout a range of 2,700 to 10,000 at dialysate leukocyte counts greater than 20,000 per mm3 may reflect: 1) leukocyte removal approaching maximum bone marrow output of leukocytes, and/or 2) increasing microcirculatory margination of leukocytes in those episodes of peritonitis associated with very high dialysate leukocyte counts.

Rat model of peritoneal fibrosis: preliminary observations

The aim of this study was to establish a rat model of peritoneal fibrosis. After insertion of peritoneal catheters into 18 rats, the rats were divided into three groups. All animals were dialyzed twice a day with 4.25% Dianeal containing heparin. Group 1 rats (control) received antibiotics (vancomycin and gentamicin) in each exchange: group 2 rats were inoculated with Escherichia coli (5 x 10(6) in 5 mL of saline) at the beginning of the study; group 3 rats were treated with antibiotics after Escherichia coli inoculation; they also received a second inoculation of Escherichia coli after the second week of the study. By the end of the second week, group 2 rats were sacrificed because of catheter problems. Group 1 and 3 rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks of dialysis. A weekly peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed in each rat. The comparison of the PET results from the beginning and end of the study showed an increased permeability to glucose (p < 0.05) and total protein (p < 0.05) in group 3, which was not noted in group 1. In histology samples there was only delicate fibrosis with cellular infiltration in the peritoneum in group 1 rats. These changes were much more prominent in group 3 rats. This study suggests that E. coli peritonitis causes peritoneal fibrosis in rats, but to have a sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) model this experiment must be carried out for a longer time.

Preliminary evaluation of silver-coated peritoneal catheters in rats

Silver is known to have powerful antibacterial properties against a variety of micro-organisms and has a low toxicity and a favorable biocompatibility profile. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of silver-coated catheters in preventing early exit-site infection and to assess tunnel morphology. Seven male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent simultaneous implantation of two double-cuffed, silver-coated silicone rubber and standard silicone rubber catheters. Weekly observations and photographs documented exit-site characteristics. The animals were sacrificed and catheters removed and processed for histopathology of the external tunnel at 5 weeks. Exit sites of silver-coated catheters tended to have less inflammation and infection and healed better than those of uncoated catheters; however, these data did not achieve significance using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Sections of the external tunnel of well-healing exit sites showed an epithelialized tract with granulation tissue near the cuff and significant invasion of the external cuff by collagen with a mild neutrophilic inflammatory response. In contrast, the histology of the external tunnel of infected exists revealed exudate overlying inflammatory granulation tissue and a variable degree of fibrosis of the cuff. When the exit sites appeared similar, no significant histopathological differences in sinus tract and cuff morphology were noted with either silver or standard catheters. In conclusion, these findings suggest that silver coating of catheters may decrease the incidence of early exit-site infections and allow better ingrowth of the catheter.

Lithium carbonate decreases ultrafiltration rates in an experimental model of PD

Animal studies have shown increased fluid absorption from the peritoneal cavity following intraperitoneal (ip) vasopressin. Lithium is known to antagonize vasopressin effects on fluid absorption in kidney distal nephrons. The aim of the present study was to see whether lithium-containing exchanges increase the ultrafiltration rates (UF) during peritoneal dialysis (PD) in rats. PD was carried out in 6 Sprague-Dawley rats with 1.5% dextrose-containing PD solution using 15-ml volumes. Each exchange (ex) took 1 min for inflow, 4 mins for outflow and 25 mins for dwell. All rats underwent 9 consecutive half-hourly exs. During exs 4-6 lithium carbonate 2.5 mM was added to the PD solution. During lithium-containing exs significant increases in the glucose absorption rates (3.9 +/- 7.8 vs 37.5 +/- 8.1 mg/ex; p = 0.025) were associated with significant reductions in the UF (3.03 +/- 0.25 vs 1.78 +/- 0.12 ml/ex; p = 0.005). In conclusion, the isolated increase in glucose absorption without increases in the dialysate protein concentration with ip lithium, may suggest either a selective increase in size of the pores with a mean dimater near that of the glucose molecule or enhanced lymphatic absorption. ip lithium did not increase the UF in a rat model of PD.

Lean body mass estimation by creatinine kinetics

A new technique for estimating lean body mass (LBM) from creatinine kinetics has been developed. It is based on the principle that creatinine production is proportional to LBM and that, in the steady state, creatinine production is equal to the sum of creatinine excretion (urinary and dialytic) and metabolic degradation. This technique was applied to 17 normal subjects, 26 stable, chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, and 71 stable, chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In the HD group, LBM was also determined by bioimpedance in 11 patients and calculated from total body water, measured as the volume of urea distribution of a sterile urea infusion, in 15 patients. In normal subjects and in the PD group, LBM was assessed by creatinine kinetics as well as by bioimpedance, near infrared, and anthropometric techniques. In the HD patients, LBM by creatinine kinetics correlated significantly with LBM from total body water and the bioimpedance technique. There was no statistical difference between the total body water and creatinine kinetics techniques, but the bioimpedance values were systematically higher than those obtained by the kinetic technique. In the PD group and in normal volunteers, LBM values by creatinine kinetics correlated significantly with the other methods but were lower. Forty-seven percent of the HD patients and 66% of the PD patients had significantly lower LBM by creatinine kinetics than expected for their sex and age. Estimation of LBM by creatinine kinetics is proposed as a simple and convenient technique for the routine nutritional assessment of dialysis patients.

Comparison of different measurements of lean body mass in normal individuals and in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

To evaluate different methods of measuring lean body mass (LBM) in chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients, we first made comparisons in seven normal subjects. Seven methods (total body potassium [TBK] counting, bioelectrical impedance with calculations according to Segal and Deurenberg, near-infrared interactance with and without exercise level included as a variable, anthropometric measurements, and creatinine kinetics) were compared with the standard method of underwater weighing (UW) for measuring LBM. Significant correlations with LBM measured by UW (r > 0.938) were found with LBM measured by all other methods. Compared with UW, the best result in normals was found with TBK as it had high r values, small y-intercepts, and slopes of regression lines close to unity in both measurements of LBM and %LBM; in addition, fat-free mass index by TBK best approximated that by UW and TBK had the lowest mean prediction error with UW. In 11 patients on CPD, LBM was measured by all the above methods except UW. Significant correlations of all methods with LBM measured by TBK used as the reference standard were noted (all r > 0.76) in the CPD population. The LBM measured by creatinine kinetics correlated best (by kilograms or percentage of body weight [%BW]) with LBM from TBK compared with the other methods in which values tended to be higher. The fat-free mass index by creatinine output was nearest to the fat-free mass index by TBK. The root mean square prediction error was lowest between LBM by creatinine output and that by TBK. The findings support the concept of measuring creatinine outputs in CPD patients for estimates of LBM as an index of nutritional status as well as for creatinine clearances as an index of adequacy. Total body potassium and creatinine output measurements of LBM reflect the LBM at normal body fluid volumes ("dry weight") and may be better indices of nutrition in dialysis patients than the other techniques, which include excess fluid in the LBM.

Changes in the peritoneal equilibration test in selected chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

Fifty-five patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis with two or more peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) performed between 1983 and 1992 with a mean interval of 21.9 +/- 22.7 months were studied retrospectively. Repeated PET were performed when transport changes were suspected rather than routinely. According to the initial PET, there were 16 high (HI), 17 high-average (HA), 15 low-average (LA), and 7 low (LO) transporters. There was a significant decrease in the mean creatinine dialysate to plasma ratio (D/P creatinine) in the HI transporters and an increase in the LA and LO transporters. The mean dialysate to instilled glucose ratio (D/Do) significantly increased in the HI transporters. The change in both the D/P creatinine and the D/Do of an individual strongly and inversely correlated to their respective initial values. The change in D/P creatinine and D/Do were significantly and inversely correlated to each other, indicating an actual transport change. No correlation was found between the change in transport with peritonitis episodes or frequencies. The centripetal [corrected] change of transport toward average described here may explain why low clearances or low ultrafiltration rates due to rapid transport are infrequent causes of peritoneal dialysis technique failure, and why patients who have been dialyzed for a long period are usually HA transporters.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with a high flux membrane

The standard peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed in 66 patients on CAPD. Patients were classified as low (n = 5), low average (n = 22), high average (n = 27), and high (n = 12) transporters based on the dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P Cr) after 4 hour dwells. After an average time interval of 14 months on CAPD, indices of dialysis adequacy and nutrition were assessed. Based on monitoring of patient chemistries and drain volumes, peritoneal transport was considered stable during the interval. Instilled volumes and exchange tonicity were individualized in each patient to achieve combined renal and dialysis weekly creatinine clearance and KT/V urea that were not significantly different between groups. Overall, there were significant positive correlations of PET D/P Cr with dialysate albumin concentrations (r = 0.30, p < 0.02) and dialysate albumin losses (g/wk, r = 0.27, p < 0.04). There were significant inverse correlations with lean body mass (r = -0.26, p < 0.03), drain volumes (r = -0.025, p < 0.04), and KT urea by dialysis (L/wk, r = -0.24, p < 0.05). High transporters had significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean serum albumin, net protein catabolic rate (nPCR), lean body mass calculated from creatinine kinetics, and daily creatinine production (and presumably lower muscle mass) compared with one or more lower transport groups. In conclusion, we hypothesize that, in high transporters, use of more hypertonic exchanges with greater glucose absorption may inhibit appetite and nPCR; also, protein losses in drain volumes are increased. High transporters may require increased clearance and protein intake targets compared with other groups to maintain nutrition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with a high flux membrane. A preliminary report

The standard peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed in 66 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Patients were classified as low (n = 5), low average (n = 22), high average (n = 27), and high (n = 12) transporters based on the dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P Cr) after 4 hr dwells. After an average time interval of 14 months on CAPD, indices of dialysis adequacy and nutrition were assessed. Based on monitoring of patient chemistries and drain volumes, peritoneal transport was considered stable during the interval. Instilled volumes and exchange tonicity were individualized in each patient to achieve combined renal and dialysis weekly creatinine clearance and KT/V urea that were not significantly different between groups. High transporters had significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean serum albumin, net protein catabolic rate (nPCR), lean body mass calculated from creatinine kinetics, and daily creatinine production (and presumably lower muscle mass), and higher albumin clearances compared to one or more lower transport groups. In conclusion, we hypothesize that high transporters are prone to protein malnutrition related to increased dialysate protein losses, and perhaps suppression of appetite, with increased use of hypertonic exchanges. High transporters are candidates for protein supplementation on CAPD or transfer to nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis where short cycles provide more ultrafiltration with less glucose absorption.

Peritoneal transfer during maximal hyperosmotic ultrafiltration in the rat

Peritoneal transfer parameters were estimated in rats (n = 24) while maximal net ultrafiltration rate (nUFR) was achieved with 15% dextrose dialysis solution (1,153 mOsm/kg) and compared with those obtained with 0.37% dextrose solution (301 mOsm/kg). Experiments were carried out with dialysis solutions of pH approximately 6.5 and approximately 7.6, respectively, for 15% dextrose dialysis solution and 0.37% dextrose solution. Increases in both convective and diffusive transfer resulted in more than 70% greater peritoneal clearances of urea, potassium, and phosphate with hyperosmotic solutions at both pH values. Protein removal was increased only with a hyperosmotic solution of pH approximately 6.5 compared with isosmotic conditions at the same pH. Results support the hypothesis that increased peritoneal transfer parameters under hyperosmotic conditions depend not only upon enhanced convection but also on factors promoting diffusive transfer.

Peritoneal transfer of carbon dioxide in the rat

In the authors' previous rat studies (Kidney Int 39: 608-617, 1991), peritoneal clearances (Cp) representing near exclusively diffusive CO2 transfer were evaluated: for isosmotic (0.37% dextrose) and hyperosmotic (15% dextrose) solutions with pH 7.2-7.3, Cp CO2 were 1.20 +/- 0.08 and 1.84 +/- 0.04 ml/min, respectively. In the present studies peritoneal transfer parameters (D/B, Cp) of CO2 gas, HCO3-, and total CO2 (tCO2) in anesthetized rats have been compared (n = 22) using solutions with dextrose contents as mentioned above but with a pH of 6.5 or 7.6; how much Cp CO2 measurements obtained with solutions at these pH values differ from Cp shown earlier with solutions of pH 7.2-7.3 has also been evaluated. When the pH was the same, transfer parameters of CO2 gas, HCO3-, and tCO2 were significantly higher under hyperosmotic conditions. The use of solutions with a pH different from 7.2-7.3 resulted in higher Cp of CO2 gas: with isosmotic solutions at pH 6.5 and 7.6, mean increases were 25 and 75%, respectively; with hyperosmotic solutions respective increases were 45 and 134%. The authors conclude that dialysis solution pH, especially under hyperosmotic conditions, significantly changes parameters of diffusive CO2 transfer in the rat. For evaluation of peritoneal blood flow from diffusive transfer parameters of CO2 gas, smaller overestimation can be expected when dialysis solution pH is slightly under than overadjusted compared to blood pH.

Cross-sectional assessment of weekly urea and creatinine clearances in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

In 55 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, the authors determined daily renal and dialysate clearances of urea nitrogen (CUN) and creatinine (CCr). Results are expressed as weekly CUN in liters (Kt) divided by liters of total body water determined from a nomogram (V). The authors calculated weekly CCr as the weekly dialysis clearance plus the average of renal CUN and CCr (to correct for creatinine secretion); they normalized total weekly CCr to 1.73 m2 body surface area. Mean weekly Kt/V and CCr were 2.1 and 65.2, respectively. Mean dietary protein intake by dietary survey was 0.85 g/kg body weight. Protein catabolic rate (PCR) calculated from urea kinetics was 0.94 g/kg standardized weight (V/0.58); PCR was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with Kt/V (r = 0.53). The authors used linear regression to determine PCR, as follows: PCR = 0.80 [weekly Kt/V]/3 + 0.39. This slope is nearly 1.5 times that reported for the relationship of PCR to [weekly Kt/V]/3 in hemodialysis patients. Eighty-two percent of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis had more than the targeted minimum weekly Kt/V of 1.7, 71% had a weekly CCr more than the targeted minimum of 50, and 75% had a PCR > 0.8 g/kg/day. In support of the hypothesis that Kt/V requirements are related to peak concentration control rather than to time averaged blood urea nitrogen, patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis have a higher PCR at given Kt/V values compared to hemodialysis patients. These patients are more likely to have a PCR > 0.8 if weekly Kt/V > 1.7.

Peritoneal clearances of carbon dioxide in the rat

In our previous rat studies (Kidney Int. 1991; 39: 608-617) we evaluated peritoneal clearances (Cp) representing near exclusively diffusive CO2 transfer: for isosmotic (0.37% dextrose) and hyperosmotic (15% dextrose) solutions with pH 7.2-7.3, CpCO2 were 1.20 +/- 0.08 and 1.84 +/- 0.04 ml/min, respectively. In the present studies we have compared Cp of CO2 gas and HCO3- in anesthetized rats (n = 22) using solutions with dextrose contents as mentioned above but with pH 6.5 or 7.6; we have also evaluated how much Cp CO2 measurements obtained with solutions at these pH values differ from Cp shown earlier with the solutions of pH 7.2-7.3. Cp of CO2 gas and HCO3- were significantly higher under hyperosmotic than isosmotic conditions. The use of solutions of pH different from 7.2-7.3 resulted in higher Cp of CO2 gas: with isosmotic solutions of pH 6.5 and 7.6 mean increases were 25 and 75%, respectively; with hyperosmotic solutions respective increases were 45 and 134%. We conclude that dialysis solution osmolality and pH significantly change Cp of CO2 gas and HCO3- in the rat. For evaluation of peritoneal blood flow from diffusive transfer parameters of CO2 gas, smaller overestimation can be expected when dialysis solution pH is slightly under-than overadjusted compared to blood pH.

Ultrafiltration and effective peritoneal blood flow during peritoneal dialysis in the rat

The dependence between maximum net ultrafiltration rate (nUFR) created by 15% dextrose dialysis solution and effective peritoneal capillary blood flow (EPBF) estimated by the diffusive mass transport coefficient (KBD) and peritoneal clearance (Cp) of CO2 gas was evaluated during 30 minute, 15 ml peritoneal dialysis exchanges in anesthetized rats (N = 18). The values of KBD for CO2 suggested a mean EPBF of 1.9 +/- 0.1 (SEM) ml/min for isosmotic exchanges and 2.7 +/- 0.2 ml/min for hyperosmotic ones with a mean maximum nUFR of 0.43 +/- 0.01 ml/min. Cp of CO2 measured after the first five minutes of dwell underestimated EPBF. In normally hydrated rats, maximum nUFR was achieved when the peritoneal filtration fraction was 32 +/- 2%. This value is similar to the glomerular filtration fraction in rats of 30%. Thus, our results indicate the following relationships: EPBF = (approximately 3 x maximum nUFR)/(1 - hematocrit). EPBF was about six times greater than maximum nUFR and exceeded about 57 times nUFR obtained under isosmotic conditions. These differences between EPBF and nUFR suggest normal EPBF is not a major limiting factor for maximum ultrafiltration achieved during peritoneal dialysis.

Maximum ultrafiltration rates during peritoneal dialysis in rats

It has been suggested that filtration pressure equilibrium could occur in peritoneal capillaries during peritoneal dialysis with very hypertonic exchanges. Rats were exposed to peritoneal dialysis solutions using 16 ml instillations, 30 minute cycles, and dextrose concentrations from 1.4 to 20 g%. There was a plateau in ultrafiltration per exchange at mean osmotic gradients above 360 mOsm/kg H2O near 12.5 ml/ex (0.42 ml/min). The findings are also compatible with filtration pressure equilibrium predictions at an effective capillary plasma flow of 0.84 ml/min and a filtration fraction near 50%. Studies with cardiovascular drugs (norepinephrine i.v., nitroprusside i.p., and dobutamine i.v.) showed no effects on the maximum ultrafiltration rates. This might indicate that flow is rather fixed because of known microcirculatory effects of solutions themselves.

Total creatine kinase and isoenzyme fractions in chronic dialysis patients

We measured total serum creatine kinase (CK) and serum creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) in 53 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 52 patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), using Scalva UV methodology for CK and electrophoresis for CK-MB. Seven of the 53 CAPD patients (13%) had an elevated total CK, and only one of these 7 patients had an elevated CK-MB greater than 5%. In contrast 22 HD patients (42%) had increased total CK values, and 6 of these 22 HD patients (27%) showed elevated CK-MB isoenzyme greater than 5%. For each sex, blacks had higher mean CK values than whites. Twenty-one out of the 43 HD patients who received intramuscular injections had elevated total CK values and 6 of these 21 patients had elevated CK-MB isoenzyme independent of the timing of injection. The increased frequency of higher total CK values in HD patients appears to be related to race and androgen administration. The modest elevations in CK-MB fraction (5 to 8%) in these patients require careful interpretation.

Polycation as an alternative osmotic agent and phosphate binder in peritoneal dialysis

We have previously shown that polyanions can be utilized to achieve balanced removal of sodium and water during peritoneal dialysis. The excessive binding of potassium, calcium, and magnesium to anionic polymers proves undesirable. The present study was designed to demonstrate the reversibility of cation binding by using a polycation (polyethylenimine) as the osmotic agent, thus favoring the removal of undesirable excess phosphate anions via peritoneal dialysis. Polyethylenimine shows a measurable affinity for phosphorus when present as dialysate in an in vitro system simulating peritoneal dialysis. The polycation also stimulates ultrafiltration across the rat peritoneum when present in dialysate. The polymer is toxic to the rat and light microscopy reveals gross morphological tissue alterations of the visceral mesothelium and associated organs. We have demonstrated that a polycation can give ultrafiltration with enhanced removal of phosphate. Although the polymer we chose as a prototype is toxic to the rat, other polycations should be studied.

Polyanions and glucose as osmotic agents in simulated peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis solutions contain glucose as an osmotic agent to obtain ultrafiltration. Due to rapid absorption, glucose does not sustain high ultrafiltration during long exchanges. Nonabsorbable polyanions might be effective as osmotic agents when suspended in electrolyte solution. Concentrations of freely diffusible ions should be in Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium with plasma electrolytes. The ideal proportion of diffusable to polymerbound cation concentrations is unknown. To obtain concentrations of free ions in equilibrium with plasma, it is assumed that the polymer solution dialyzed against a polyelectrolyte solution of the desired composition (with hydraulic pressure higher on the polymer side) will approach the same thermodynamic activity as the electrolyte solution. Subsequently, if transmembrane pressure is released, osmotic ultrafiltration will occur in proportion to the hydrostatic pressure applied during polymer solution preparation. Polyacrylate solution so prepared was compared with a commercial dextrose dialysis solution in an in vitro simulation of peritoneal dialysis. With dwell times up to 24 h, sustained ultrafiltration with polymer was observed, whereas, with dextrose, ultrafiltration ceased after 8 h. Concentrations of diffusible bivalent cations in polyacrylate were lower than intended due to avid polymer complexing; however, dextran sulfate solutions were developed to contain desired concentrations of diffusible electrolytes. The conclusion is that some polymer solutions might be useful in clinical settings when high sustained ultrafiltration is needed.

Preclinical toxicology studies with acyclovir: teratologic, reproductive and neonatal tests

Five studies were done to define the potential of Acyclovir (ACV), a new nucleoside analog for antiviral chemotherapy, to produce adverse effects on reproduction and development in laboratory animals. ACV produced no adverse effects when given by gavage to F0 generation mice at 50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day in a two generation reproduction/fertility study. Some mice were evaluated for teratologic effects and others for postnatal development, including behavior, with negative results. ACV was not embryotoxic and did not increase the incidence of fetal malformations when given by subcutaneous injection to pregnant rats and rabbits at dose levels of 12, 25 and 50 mg/kg/day during the periods of major organogenesis. A comparative LD50 study revealed that 3-day-old rats were not more sensitive to acute toxic effects of ACV than more mature rats. Finally, in a comprehensive multidose toxicity study ACV was given subcutaneously to neonatal rats at 5, 20 and 80 mg/kg/day for 19 consecutive days. There was minimal effect on body weight gain in neonates treated at 20 mg/kg/day and a significant decrease in body weight gain at 80 mg/kg/day. Minimal renal lesions occurred at 80 mg/kg/day but no other signs of adverse effects on developing organ systems were observed. Except for decreased body weight gain in neonatal rats treated at 80 mg/kg/day, ACV did not produce adverse effects on mammalian development when tested in a variety of preclinical toxicology studies.

Acute changes in peritoneal morphology and transport properties with infectious peritonitis and mechanical injury

Peritoneal clearance studies were performed in rats undergoing acute peritoneal dialysis. Some of these animals were then exposed to laparotomy and mechanical drying of the peritoneum. Peritoneal clearance studies were repeated at intervals up to 11 days. Another group of rats was placed on daily peritoneal dialysis and allowed to spontaneously develop peritonitis which was not treated. These rats underwent peritoneal transport studies at differing durations of infection. In all groups, animals were sacrificed at the time of the last transport studies for morphological assessment of the peritoneum by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed similar decreases in drainage volume and increases in glucose absorption and protein losses with both infection and drying. Both types of injury resulted in extensive mesothelial structural changes. While drying caused mainly denudation of the mesothelial surface, infectious peritonitis was associated with separation of mesothelial cells, and the appearance of numerous white blood cells between and on mesothelial cells. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis alone had no obvious effects on anatomy. Although changes in the peritoneal microcirculation and deeper structures cannot be excluded as contributing to peritoneal transport alterations, the findings suggest that alterations of mesothelium might explain some of the changes in peritoneal transport properties under the conditions of these studies.

Nature of insulin binding to plastic bags

The nature of insulin binding to plastic bags was evaluated to determine if it followed the physical laws of adsorption. To determine whether insulin is adsorbed on a liquid/air interface, the influence of foam in vials of radiolabeled insulin was evaluated. Using a bag-to-bag transfer method, the influence of regular insulin and detergent on radiotracer insulin binding was assessed. To evaluate the reversibility of the binding, bag pieces with bound radioactive insulin were washed with distilled water, detergent, and left to soak in detergent before measuring radioactivity. The radiolabeled insulin was adsorbed in the foam and then released into the bulk of the solution when the foam disappeared; hence, insulin can be entrapped in a liquid/air interface. The addition of regular insulin decreased the binding of the radiotracer insulin to the bag walls. The bound insulin could be removed by washing with water and detergent, but soaking in detergent did not remove a small residual quantity of the bound insulin, suggesting that minimal chemical binding or diffusion of the insulin into the plastic may occur. Insulin binding to plastic bags primarily follows the physical laws of adsorption.

Influence of temperature and time on insulin adsorption to plastic bags

The influence of temperature and time on insulin adsorption to plastic peritoneal dialysis bags was evaluated. A dialysis bag (1.5% dextrose, 2 liters) was injected with 25-microCi insulin I 125 and gently mixed. This bag was then attached to another empty bag of the same type. Following a bag-to-bag transfer method, the amount of insulin adsorbed on the plastic bags was measured at 24 degrees C and 37 degrees C, and after a 12-hour warming period at 37 degrees C. Regular insulin was added to the system in 40-unit increments up to 280 units. Radioactivity in all of the samples was measured in a gamma counter. As the amount of regular insulin increased, the percentage of insulin adsorbed decreased at both temperatures. More insulin was bound at 37 degrees C than at 24 degrees C for all levels of insulin. Data calculated according to the Langmuir isotherm equation showed that the maximum possible values of adsorption to the system at 24 degrees C and 37 degrees C were 17.8 and 18.4 units, respectively. The affinity constants at 24 degrees C and 37 degrees C were 0.0039 and 0.0065, respectively. The influence of prolonged warming at 37 degrees C was minimal. At the usual dosage of insulin (below 40 units) prescribed to the majority of dialysis patients, less than 9% (3.5 units) is adsorbed onto the dialysis bags.

Insulin binding to plastic bags: a methodologic study

A radiotracer method to assess insulin binding to commercially available plastic peritoneal dialysis solution containers was developed. A peritoneal dialysis bag (bag 2) was emptied and attached to another full bag (bag 1) of the same kind. In the syringe-to-bag method, bag 1 was symmetrically injected through the bag wall with four syringes containing dialysis solution and radioactive insulin, with or without regular insulin. The radioactivity in each syringe was measured with a gamma counter before injection, and all of the samples were counted afterwards directly in the syringes. Using a bag-to-bag transfer method, bag 1 was agitated, eight samples were taken from different parts through the wall, and then the contents were transferred to bag 2. Bag 2 was then agitated and eight samples were taken and counted. In the bag-pieces method, pieces of bag wall were cut and the radioactivity on the walls was measured to determine the amount of binding. The syringe-to-bag method gave negative results, severely underestimating the amount of insulin binding. The bag-to-bag transfer method yielded positive results in all instances. Increasing the amounts of regular insulin had no demonstrable impact on percent of binding. When the bag-to-bag method was compared with the bag-pieces method, it gave only slightly higher values; however, the bag-to-bag method was considered more reliable because the counting can be controlled more effectively. A 15-minute delay in sampling was not found to influence insulin binding. A reliable method of assessing insulin binding must be based on the following two principles: (1) The transfer of samples to intermediate containers should be avoided, and (2) radiotracer concentrations in the samples should be similar.