The impact of icodextrin on the outcomes of incident peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of icodextrin on the risks of death, technique failure and the first episode of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: From medical records of a medical center in Taiwan, a total of 725 newly diagnosed end-stage kidney disease patients receiving PD for at least 90 days from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018 were identified. These patients were grouped as 190 icodextrin users and 535 non-users. Users were defined as utilization of icodextrin for ≥ 50% of their PD duration. The use of icodextrin was considered a time-varying exposure in the Cox proportional hazard model. The risks of death, technique failure and the first episode of peritonitis were compared between two cohorts by the end of 2018. RESULTS: Compared to the non-users, the icodextrin users had significant lower risks of mortality (6.5 vs.7.2 per 100 person-years; adjusted HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42-0.91) and technique failure (12.7 vs. 15.2 per 100 person-years; adjusted HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.81), and the first peritonitis episode (5.0 vs. 17.0 per 100 person-years; adjusted HR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.14-0.35). The risk of peritonitis reduced further in icodextrin users with diabetes and with cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Icodextrin was associated with lower risks of mortality, technique failure, and the first episode of peritonitis.

Dermal microdialysis: A method to determine drug levels in the skin of patients with Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).

OBJECTIVES: Post-kala-azar-dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is an infectious skin disease that occurs as sequela of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and causes cutaneous lesions on the face and other exposed body parts. While the first-line drug miltefosine is typically used for 28 days to treat VL, 12 weeks of therapy is required for PKDL, highlighting the need to evaluate the extent of drug penetration at the dermal site of infection. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate the use of a minimally invasive sampling technique called microdialysis to measure dermal drug exposure in a PKDL patient, providing a tool for the optimization of treatment regimens. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One PKDL patient receiving treatment with miltefosine (50 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) was recruited to this proof-of-concept study and consented to undergo dermal microdialysis. Briefly, a µDialysis Linear Catheter 66 for skin and muscle, a probe with a semi-permeable membrane, was inserted in the dermis. A perfusate (a drug-free physiological solution) was pumped through the probe at a low flow rate, allowing miltefosine present in the dermis to cross the membrane and be collected in the dialysates over time. Protein-free (dialysates) and total (blood and skin biopsies) drug concentrations were analysed using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: and conclusions: Using microdialysis, protein-free miltefosine drug concentrations could be detected in the infected dermis over time (Cmax ≈ 450 ng/ml). This clinical proof-of-concept study thus illustrates the potential of dermal microdialysis as a minimally invasive alternative to invasive skin biopsies to quantify drug concentrations directly at the pharmacological site of action in PKDL.

Stability and compatibility of intraperitoneal antimicrobials in peritoneal dialysate solutions.

To optimise antimicrobial administration in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis, healthcare providers need literature-based information to develop patient-centred pharmacotherapeutic plans. Traditional PD solutions promote osmosis using dextrose or icodextrin with a lactate buffer. Newer PD solutions have modified the osmotic vehicle and buffer. Knowledge of antimicrobial compatibility and stability with newer PD solutions will assist with determining the route of antimicrobial administration as compatible and stable solutions could be delivered directly to the peritoneum using intraperitoneal administration. This review updates the compatibility and stability of antimicrobial additives in newer PD solutions for PD-related peritonitis.

A successful management of fungal peritonitis caused by Rhodotorula glutinis in CAPD patient, coincident with onychomycosis by Penicillium sp: Case report.

RATIONALE: Rhodotorula glutinis is a rare cause of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The combination treatment between aggressive PD catheter replacement and adequate antifungal treatment is crucial in managing peritonitis due to fungal infection and onychomycosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old man PD patient presented with cloudy effluent, abdominal pain, and black debris in the lumen of his PD catheter. Twelve days before admission, the patient traveled for 10 days to a high-temperature country, Saudi Arabia, for purpose of accomplishing haj. From the physical examinations, there was an onychomycosis in his right toenail. DIAGNOSES: The result of the dialysate cell count confirmed the evidence of peritonitis (i.e., cell count of 187 cells per µL, however with polymorphonuclear 31%). The dialysate culture indicated R glutinis, with no growth of bacteria. Fungal culture of his toenail scrapings was obtained and the result was Penicillium sp. INTERVENTIONS: Based on the high clinical suspicion of fungal peritonitis, fluconazole intraperitoneal (IP) was immediately given on the first day in addition to empirical antibiotics, that is, cefazolin and gentamycin IP. His peritoneal catheter was simultaneously removed and reinserted on the 4th day of treatment. Since there was a sign of fluconazole resistance, fluconazole IP was switched into oral voriconazole, without any antimicrobial treatment intraperitoneally. After 21 days of voriconazole, oral itraconazole was given until 3 months for his onychomycosis. OUTCOMES: Clinical improvement was seen on the effluent where the leucocyte count falls below 100 cells after 21 days of giving voriconazole. LESSONS: This case report suggests the need for comprehensive evaluations of the risk for fungal infection in continuous ambulatory PD patients, especially those who live in a tropical country.

Pharmacokinetic Properties of Dapagliflozin in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors attenuate incident cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of baseline GFR, in conservatively managed CKD. As this condition inexorably progresses to demanding KRT, drug withdrawal is supported by the current lack of evidence of safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in dialysis. METHODS: This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05343078 ) aimed at assessing the pharmacokinetic properties and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with kidney failure on regular dialysis regimens compared with those with type 2 diabetes and age- and sex-matched controls with normal kidney function. Peripheral blood samples were collected from both groups every 30 minutes for 4 hours and again after 48 hours after ingestion of dapagliflozin 10 mg, which occurred immediately before dialysis session initiation in the kidney failure group. This protocol occurred in drug-naïve patients and again after six daily doses of dapagliflozin to assess whether the drug had accumulated. The plasma and dialysate levels of dapagliflozin at each time point were determined by liquid chromatography and used to calculate pharmacokinetics parameters (peak concentration [C max ] and area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve) for each participant. RESULTS: Dapagliflozin C max was 117 and 97.6 ng/ml in the kidney failure and control groups, respectively, whereas the corresponding accumulation ratios were 26.7% and 9.5%. No serious adverse events were reported for either group. Dapagliflozin recovered from dialysate corresponded to 0.10% of the administered dose. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with kidney failure on dialysis, dapagliflozin was well tolerated, was slightly dialyzable, and had nonaccumulating pharmacokinetic properties. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: Pharmacokinetics and Dialyzability of Dapagliflozin in Dialysis Patients (DARE-ESKD 1), NCT05343078.

Olaparib in an ovarian cancer patient with end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: For patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl ≤ 30 ml/min) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), olaparib intake is not recommended as the pharmacokinetics and safety of olaparib have not been evaluated in this patient group. Therefore, this valuable patient group is generally excluded from poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) therapy. Here we report the pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, safety and tolerability of olaparib capsules 200 mg BID in a patient with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and ESRD requiring hemodialysis. METHODS: Blood and dialysate samples of the patient were collected on a dialysis and non-dialysis day. Olaparib total plasma concentrations were determined through high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Actual scheduled sample times were used in the PK analysis to determine multiple dose PK parameters at steady state. RESULTS: Maximum concentration was achieved 1.5 h after drug administration on non- dialysis and after 1 h on dialysis day. The steady-state trough concentration and the maximal plasma concentration were similar on dialysis and non- dialysis day. On non-dialysis day, the AUCss was 30% higher (24.0 µg.h/mL vs. 16.9 µg.h/ml) than on dialysis day. The plasma clearance CLss/F was lower on non-dialysis day. Olaparib was not detectable in the dialysate samples. CONCLUSION: A total dose of olaparib 200 mg BID capsule formulation was well tolerated by our patient with ESRD and hemodialysis. Moreover, this maintenance therapy led to 16 months of progression free survival. Further trials on PARPi therapy in patients with hemodialysis are warranted.

Pharmacokinetic profile of acyclovir in a child receiving continuous kidney replacement therapy for acute liver failure.

BACKGROUND: Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) is one of the treatments of critically ill children presenting severe acute liver failure. This affliction might be induced by HSV infection requiring a treatment by acyclovir. Continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) can alter its pharmacokinetics, according to its physicochemical properties and CVVHDF settings. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: The patient was a 21-month-old female presenting liver failure with hyperammonemia treated by acyclovir with presumed HSV infection. CKRT was initiated on day 1 with substantial replacement and dialysate flow rates (respectively 75 and 220 mL/kg/h). Acyclovir was intravenously administered every 8 h with a 1-h infusion of 500 mg/m2. Plasma and effluent concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay to estimate the area under a curve (AUC) and CKRT clearance by 2 methods (one based on pre- and post-filter concentrations and the other one on dialysate flow rates). Clearance was estimated between 19.2 and 26.3 mL/min with the first method and between 27.6 and 44.3 mL/min with the second one. Concentrations were highly above the therapeutic index (peak concentration was measured at 28 mg/L), but AUC was appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: This case describes acyclovir pharmacokinetics during CKRT in a pediatric patient treated by acyclovir. The patient was treated with adapted exposure with the usual dosing, but lower dosing should be investigated with complementary studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02539407.

Relapsing and refractory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis caused by Corynebacterium amycolatum.

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is an important complication and cause of morbidity in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Corynebacterium species, often considered skin and mucosal contaminants, are a rare cause of PD-associated peritonitis and have been acknowledged in published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PD peritonitis only over the last decade. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: We present two children with difficult-to-treat episodes of PD peritonitis due to Corynebacterium amycolatum. Episodes were associated with fever, abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate, high dialysate polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts, and elevated serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations. Symptoms persisted beyond 5 days in 4 of 5 peritonitis episodes, and peritonitis relapsed despite in vitro sensitivity of the bacterial isolates to guideline-recommended antibiotics. C. amycolatum was cultured from the PD catheter tip despite 4 weeks of intraperitoneal glycopeptide therapy and clinical peritonitis resolution suggestive of efficient biofilm formation. Our systematic literature search identified three previous (adult) case descriptions of C. amycolatum peritonitis, all with repeat episodes by the same organism. The incidence of C. amycolatum as a cause of PD peritonitis has not yet been established but is likely underreported due to challenges in species differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: C. amycolatum is a rarely identified cause of refractory and/or relapsing PD peritonitis. Species differentiation of non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium isolates is critical, and prolonged antibiotic treatment, preferably with a glycopeptide antibiotic, is recommended, with a low threshold for PD catheter change or removal in case of repeat peritonitis.

The effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysate during dialysis in MHD patients: a prospective cross-over study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysates during dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients by the prospective cross-over study, and detect glucose control methods in MHD patients. METHODS: A total of 66 MHD 18-75 years old patients in our hospital from Nov. 2019 to Mar. 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent HD with 4 hours per time, three times per week. Glucose-free dialysate (glucose-free group) and then 5.55 mmol/L glucose-containing dialysate (glucose-5.55 group) were used alternately in dialysis. The demographics and parameters of pre- and post-dialysis were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were analyzed, and 28 patients among them had type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose pre and post dialysis were 8.64 ± 4.18 mmol/L versus 5.74 ± 1.82 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-free dialysate, and 9.31 ± 4.89 mmol/L versus 7.80 ± 2.59 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-5.55 dialysate. The post-dialysis blood glucose of glucose-free group was lower than glucose-5.55 group (5.74 ± 1.82 vs 7.80 ± 2.59, p < 0.01). About 18 (30.00%) patients in glucose-free group and 1 patient (1.67%) in glucose-5.55 group whose blood glucose was lower than 4.44 mmol/L (p < 0.01). About 29 patients (48.33%) in glucose-free group and 17 patients (28.33%; p = 0.02) in glucose-5.55 group have hunger feeling. Serum sodium level in the glucose-free group was higher than that in Glucose-5.55 group (137.92 ± 1.64 vs 136.70 ± 1.64, p < 0.01). Post-dialysis blood glucose had no significant differences between patients not using diabetes-related medication (13 patients) and patients using diabetes-related medication (15 patients) in glucose-free group (7.13 ± 1.78 mmol/L vs 6.08 ± 2.84 mmol/L, p = 0.23) and glucose-5.55 group (9.22 ± 2.59 mmol/L vs 9.35 ± 2.88 mmol/L, p = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Glucose-free and glucose-5.55 dialysate both decrease the blood glucose post-dialysis. Dialysates containing 5.55 mmol/L glucose can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia and lower serum sodium, but have no effect on blood pressure during dialysis. Stopping insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs once before dialysis may not affect the control of blood glucose.

International Icodextrin Use and Association with Peritoneal Membrane Function, Fluid Removal, Patient and Technique Survival.

Background: Icodextrin has been shown in randomized controlled trials to benefit fluid management in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We describe international icodextrin prescription practices and their relationship to clinical outcomes. Methods: We analyzed data from the prospective, international PDOPPS, from Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Membrane function and 24-hour ultrafiltration according to icodextrin and glucose prescription was determined at baseline. Using an instrumental variable approach, Cox regression, stratified by country, was used to determine any association of icodextrin use to death and permanent transfer to hemodialysis (HDT), adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, serum albumin, urine volume, transplant waitlist status, PD modality, center size, and study phase. Results: Icodextrin was prescribed in 1986 (35%) of 5617 patients, >43% of patients in all countries, except in the United States, where it was only used in 17% and associated with a far greater use of hypertonic glucose. Patients on icodextrin had more coronary artery disease and diabetes, longer dialysis vintage, lower residual kidney function, faster peritoneal solute transfer rates, and lower ultrafiltration capacity. Prescriptions with or without icodextrin achieved equivalent ultrafiltration (median 750 ml/d [interquartile range 300-1345 ml/d] versus 765 ml/d [251-1345 ml/d]). Icodextrin use was not associated with mortality (HR=1.03; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.48) or HDT (HR 1.2; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.57). Conclusions: There are large national and center differences in icodextrin prescription, with the United States using significantly less. Icodextrin was associated with hypertonic glucose avoidance but equivalent ultrafiltration, which may affect any potential survival advantage or HDT.

Ethnicity evaluation of ferric pyrophosphate citrate among Asian and Non-Asian populations: a population pharmacokinetics analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential ethnic differences of ferric pyrophosphate citrate (FPC, Triferic) in healthy subjects and patients with hemodialysis-dependent stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD-5HD) and identify covariates that may influence pharmacokinetics (PK) of FPC. METHODS: Data were collected from 2 Asian and 4 non-Asian clinical studies involving healthy subjects and CKD-5HD patients. Three population PK models were developed: M1 for intravenous (IV) administration of FPC in healthy subjects; M2 for dialysate administration of FPC in CKD-5HD patients; M3 for pre-dialyzer administration of FPC in CKD-5HD patients. All the models were fitted to concentration versus time data of FPC using the nonlinear mixed effect approach with the NONMEM® program. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. RESULTS: In total, 26 Asians and 65 non-Asians were included in the final model analysis database. Forty healthy subjects were administered FPC via intravenous (IV) route and 51 patients with CKD-5HD via dialysate (N = 50) and pre-dialyzer blood circuit administration (N = 51). The PK parameters of FPC IV were similar. The population PK model showed good parameter precision and reliability as shown by model evaluation, and no relevant influence of ethnicity on PK parameters was observed. In healthy subjects, the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased with increase in lean body mass (LBM) and the average serum total iron at 6 h before the baseline period (Feav), whereas, in both patient populations, Cmax and AUC decreased with increase in LBM and decrease in Febaseline. Other factors such as gender, age, Feav, and ethnicity had no influence on PK exposures in patients. The influence of LBM on PK exposures in patients was smaller than that in healthy subjects (ratio of AUC0-24 for the 5th [68 kg] and 95th [45 kg] patient's LBM was almost 1). The influence of Feav and LBM on PK exposures was < 50%. CONCLUSION: The population pharmacokinetics model successfully described the PK parameters of FPC in healthy subjects and CKD-5HD patients and were comparable between Asian and non-Asian populations.

Ferric pyrophosphate citrate for parenteral administration of maintenance iron: structure, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and safety.

Anemia is a common complication in patients with hemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (HDD-CKD). Anemia is principally the result of erythropoietin deficiency, inflammation, and iron deficiency. High molecular weight iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) are routinely administered intravenously to replace iron losses and, although effective, there are lingering concerns about possible safety issues. Ferric pyrophosphate citrate (FPC, Triferic, Triferic AVNU [Triferic and Triferic AVNU are the proprietary name for ferric pyrophosphate citrate. Triferic and Triferic AVNU are registered trademarks of Rockwell medical Inc.]) is a complex iron salt that donates iron directly to plasma transferrin. FPC is devoid of any carbohydrate moiety and is administered via the dialysate or intravenously during each hemodialysis session to replace iron and maintain hemoglobin. Controlled clinical trials of up to 48 weeks in duration have demonstrated the efficacy of regular administration of dialysate FPC for maintaining hemoglobin levels and iron balance in HDD-CKD patients. Clinical data also suggest that dialysate FPC may reduce the dose requirements for and use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and IONPs in HDD-CKD patients. Safety data from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance show that FPC is well tolerated and not associated with an increased risk of infection, inflammation, iron overload, or serious hypersensitivity reactions. FPC represents an effective and well-tolerated choice for iron replacement and maintenance of hemoglobin in the long-term management of HDD-CKD patients.

A case of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by dialysate leakage with successful treatment by intravenous and intraperitoneal antibiotic therapy.

Dialysate leakage is one of the causes of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. The rate of catheter removal in PD-related peritonitis caused by dialysate leakage (PDPDL) is high, and the correct treatment is unclear. We experienced a case of PDPDL that was treated with intravenous and intraperitoneal antibiotic therapy. A 44-year-old Japanese man had high glucose discharge from the exit site after 14 days of initiating PD, and he had a fever and cloudy effluent with a high white cell count. We diagnosed him with PDPDL and began to administer vancomycin and ceftazidime intraperitoneally. However, the peritonitis could not be ameliorated. A culture examination showed Staphylococcus aureus from the effluent of peritoneal cavity and exit site cultures. We began intraperitoneal cefazolin administration according to a drug susceptibility test, but the effluent cell count remained high. As we added intravenous cefazolin administration, his symptoms and cloudy effluent improved, and the effluent cell count normalized. He has not developed any recurrence of dialysate leakage or peritonitis. Our findings suggest that PD-related peritonitis accompanied by other infectious sites, such as PDPDL, should be treated with additional intravenous antibiotic therapy to taking effect on the infectious sites except for peritoneum and to keep plasma concentration of antibiotics sufficient especially in cases with preserved residual kidney function.

A randomized controlled trial of two dialysate sodium concentrations in hospitalized hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Several large dialysis organizations have lowered the dialysate sodium concentration (DNa) in an effort to ameliorate hypervolemia. The implications of lower DNa on intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) during hospitalizations of hemodialysis (HD) patients is unclear. METHODS: In this double-blind, single center, randomized controlled trial (RCT), hospitalized maintenance HD patients were randomized to receive higher (142 mmol/L) or lower (138 mmol/L) DNa for up to six sessions. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in a standardized fashion pre-HD, post-HD and every 15 min during HD. The endpoints were: (i) the average decline in systolic BP (pre-HD minus lowest intra-HD, primary endpoint) and (ii) the proportion of total sessions complicated by IDH (drop of ≥20 mmHg from the pre-HD systolic BP, secondary endpoint). RESULTS: A total of 139 patients completed the trial, contributing 311 study visits. There were no significant differences in the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) decline between the higher and lower DNa groups (23 ± 16 versus 26 ± 16 mmHg; P = 0.57). The proportion of total sessions complicated by IDH was similar in the higher DNa group, compared with the lower DNa group [54% versus 59%; odds ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.36-1.44; P = 0.35]. In post hoc analyses adjusting for imbalances in baseline characteristics, higher DNa was associated with 8 mmHg (95% CI 2-13 mmHg) less decline in SBP, compared with lower DNa. Patient symptoms and adverse events were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this RCT for hospitalized maintenance of HD patients, we found no difference in the absolute SBP decline between those who received higher versus lower DNa in intention-to-treat analyses. Post hoc adjusted analyses suggested a lower risk of IDH with higher DNa; thus, larger, multi-center studies to confirm these findings are warranted.

How to Improve the Biocompatibility of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions (without Jeopardizing the Patient's Health).

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important, if underprescribed, modality for the treatment of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Among the barriers to its wider use are the deleterious effects of currently commercially available glucose-based PD solutions on the morphological integrity and function of the peritoneal membrane due to fibrosis. This is primarily driven by hyperglycaemia due to its effects, through multiple cytokine and transcription factor signalling-and their metabolic sequelae-on the synthesis of collagen and other extracellular membrane components. In this review, we outline these interactions and explore how novel PD solution formulations are aimed at utilizing this knowledge to minimise the complications associated with fibrosis, while maintaining adequate rates of ultrafiltration across the peritoneal membrane and preservation of patient urinary volumes. We discuss the development of a new generation of reduced-glucose PD solutions that employ a variety of osmotically active constituents and highlight the biochemical rationale underlying optimization of oxidative metabolism within the peritoneal membrane. They are aimed at achieving optimal clinical outcomes and improving the whole-body metabolic profile of patients, particularly those who are glucose-intolerant, insulin-resistant, or diabetic, and for whom daily exposure to high doses of glucose is contraindicated.

A New Peritoneal Dialysis Solution Containing L-Carnitine and Xylitol for Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: First Clinical Experience.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a feasible and effective renal replacement therapy (RRT) thanks to the dialytic properties of the peritoneal membrane (PM). Preservation of PM integrity and transport function is the key to the success of PD therapy, particularly in the long term, since the prolonged exposure to unphysiological hypertonic glucose-based PD solutions in current use is detrimental to the PM, with progressive loss of peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity causing technique failure. Moreover, absorbing too much glucose intraperitoneally from the dialysate may give rise to a number of systemic metabolic effects. Here we report the preliminary results of the first clinical experience based on the use in continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) patients of novel PD solutions obtained through partly replacing the glucose load with other osmotically active metabolites, such as L-carnitine and xylitol. Ten CAPD patients were treated for four weeks with the new solutions. There was good tolerance to the experimental PD solutions, and no adverse safety signals were observed. Parameters of dialysis efficiency including creatinine clearance and urea Kt/V proved to be stable as well as fluid status, diuresis, and total peritoneal ultrafiltration. The promising tolerance and local/systemic advantages of using L-carnitine and xylitol in the PD solution merit further research.

Improvements in Inflammation and Calcium Balance of Citrate versus Acetate as Dialysate Buffer in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Unicentric, Cross-Over, Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The composition of the dialysate is a crucial feature in the dialysis treatment. Two of its most debated elements are the optimal calcium concentration and the use of acetate as a buffer. Moreover, among the different alternatives to achieve acetate-free dialysis, the use of citrate is postulated as the most suitable option. The objective of this study is to identify the potential beneficial effects of citrate when compared to acetate dialysate (AD) both in short-term effects (especially regarding intradialytic calcium balance and cardiac damage biomarkers) and in medium-term ones with CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) and inflammatory biomarkers measured after twelve sessions performed with each dialysate. METHODS: This is a unicentric, cross-over, prospective study. Each patient underwent 24 dialysis sessions, 12 with each dialysate buffer. Blood samples were taken in 2 different sessions with each acidifier. They include CKD-MBD and inflammatory biomarkers. The calcium concentration of both dialysates was 1.5 mmol/L, while all other dialysis parameters and patients' treatment remained unchanged during the study period. RESULTS: When comparing AD and citrate dialysate (CD), there were no differences in pre-dialysis ionized calcium (iCa) (1.11 vs. 1.08 mmol/L) in both groups. However, there was a significant increase in iCa with the use of AD in immediate and 30-min post-dialysis blood samples. In contrast, iCa levels remained stable with the use of citrate. Inflammatory biomarkers were also reduced after the use of CD. CONCLUSIONS: The use of citrate provides interesting advantages when compared to acetate. It maintains iCa levels stable during dialysis sessions with a neutral or negative effect on calcium balance, and it improves the chronic inflammatory condition that comes with long-time hemodialysis treatment. These beneficial effects may lead to an improvement in clinical outcomes.

Peritoneal sodium removal compared to glucose absorption in peritoneal dialysis patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis with and without a daytime exchange.

Sodium removal in peritoneal dialysis (PD) depends on convective clearance, typically generated by a glucose gradient, but this can result in glucose absorption. We wished to determine which factors determine peritoneal sodium losses to glucose absorption (PD Na/Gluc). Peritoneal sodium losses and glucose absorption were calculated from measured 24-h collections of PD effluent, in patients attending for assessment of peritoneal membrane function. Five hundred and fifty eight patients; 317 (56.8%) males, mean age 56.1 ± 16.0 years, were studied, 281 treated by automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) with a daytime exchange (50.4%); 179 (32.1%) by APD and 98 (17.6%) by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). All patients used glucose containing dialysates, with 352 (63.1%) using icodextrin and 210 (37.6%) hypertonic (22.7 g/L glucose) dialysates. The ratio of PD Na/Gluc was 0.14 (0.02-0.29). Patients using icodextrin had a higher ratio (0.16 (0.03-0.32) versus 0.11 (-0.02-0.26), P < .001), as did those using 22.7 g/L glucose versus 13.6 g/L (0.16 (0.06-0.32) versus 0.13 (-0.01-0.19), P < .01), and CAPD versus APD (0.18 (0.05-0.36) versus 0.11 (0.0-0.27), P < .05), respectively. A multivariable model showed that 24-h ultrafiltration (odds ratio [OR] 7.6 (95% confidence interval [3.9-14.8]), P < .001 was associated with increased PD Na/Gluc, whereas APD (OR 0.19 (0.06-0.62), P < .01 and increased extracellular water to total body water (OR 0.001 [0-0.08], P = .03) were associated with lower ratios. Twenty four-hour peritoneal ultrafiltration was strongly associated with PD Na/Gluc, whereas patients treated with APD cyclers without a daytime icodextrin exchange and those with an increased extracellular water to total body water had lower peritoneal sodium losses but with greater peritoneal glucose absorption.

Successful treatment with assisted automated peritoneal dialysis using 4.25% glucose dialysate for an elderly patient with refractory heart failure.

Refractory heart failure is a major cause of mortality and hospitalization, and peritoneal dialysis (PD) is one of the options for controlling volume overload. Although high glucose dialysate enables a large amount of ultrafiltration, the use of 4.25% glucose dialysate is generally avoided, because high glucose exposure leads to peritoneal damage. Here, we describe a patient who was successfully treated with assisted automated PD using 4.25% glucose dialysate for refractory heart failure. An 84-year-old woman developed heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation with a low left-ventricular ejection fraction of 30%, and also developed progressive kidney deterioration. She had been refractory to diuretics and repeatedly hospitalized. PD was started to treat refractory heart failure. Since it was difficult for her to change the dialysis bags by herself, assistance with her PD from her family was needed. The use of 4.25% glucose dialysate markedly increased ultrafiltration and improved her condition. In addition, automated PD (APD) using 4.25% glucose dialysate enabled her family to have a break from PD once every 4 days. Thereafter, she had no episodes of hospitalization due to heart failure for approximately 18 months after her discharge.