Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Peritoneal Fibrosis in Rats

Hydrogen sulfide has helped fibrosis of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. In this study, peritoneal fibrosis was induced in rats. Using hydrogen sulfide decreased inflammation and fibrosis, and improved peritoneal function, and may become a future treatment to help people.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-11-11)

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CRP levels and abdominal CT scans can find EPS early

A look back at CT scans and c-reactive protein levels from 30 people diagnosed with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis has provided clues for early diagnosis. Higher than normal levels of c-reactive protein plus abnormal CT scan results found the rare complication early 78% to 87% of the time—making effective treatment more possible.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-09-11)

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Peritoneal cavity model will help the study of fibrosis

Researchers have devised a model peritoneum that allows them to study the impact of PD on the cells. The model has a mesothelial layer, an endothelial layer, and a collagen membrane chamber. When used for simulated PD, various solutions had different effects on the cells—but reduced nitric oxide production seems to be a mechanism for fibrosis. This new tool may lead to new ways to prevent and treat peritoneal fibrosis.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-09-11)

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Gene therapy via nanoparticles reduces peritoneal fibrosis in mice

Gene therapies may reduce peritoneal fibrosis—a leading cause of PD failure. Delivering transforming growth factor using nanoparticles worked in a mouse study.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-05-09)

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Ultrasound can measure peritoneal wall thickness in children

Fibrosis of the peritoneum can cause PD failure. But, peritoneal wall thickness can be measured with a painless ultrasound. The results can assess whether the peritoneum is changing over time.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-05-09)

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Biocompatible PD fluid reduces cell death due to inflammation

In time, the peritoneum (just one cell layer thick) can wear out when used for PD. A new study finds that peritoneal cells in petri dishes bathed in standard PD fluid were more likely to die due to inflammation caused by glucose. But, cells bathed in biocompatible fluids were protected from the damage. In humans, this means that the peritoneum may last longer.

Read the abstract » | (added 2015-04-10)

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mTOR inhibitors may treat encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

In a case study report, a class of drugs that includes Rapamycin (sirolimus) was used to successfully treat a 16 year old who developed EPS after a switch from PD to HD. mTOR inhibitors help keep new blood vessels from growing.

Read the abstract » | (added 2014-11-07)

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A metaanalysis of vitamin D in PD

PD patients tend to have lower vitamin D levels than HD patients. A review of 40 studies (of 1,036 patients) found that besides decreasing PTH levels (in nearly all cases), vitamin D supplements were linked with reducing proteinuria, a lower peritonitis risk, and less loss of peritoneal protein. The authors speculate that optimizing vitamin D levels may help preserve residual renal function.

Read the abstract » | (added 2014-08-04)

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For older patients, PD offers quality of life boost

Compared to younger people, those over age 65 on PD reported better quality of life, even after adjustment for case mix and comorbidities. Levels of anxiety and depression were about the same between older and younger patients. Those who used a cycler for PD reported fewer symptoms. The authors conclude that “Patients across different age groups should be given non-biased information about both peritoneal dialysis modalities and individual preferences should be elicited and carefully considered by healthcare providers.”

Read the abstract » | (added 2014-08-04)

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Japanese strategy to prevent encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS)

EPS is a rare and severe complication of PD. Japanese clinicians offer a multidisciplinary approach to avoid EPS and improve outcomes for those who have it. Icodextrin and combination PD/HD treatment is used, and high-risk patients have planned PD stoppage. Between 2008 and 2012, the incidence of EPS was 0.3% for PD < 3 years, 0.6% for PD = 5 years, 2.3% for PD = 8 years, and 1.2% for PD > 8 years. Prednisone (n=11) and surgery (n=2) were used to treat EPS; remission occurred in 12 of the patients (85.7%), while 3 died (21.4%).

Read the abstract » | (added 2014-03-07)

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