Which came first: the peritoneal glucose load index, or LVH?

Glucose load in 43 stable PD patients was calculated with a peritoneal glucose load index (PGLI) based on glucose in grams/Kg/day in the daily PD prescription. A PGLI of > 3 g/Kg/day was positively correlated both with hemoglobin A1c levels and with left ventricular mass (p<0.001). The authors conclude that safe levels for PGLI need to be studied further. But, while this seems very plausible, correlations are not causal...

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

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Treatment of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Science has not yet shed light on how to prevent EPS. But, this review covers treatments for the rare and devastating condition. These include steroids, tamoxifen, and the immunosuppressants sirolimus or everolimus (at transplant blood levels). Surgery may also be needed.

Read the abstract » | (added 2014-01-08)

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PD Dialysate With Hydrogen May Protect Peritoneal Membranes

Over time, the peritoneum can be harmed by glucose degradation products in PD dialysate. In 6 patients, PD fluid with dissolved hydrogen significantly reduced oxidative stress vs. standard PD fluid.

Read the abstract » | (added 2013-07-17)

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New hope for stopping peritoneal fibrosis

There are vitamin D receptors all over the body. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked with severe fibrosis. This study gave mice peritoneal fibrosis and then looked at the impact of treatment with a vitamin D analog (22-oxacalcitriol). The treatment significantly prevented fibrosis and thickening of the peritoneum.

Read the abstract » | (added 2013-04-29)

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Neutral pH PD fluid protects peritoneal membranes

Standard PD fluid may have an acidic pH and contain high levels of glucose degradation products (GDPs). Japanese researchers followed 12 patients using standard fluid and 12 using a neutral pH fluid with low GDPs. The low GDP group had less membrane fibrosis, blood vessel sclerosis, and build up of AGEs, and had higher ultrafiltration volume than the high GDP group.

Read the abstract » | (added 2012-12-19)

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PD as a treatment for severe heart failure

In a small study, people whose CKD had not yet caused kidney failure were helped by peritoneal dialysis. After 2 months, the 19 study participants lost water weight, breathed easier, could sleep lying flat, and had no hospital stays for fluid overload.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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U.S. barriers to home dialysis treatments

Home dialysis is underused in the U.S., and a committee of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis has looked at why that may be. The group organized the barriers into three groups: educational, government/regulatory, and dialysis practice, and is looking at strategies to address each.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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Using L-carnitine instead of sugar for PD fluid

Over time, sugar can harm the peritoneal membrane so it can't be used for PD. L-carnitine is a substance the body needs for energy. In a new rat study, PD fluid with L-carnitine removed as much—or more—water and wastes as sugar-based fluid. The new fluid was well tolerated and did not damage the peritoneum.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-09-29)

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NAC protects PD membrane from sugar damage in rats

Over time, caramelized sugars in PD fluid can scar the peritoneal membrane to the point where PD may no longer work. In a rat study, an antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, or NAC) reduced this damage. NAC may one day prove to be a treatment for humans.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-06-21)

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Peritoneal cell transplants&mdash;a future option for PD?

Over time, glucose-based PD fluid can cause fibrosis and blood vessel changes to the peritoneal membrane, making PD impossible. But what if you could transplant the cells lining the peritoneum and grow a new layer from your own tissue? Could PD continue? Researchers are looking into this intriguing possibility.

Read the abstract » | (added 2011-02-24)

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