腹膜透析患者中医证型及其影响因素的临床观察

目的：观察腹膜透析（PD）患者中医证型的分布与变化,分析影响证型的相关因素,为中医药治疗干预提供参考.方法：共96例PD患者,记录病史、症状体征与舌脉,进行中医辨证分型,同一患者当中医证型发生变化时进行连续性观察,并观察中医证型与透析龄、临床合并症及实验室指标间的关系.结果：（1）证型分布：本虚证以脾肾气虚证、脾肾阳虚证为主,分别占43.8%、26.0%,标实证依次为湿浊证、血瘀证、风动证、湿热证、水气证,以湿浊、瘀血证多见;（2）证型的变化：血瘀、湿热、湿浊等标实证可随病情发生变化;（3）证型与透析龄的关系：透析龄＜24个月脾肾气虚、脾肾阳虚证与湿浊证多见,透析龄≥24个月脾肾阳虚、阴阳两虚、血瘀、风动证较多,组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01或〈.05）;（4）证型与临床合并症的关系：发生腹膜炎与非腹膜炎时比较湿热证增多,脾肾阳虚证减少,发生容量超负荷与非容量超负荷时比较水气证明显增多,但组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;（5）证型与实验室指标的关系：本虚证中阴阳两虚、脾肾阳虚证患者血Hb明显下降,血CRP升高,阴阳两虚证血Alb下降,脾肾阳虚证血iPTH升高,肝肾阴虚、气阴两虚证血TG升高,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,各标实证实验室指标比较差异无统计学意义（P〈0.05）.结论：PD患者的中医证型本虚证以脾肾气虚与脾肾阳虚证为多,标实证主要为湿浊、血瘀证,透析龄、临床合并证及某些实验室指标是影响中医证型的因素.     

维持性腹膜透析患者中医证型与C-反应蛋白关系探讨

目的：探讨维持性腹膜透析患者中医证型与C-反应蛋白（CRP）之间的关系,为微炎证状态的治疗提供新的思路。方法：参考中华中医药学会肾病分会2006年《慢性肾衰竭的诊断、辨证分析及疗效评定》标准制定“维持性腹膜透析患者中医证型分布临床症状调查表”,对151例维持性腹膜透析患者进行中医辨证分型,本虚证分为脾肾气虚、肝肾阴虚、脾肾阳虚、气阴两虚、阴阳俱虚5型,标实证分为无兼证、湿浊证、湿热证、热毒证、血瘀证5型,并收集患者的CRP结果,通过方差分析进行比较。结果：本虚证各组间平均值均高于正常参考值,但组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;标实证方面组间总差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,组间两两比较主要表现为湿热证组的CRP水平显著高于其他各组（P〈0.05）,并且把临床上有明显感染征象的患者剔除后再做统计,结果仍显示湿热证组与其他各证型间差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论：维持性腹膜透析患者湿热证型与CRP结果有较好的相关性,能为临床辨证施治提供参考,为治疗微炎证状态提供新的思路。     

维持性腹膜透析患者中医证型研究和相关因素分析

目的：研究维持性腹膜透析患者的中医证型和相关因素。方法：125例维持性腹膜透析患者通过问卷调查和中医四诊观察中医正虚证、邪实证分布情况,及其与透析病程、透析方式、理化指标的关系。结果：维持性腹膜透析患者的中医辨证分型以脾肾气虚证和脾肾阳虚证最为常见,其次为肝肾阴虚证和阴阳两虚证,气阴两虚证较少;邪实以湿浊、血瘀最为常见;中医本虚证型和各项理化指标、腹透病程、腹膜转运特性等有相关性;肾性贫血、低蛋白血症、慢性炎症、心血管疾病的合并症发生率占总研究人群的45.6%,表现为脾肾阳虚证、阴阳两虚证和脾肾气虚证为主。结论：维持性腹膜透析患者以脾肾气虚和脾肾阳虚两证为主,并普遍存在贫血、低蛋白血症、慢性炎症和心血管疾病的合并症。     

不同中医证型腹膜透析患者容量状态的差异研究

目的:探讨不同中医证型腹膜透析(PD)患者容量状态的差异。方法:选取我院腹透中心2015年1月~2016年1月腹膜透析患者248例,根据《慢性肾衰竭的诊断、辨证分析及疗效评定(试行方案)》制定的辨证分型标准确定所有纳入患者中医证型。患者每3个月复诊一次,记录复诊前1周平均24 h总水清除量(TFR),同时测量患者血压,评估水肿情况,以及记录透析方式。结果:PD患者本虚证中以脾肾气虚证居多,其次为脾肾阳虚证;标实证中以湿浊证、湿热证、瘀血证居多。不同本虚证PD患者TFR的组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.01),而收缩压,舒张压,脉压差和水肿评分的组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);不同标实证PD患者无兼证组、湿浊组、湿热组、血瘀组TFR,血压和水肿评分组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。不同本虚证PD患者单袋透析液平均留腹时间的组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),透析液交换量的组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.01),而透析方式的组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);不同标实证PD患者单袋透析液平均留腹时间、透析液交换量和透析方式的组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:PD患者容量状态与不同中医证型之间存在相关性。     

102例维持性腹膜透析营养不良患者中医证型分布特点

目的：分析维持性腹膜透析患者营养不良的中医证型特点,并探讨其中医发病机制。方法：对102例维持性腹膜透析营养不良患者进行中医辨证分型,对其分型特点进行分析。结果：根据营养不良程度：本虚证轻度营养不良患者中脾肾气虚证最多,随着营养不良程度加重,脾肾阳虚证和阴阳两虚证比例明显增加。标实证轻度营养不良患者中湿浊证最多,其次为瘀血证,随着营养不良程度加重,湿热、瘀血、风动证比例逐渐增加。透析充分性与中医证型：本虚证中,Kt/V﹥1．7,脾肾气虚证出现率最高,随着Kt/V值降低,脾肾气虚证比例明显减少,肝肾阴虚证、气阴两虚证和阴阳两虚证比例明显增加。标实证中,Kt/V﹥1．7,湿浊证出现率最高,其次为瘀血证、湿热证,随着Kt/V值降低,湿浊证、瘀血证患者比例明显减少,湿热证、风动证比例明显增加。结论：PD营养不良患者中医证型分布与透析充分性密切相关,其发病机制可概括为“本虚标实”,本虚以脾肾亏虚为主,标实以湿浊瘀血为主。     

膜性肾病患者HP感染情况及中医证候分析

目的：调查膜性肾病（MN）患者幽门螺杆菌（HP）感染发生率及中医证候特征。方法：选取我院MN患者为研究对象,采用1^3 C-尿素呼气试验（1^3 C-UBT）方法判断是否存在HP感染,并进行中医辨证分析,比较HP感染组和非HP感染组中医证候的差异。结果：（1）82例MN患者中61例存在HP感染,感染率为74.39％。（2）两组本虚证中的脾肾阳虚、肺肾气虚、气阴两虚、肝肾阴虚及阴阳两虚证比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。（3）HP感染组湿热证比例（52.46％）显著高于非HP感染组（23.81％）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;HP感染组瘀血证比例（18.03％）显著低于非HP感染组（42.86％）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：MN患者具有较高的HP感染率,无论是否伴有HP感染,MN的中医证候仍以本虚证为主,但伴有HP感染者的标实证以湿热证为主,不伴HP感染者标实证以瘀血证为主。     

血液透析与腹膜透析对终末期肾衰竭患者脂质影响的调查与分析

目的：调查血液透析和腹膜透析对终末期肾衰竭患者脂质代谢的影响。方法：采用回顾性分析的方法调查尿毒症患者共96例,腹透及血透各48例,比较其各自透析前后脂质改变及透析后两组脂质改变有无差异。结果：（1）腹透治疗组三酰甘油（TG）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL）、极低密度脂蛋白（VLDL）较透析前明显升高（P〈0.01）,总胆固醇（TC）较透析前升高（P〈0.05）,高密度脂蛋白（HDL）较透析前降低（P〈0.05）,LP（a）较透析前无统计学差异;（2）血透组LDL、TG、LP（a）较透析前明显升高（P〈0.05）,HDL较透析前降低无统计学意义;（3）腹透组与血透组血脂变化比较：TG、LDL二者的升高腹透组较血透组明显（P〈0.05）,LP（a）升高血透较腹透明显（P〈0.05）。结论：透析会加重终末期肾衰竭患者的脂质异常,腹膜透析表现更明显,腹膜透析与血液透析存在统计学差异。血液透析在LP（a）的升高应引起重视。     

腹膜透析管植入术后休整期与腹透导管相关并发症间关系的临床研究

目的：分析腹膜透析管植入术后至开始腹膜透析时的时间间隔（手术后休整期）与患者腹透导管相关并发症之间的关系,寻找合适的腹膜透析导管术后休整期。方法：回顾性总结本科室从1997年以来部分实行腹膜透析管植入术并长期随访的腹膜透析患者154例,根据腹透管置管植入术后休整期长短不同分为3组,7 d以内组（时间〈7 d）、7 d以上组（7 d≤时间〈14 d）和14 d以上组（时间≥14 d）,分析3组患者的原发疾病,术前白蛋白和肌酐水平、腹透液渗漏、腹透管移位、大网膜包裹等腹透导管相关并发症的发生情况,以及手术干预的例次。结果：各组中疾病谱分布、术前血清白蛋白及肌酐值水平差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;7 d以内组患者发生腹透液渗漏发生率（10.0%）、腹透管移位发生率（22.5%）、大网膜包裹发生率（20.0%）均高于其余两组（P〈0.05）;7 d以上组和14 d以上组之间上述并发症发生率相当（P〉0.05）;7 d以内组需手术处理的并发症（81.0%）显著高于其他两组（P〈0.05）。结论：腹膜透析管植入术后7～14 d的休整期能明显减少腹透导管相关并发症的发生,是比较合适的休整期。     

慢性肾衰竭中医证型与左心结构及功能相关性临床初步观察

目的：探讨慢性肾衰竭（chronic renal failer,CRF）中医证候分布情况及其与心功能各指标的相关性。方法：通过临床调研,选取90例CRF患者进行中医辨证分型,并测定心脏彩超相关的指标,分析中医证型与心脏彩超相关指标的相关性。结果：各证型患者在所有患者中的比例分别为：脾肾气虚证（30%）、脾肾阳虚证（27.8%）、气阴两虚证（21%）、肝肾阴虚证（15.6%）、阴阳两虚证（5.6%）。Tei指数水平在各证型组之间存在显著差异（P〈0.01）。室间隔厚度（interventricular septal thickness,IVST）水平除脾肾阳虚组和肝肾阴虚组之间P〉0.05外,其余各证型组间差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。左室射血分数（left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF）水平各证型组的总体均数差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。Tei指数与室间隔厚度的相关系数r=0.53。结论：提示CRF患者在本病初期多为脾肾气虚;心脏在CRF早期已受累及;Tei指数与室间隔厚度有显著的正相关性,可初步作为判断CRF中医证型及转归的依据。     

腹膜透析患者血脂水平与中医证型关系的研究

目的:探讨腹膜透析(peritoneal dialysis,PD)患者血脂水平与中医证型的关系。方法:选取武汉市第一医院腹膜透析中心256位均行持续性非卧床腹膜透析(continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis,CAPD)治疗大于3个月以上患者,由腹膜透析中心专人进行中医辨证分型,对其分型特点进行分析。结果:256例患者中,本证以脾肾气虚证最多,其次为脾肾阳虚证、气阴两虚证、阴阳两虚证、肝肾阴虚证;兼证以湿浊证居多,其次为瘀血证、湿热证、风动证和热毒证。在本证及兼证中各证型间总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、三酰甘油(triglycerides,TG)、高密度脂蛋白(high-density lipoprotein,HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白(low-density lipoprotein,LDL-C)、肌酐(creatinine,Cr)、总KT/V、总肌酐清除率(creatinine clearance,Ccr)、血钙(calcium,Ca)、血磷(phosphorus,P)、甲状旁腺激素(parathyroid hormone,PTH)、血红蛋白(hemoglobin,Hb)、白蛋白(albumin,Alb)、血清铁蛋白(serum ferritin,SF)比较无明显差异(P均 0. 05)。在本证中TG正常水平主要表现为阴阳两虚证,TG异常水平主要表现为肝肾阴虚证、脾肾气虚证、脾肾阳虚证、气阴两虚证(P=0. 00,P 0. 05);在兼证中TC正常水平主要表现为湿热证、瘀血证、风动证、热毒证,TC异常水平主要表现为湿浊证(P=0. 000,P 0. 05),LDL-C正常水平主要表现为湿浊证、湿热证、风动证,LDL-C异常水平主要表现为瘀血证(P=0. 001,P 0. 05)。结论:腹膜透析患者中医证型分布以脾肾气虚证、湿浊证为主,且TG、TC、LDL-C水平正常与否与中医证型分布存在一定关联。     

腹膜透析患者癌症相关抗原125水平与腹膜转运功能关系的研究

目的:检测腹膜透析患者腹透液中癌症相关抗原125(CA125)水平及腹膜转运功能,并探讨二者之间关系及其临床意义.方法:电化学发光法测定过夜腹透液中CA125浓度,行腹膜平衡试验检测腹膜转运功能.结果:腹透短期组、腹透中期组、腹透长期组三者的腹透液中CA125水平及4 h D/PCr相比较皆有统计学差异(P<0.05或P<0.01);腹透腹膜炎中、低发组观察前后两指标皆无统计学差异,也无明显的相关性,而腹透腹膜炎高发组观察前后两指标有统计学差异;观察各组两指标皆呈非显著性负相关.结论:腹膜透析患者癌症相关抗原125水平与腹膜转运功能关系不大.     

肾衰合剂对维持性腹膜透析患者残余肾功能的影响

目的：观察肾衰舍剂对连续不卧床腹膜透析（CAPD）患者残余肾功能的影响，探讨中药治疗对CAPD患者残余肾功能的保护作用及其机制。方法：将56例脾肾气（阳）虚型的CAPD患者随机分为常规腹膜透析对照组，及加服中药肾衰合剂治疗组。治疗6个月，比较残余肾KT／V、残余肾CCr的变化及下降速率。结果：在维持总体透析效能的前提下，治疗组残余肾KT／V、残余肾CCr下降速度较对照组明显缓慢。结论：肾衰合荆能有效延缓PD患者的RRF的下降。     

Peritoneal dialysis, membranes and beyond

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The peritoneal membrane provides the interface between dialysate fluid and blood for peritoneal dialysis patients. Functional properties of the peritoneal membrane have important clinical implications. This review will outline recent observations concerning structural changes in the peritoneal membrane and the impact on function and clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Peritoneal membrane function - solute transport and ultrafiltration - is a complex process involving new blood vessel growth along with changes in the nature of blood vessels and the interstitial environment of these vessels. Advanced glycation end-products produced by reactive oxygen species in the dialysis fluid have been identified as an agent of tissue fibrosis. Nitric oxide and IL-6 also have important roles in peritoneal membrane injury. Gene polymorphisms associated with peritoneal membrane function have been identified. As the mechanisms of peritoneal membrane injury become better elucidated, targeted therapies are being developed. The role of biocompatible and nonglucose dialysis fluids needs to be further defined. SUMMARY: The peritoneal membrane is the lifeline for peritoneal dialysis patients. Our understanding of mechanisms of injury and functional responses continues to expand and will hopefully lead to therapies to improve the clinical outcomes for peritoneal dialysis patients.     

A low-protein diet does not necessarily lead to malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) group guideline recommends that the dietary protein intake (DPI) for peritoneal dialysis patients should be more than 1.2 g/kg/d. However, this target is not realistic for many Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients. In the present study, we investigated the impact of a low-protein diet on patients' nutritional status in a longitudinal cohort study in peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: Forty-seven peritoneal dialysis patients who had been on peritoneal dialysis for at least 3 months by the end of 2002 were included in the present study. All of the patients were followed up for 1 year. The patients were asked to collect their 3-day dietary record once every 3 months, and dialysis adequacy was evaluated once every 6 months. Subjective global assessment was performed at the beginning and by the end of the study. Comorbidities occurring during the follow-up were recorded. Fluid status was assessed once every 3 months. Patients were divided into three groups, with patients having a consistent DPI > or = 0.8 g/kg/d in group 1, patients with a variable DPI in group 2, and patients with a consistent DPI < 0.8 g/kg/d in group 3. RESULTS: There were 12, 18, and 17 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. At the beginning of the study, 53.2% of the patients were malnourished. During the follow-up, nutritional status had improved in 12 patients, did not change in 32 patients, and had worsened in 3 patients. By the end of the follow-up, 34% of the patients were malnourished with only one severely malnourished patient. Malnourished patients by the end of the study had a significantly higher incidence of new comorbidities, more inflammation, and a higher incidence of fluid overload. There were no significant differences in the dialysis adequacy index among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that (1) many Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients did not achieve a high protein intake as recommended by the DOQI, but the low-protein diet does not necessarily lead to malnutrition in these patients, and (2) comorbidities occurring during the follow-up and volume overload may be the important risk factors for malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis patients.     

Laparoscopic omentectomy for salvage of peritoneal dialysis catheters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Maintaining long-term peritoneal catheter function for peritoneal dialysis is commonly threatened by problems with catheter obstruction. Multiple methods have been used to salvage nonfunctioning catheters, including omentopexy, catheter repositioning, and omentectomy. We report on our experience with a laparoscopic method of omentectomy and catheter fixation for salvage of nonfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with nonfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters underwent 16 laparoscopic procedures with the intent to restore function. Clinically, all patients presented with outflow obstruction. At initial presentation, all patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and a definitive procedure. In 12 patients, catheters were enveloped by omentum, and we performed laparoscopic omentectomy and catheter fixation to the anterior pelvic wall. In one patient, we identified a broken catheter and performed a laparoscopic omentectomy at the time of catheter replacement. One 10-mm and two 5-mm trocars were utilized. Omentectomy was performed using either endo-GIA stapled resection (2 patients) or the Harmonic Scalpel (11 patients). All trocar incisions (including the 5-mm site) were closed with a suture-passing (Carter-Thomason) device to provide water-tight closure in anticipation of immediate return to peritoneal dialysis. Patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 17 months (range 4-35 months). RESULTS: All patients' catheter function was restored intraoperatively with laparoscopic omentectomy and catheter fixation. Eight catheters remained functioning following omentectomy without further intervention. Five patients (38%) experienced repeat catheter malfunction and underwent laparoscopic exploration. Of these, three catheters (60%) were restored to function with laparoscopic manipulation alone. Three catheters were found encased in extensive adhesions. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was successful in one patient and unsuccessful in one patient, who converted to hemodialysis. One patient failed laparoscopic salvage and required open laparotomy and fibrin clot removal to restore catheter function. One catheter was found to be obstructed within a pericolic hematoma. One catheter was found within residual omentum at the hepatic flexure. Both of these catheters were freed laparoscopically and continued to function at 12 and 16 months' follow-up. Complications included one episode of peritonitis, one case of postoperative ileus, and one trocar site hernia necessitating repair. The nephrologists were instructed that they could begin peritoneal dialysis on postoperative day 1. Seven patients resumed peritoneal dialysis without leak from trocar sites. The remaining patients received temporary hemodialysis through a central venous catheter and returned to peritoneal dialysis at the discretion of their nephrologists. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic omentectomy with catheter fixation is a minimally invasive means of salvaging peritoneal dialysis catheters with outflow obstruction. Complications are few, and closure of laparoscopic incisions in water-tight fashion allows rapid return to peritoneal dialysis.     

Supporting peritoneal dialysis in remote Australia

SUMMARY:   Peritoneal dialysis is usually considered a first-choice treatment for end-stage renal disease for patients living in remote areas. The advantages of peritoneal dialysis over haemodialysis are that peritoneal dialysis preserves the residual renal function for longer, provides patients with more independence and gives patients a greater opportunity to return home quickly. In Australia, Aboriginal people suffer end-stage renal failure at disproportionately higher rates than the general population. Given that many Aboriginal people live in remote communities a task of peritoneal dialysis units is to ensure the successful setting up and maintenance of peritoneal dialysis programmes in the outback. This paper examines how peritoneal dialysis units located in the city are able to deliver peritoneal dialysis to patients located often hundreds of kilometres and at times thousands of kilometres away in very remote communities. In preparing this paper interviews were conducted with renal and remote community-based health professionals in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and with peritoneal dialysis patients in Western Australia. The success of remote peritoneal dialysis programmes relies on many elements, most importantly an integrated approach to care by all members of the peritoneal dialysis team. The peritoneal dialysis team included not just health professionals but also patients, their families, their communities and other support people such as those involved in the transport of peritoneal dialysis supplies to the outback. Careful communication, a willingness to participate, friendliness and delivering care and supplies with a smile are essential ingredients to a winning program. Without all of these ingredients dialysis in the bush may fail.     

A comparison of transplant outcomes in peritoneal and hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Studies examining the effect of pre-transplant dialysis modality on graft and patient survival after kidney transplantation have produced conflicting results. Therefore, we studied the effects of pre-transplant dialysis modality on outcomes in a large United States cohort. METHODS: We compared rates of transplantation between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients from the years 1995 to 1998 in the United States (N = 252,402) and outcomes after transplantation (N = 22,776), using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. RESULTS: In a Cox proportional hazards analysis that was adjusted for multiple patient characteristics, kidney transplantation was 1.39 (95% CI = 1.35 to 1.43) times more likely in peritoneal dialysis vs. hemodialysis patients (P < 0.0001). Over the entire follow-up period, the adjusted risk for death-censored graft failure was 1.15 (1.04 to 1.26) times higher in peritoneal dialysis vs. hemodialysis (P < 0.05), but mortality and overall graft failure rates were not different. Pre-transplant dialysis modality did not affect outcomes for patients who survived with a functioning kidney for at least 3 months. However, in adjusted Cox analyses restricted to the first 3 months, peritoneal dialysis was associated with a 1.23 (1.09 to 1.39) times higher risk for early graft failure (P < 0.001) and a 1.33 (1.16 to 1.53) times higher risk for death-censored graft failure (P < 0.001). Peritoneal dialysis patients, however, were seen to have a lower incidence of delayed graft function. In a smaller sample of patients with data on causes of early graft failure, graft thrombosis was more commonly listed as a cause of graft failure among peritoneal dialysis patients, 41% (64/156), compared to hemodialysis patients, 30% (106/349), P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation is more frequent in peritoneal dialysis than in hemodialysis patients, and transplantation in peritoneal dialysis patients is more frequently associated with early, but not late, graft failure. Delayed graft function was less common in peritoneal dialysis patients but this potential benefit appears to be offset by other factors which are associated with early graft loss. Additional studies are needed to determine what factors may help understand this early risk of graft failure.     

The relationship among asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, residual renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial-based nitric oxide synthase. Its level is increased by end stage renal disease. However, most studies showing an increase in ADMA in dialysis patients have focused on hemodialysis. Results with peritoneal dialysis patients have been more inconclusive. Recent studies suggest that ADMA may be a new cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between ADMA levels, residual renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy in peritoneal dialysis patients. Serum ADMA measurements and echocardiographic evaluations were performed in 54 peritoneal dialysis patients and 26 healthy volunteers. Residual renal function was measured in peritoneal dialysis patients by urea clearance from a urine collection. Thirty-two of the 54 peritoneal dialysis patients had residual renal function. ADMA levels of the peritoneal dialysis group were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (p = 0.03). Within the peritoneal dialysis group, ADMA levels of patients with residual renal function were significantly lower than those without residual renal function (p = 0.01), though they were still higher than the ADMA levels of the control group (p = 0.04). Serum levels of ADMA were positively correlated with left ventricular mass index (r = 0.29, p = 0.01) and negatively correlated with early mitral inflow velocity (Em) (r = -0.28, p = 0.01), Em/Late mitral inflow velocity (Am) (r = -0,32, p = 0.00), and isovolumetric relaxation time (r = -0.30, p = 0.01). In conclusion, increased ADMA levels seem to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in peritoneal dialysis patients, and residual renal function may lead to a reduction of serum ADMA levels.     

Reciprocal influences between ambulatorial peritoneal dialysis and pulmonary function

The aim of this study was to verify if dialysis solution volumes used in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) interfere with pulmonary function and if the pulmonary volumes interfere with the lymphatic absorption of the peritoneal cavity. We submitted 10 CAPD patients with a mean age of 48 +/- 18 years and on CAPD for 35 +/- 27 months to the following evaluations: first, measurement of the lymphatic absorption from the peritoneal cavity; second, measurement of the hydrostatic intraperitoneal pressure; and third, expirometry with the peritoneal cavity full of dialysis solution and empty. There were no differences between the expirometry results obtained with the peritoneal cavity full and empty of dialysis solution, and the results were in accordance with the prediction for this population. The values did not correlate with the peritoneal lymphatic absorption of the peritoneal cavity. The cumulative lymphatic absorption of the peritoneal cavity after 4 h dialysis solution permanence was 197 +/- 93 ml, and the hydrostatic intraperitoneal pressure was 13.9 +/- 2.8 column centimeters of water. Neither of these correlated with pulmonary volumes. In conclusion, CAPD did not interfere with the pulmonary function, nor did the pulmonary function influence the lymphatic absorption of the peritoneal cavity of these patients.