Hepatitis G virus infection in haemodialysis and in peritoneal dialysis patients

The aim of this study was to detect hepatitis G virus RNA (HGV RNA) and antibodies against the virus envelope protein E2 (anti-E2) in 107 patients either on maintenance haemodialysis (n = 78) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 29) to evaluate the prevalence of HGV infection and to establish its role in liver disease. The total prevalence of HGV infection was of 15.4% among haemodialysis patients, whereas it was 10.3% among peritoneal dialysis patients. HGV RNA was detected in 2 haemodialysis patients (2.6%) and in 3 peritoneal dialysis patients (10.3%). Anti-E2 was found in 10 haemodialysis patients (7.8%), whilst all peritoneal dialysis patients resulted negative. In only 1 patient the alanine aminotransferase level was elevated. This patient underwent liver biopsy that did not reveal evidence of chronic hepatitis. The lower HGV prevalence in haemodialysis patients, when compared with data reported by other European authors, should be related to the lower rate of polytransfused patients in our series (29.5%). Multiple blood transfusions should be considered as the main factor to explain the different prevalence of HGV infection among various European dialysis centres. Detection of both antibody and viraemia is important to establish the real rate of the infection.     

TT virus infection in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The recent discovery of a new parenterally transmitted DNA virus called TT virus (TTV) led us to investigate its prevalence in haemodialysis patients, a high-risk group for blood-borne infection, and to evaluate its role in liver disease. Moreover, we compared the TTV prevalence with the prevalence of other hepatitis virus coinfections. METHODS: Serum samples of 78 patients on maintenance haemodialysis were tested for TTV-DNA, hepatitis G virus (HGV)-RNA, anti-E2, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-RNA. TTV-DNA was detected by semi-nested PCR using the primers from open reading frame 1 (ORF). HGV-RNA was detected by PCR using specific primers for the NS3 and the 5'-UTR genome regions while anti-E2 were checked by an enzyme immunological test. Anti-HCV was tested by the second generation Chiron RIBA HCV test system. HCV-RNA was evaluated by nested PCR with primers directed to the highly conserved 5' non-coding region of the HCV genome. RESULTS: TTV prevalence in our patients was 19% (15/78) while the prevalence of HCV and HGV infection proved to be 20 and 15.4%, respectively. Among TTV positive patients HGV co-infection was present in five cases (33%), HCV in six cases (39.9%), while HBV co-infection was not present in any of the patients. Only three patients proved positive for all three viruses. ALT levels were normal in most cases (13/15; 86%). In particular, patients with TTV infection alone showed normal ALT levels and HCV coinfection was found in the two patients with moderate ALT increases. CONCLUSIONS: TTV prevalence in haemodialysed patients is significant though the real clinical impact is still unclear. However, we must keep in mind that the epidemiological relevance of TTV infection is probably underestimated due to the impossibility in detecting the corresponding antibody.     

Xanthomonas maltophilia infection in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

Xanthomonas maltophilia infection has only been occasionally reported in patients receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis. We describe four cases of Xanthomonas maltophilia infection associated with chronic peritoneal dialysis. Two patients presented with peritonitis and two with exit site infection. All patients were diabetics, who immediately prior to the study had not received antibiotic therapy. Failure to respond to multiple antibiotic therapy resulted in catheter removal in both patients with peritonitis. In those patients with only exit site infections, dialysis could be continued following antibiotic therapy and catheter replacement in one. Catheter loss in our patients was directly attributed to peritonitis with Xanthomonas maltophilia infection.     

Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND.: Studies on hepatitis C virus antibodies (Anti-HCV) in CAPD patientsare scarce and include a small number of patients. Nevertheless,risk factors related to Anti-HCV in these patients are stillsubject to controversy. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.: To analyse the incidence and risk factors associated with thepresence of Anti-HCV in CAPD patients. METHODS.: We studied 255 patients from five different treatment centresof our region. The analysis was repeated after excluding 161patients who had previously received haemodialysis treatmentat least once. Anti-HCV testing was made by the 2nd-generationELISA. As a supplementary test we used RIBA-4 in three centersand INNOLIA in the other two. Risk factors were analysed usinglogistic regression model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS.: In the whole group, 29 patients (11.4%) were anti-HCV positive.Logistic regression analysis determined the following variablesas independent risk factors: hepatitis previous to CAPD (P<0.0001,odds ratio (OR): 44.9), Anti HBc positivity (P=;0.019, OR: 9.24),blood transfusions previous to CAPD (P=;0.015, OR: 1.05) andCAPD duration (P=0.025, OR: 1.02). When patients who had previouslyundergone haemodialysis were excluded, the prevalence of HCVantibodies was 8.5% (8/94). In this group multivariate analysisshowed that Anti-HCV positivity correlated with hepatitis previousto CAPD (P<0.0003, OR: 126) and Anti HBc positivity (P=0.002,OR: 41.9). CONCLUSIONS.: Our prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in CAPDpatients was lower than other renal replacement therapy modalities,and correlated to events occurring mainly before starting CAPDtreatment. This technique could be considered as low risk forHCV infection.     

Effects of seasonal changes on peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients

Objectives To investigate the effects of seasonal changes on peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis (PDAP) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and to provide evidence for clinical prevention and treatment of PDAP. Methods All episodes of PD-related peritonitis during clinic follow-up in maintenance PD patients from Jan 1st, 2007 to Dec 31st, 2015 in Peking University People's Hospital were reviewed. The incidence of peritonitis, laboratory indexes, pathogens and clinical outcomes in different seasons were recorded and analyzed. One-way ANOVA and chi square test were employed to compare the incidence of PDAP and related data in different seasons, and Pearson correlation was used to analyze correlations between PDAP rate and monthly mean temperature and mean humidity. Results During nine years, a total of 119 PD patients occurred 190 times of peritonitis during home PD. The PDAP rate in summer was the highest, 0.21 episodes/year, followed by spring (0.16 episodes/year) and autumn (0.16 episodes/risk year), but there was no significant difference among peritonitis rates in four seasons. There were significant positive correlation between monthly mean temperature, monthly mean humidity and the peritonitis rate (mean temperature: r=0.828, P＜0.01; mean humidity r=0.657, P＜0.05). (2) As for bacteria, in Summer the PDAP rate caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CoNS), and Gram-negative bacteria was higher than that in other seasons, but there was no statistical difference. There were significant positive correlation between monthly mean temperature, mean humidity and the rate of CoNS peritonitis (mean temperature: r=0.704, P＜0.05; mean humidity: r=0.607, P＜0.05). (3) There were no statistical difference among results of PD related peritonitis in different seasons about general situation, clinical manifestation, causes of peritonitis and laboratory index before peritonitis episodes. PD procedure-related problems were the main cause of peritonitis in summer and autumn. (4) The cure rate of all peritonitis was 90%. The highest cure rate was in autumn and winter, while the lowest cure rate was in summer, but no statistical difference. Among the peritonitis episodes with treatment failure, 52.6% occurred in summer. Conclusions There is some correlation between the rate of PDAP and seasons. Higher temperature and higher humidity were significantly correlated with higher peritonitis rate, especially the rate of CoNS peritonitis. The prognosis of PDAP in summer was relatively poor, with higher proportion of hospitalization and lower cure rate.     

Peritoneal infection in acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis

A prospective study was done to evaluate the incidence and microbiological trend of peritoneal infection in patients undergoing acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis (PD). Complete sterile procedure was ensured and at the completion of the procedure PD fluid was sent for bacteriological culture, sensitivity, and total and differential cell count. During the period September 2000 to February 2001 a total of 100 patients were evaluated. Male female ratio was 72:28. Mean age was 43.17 +/- 17.2 years. In 26 patients cyclers were used. Bacterial culture was positive in total of 30 cases (30%). Gram positive, Gram negative and mixed infection was found in 10%, 15%, and 5% respectively. Number of exchanges (31.61 +/- 7.7 vs. 31.3 +/- 6, p = 0.8) were similar and number of repositioning was significantly more in the infected group (23.3% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.01). Total cell count was significantly higher in infected group (274.3 +/- 502 vs. 31.25 +/- 79.34, p < 0.01). Among Gram +ve organisms Staphylococcus was found in 7, Enterococcus faecalis in 4 and Coryne bacterium sps. in 2 cases. Among Gram -ve organisms, E. coli was found in 4, Enterobacter in 3, Klebsiella 1, Pseudomonas 1, Acinetobacter arinatus 5, Acinetobacter baumani 3, and Citrobacter freundii 3. Mixed flora comprised of Enterococcus faecalis 3, Enterobacter 1, Staphlococcus 1, E. coli 3, Citrobacter 1, Acinobacter baumani 1. Although with the cyclers using collapsible bags, staphylococcus was not isolated, the total incidence of infection (11/26 cases) was not decreased with the use of cyclers. We conclude that in acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis the incidence of bacterial infection is 30% with preponderance of Gram -ve over Gram +ve organisms and organism of fecal origin being commoner than those of skin origin. Use of cycler-assisted over manual PD do not improve the incidence of infection. Repositioning of the stiff catheter significantly increases the incidence of infection.     

腹膜透析管出口感染的菌种和预后分析

目的 了解腹透管出口感染的菌种和预后。方法 定期随访规律性腹膜透析(腹透)患者的腹透管出口，将出口分为良好出口、可疑出口、感染出口(ESI)和隧道感染(TI)，并统计ESI的发生率、细菌种类、治疗效果和预后。结果 在18个月随访期间定期检查69例腹透患者的出口，共发生ESI 21例次，病原菌中以金黄色葡萄球菌(47．6％)和绿脓杆菌(28．6％)为主。经治疗，17例次治愈，4例次末愈(2例次为金葡菌，2例次为绿脓杆菌)并导致隧道感染(TI)。临床诊断TI发生率为0．012次／病人年，超声显像诊断TI发生率为0．036次／病人年。其中1例cuff剥离后出口愈合良好。3例拔管。结论 感染的细菌种类影响预后。隧道感染发生于出口感染末愈的病例中，超声显像检查能提高诊断阳性率。     

Hyponatremia in peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Low serum sodium is uncommon in peritoneal dialysis (PD), which is surprising in view of the important role of normal kidney function to regulate water and sodium balance. METHODS: We report 2 cases of persistent hyponatremia with balance studies in Case 1. We performed measurements of dialysate sodium and volume output over 24 hours in a group of chronic PD patients. RESULTS: The low serum sodium concentration did not vary too much with overall fluid removal via dialysis in patient 1, mainly because large quantities of sodium were removed in the dialysate. In the 24-hour studies, a significant relationship was found between net daily PD sodium removal and net daily dialysate volume removed (r = 0.65). There was no relationship between net daily PD sodium removal and serum sodium concentration. There was a linear direct correlation between serum and dialysate sodium concentration (r = 0.8) as shown by others previously. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the main determinant of PD sodium loss is net dialysate ultrafiltration volume. Water loss via dialysis is necessarily associated with sodium loss. In order to maintain a normal serum sodium concentration salt intake must be proportional to the water loss induced by dialysis. The stimuli that allow dialysis patients to maintain this delicate balance between water and salt intake are of considerable interest but remain undetermined.     

Cryptococcal peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis is an unusual complication of infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and has rarely been reported in patients with end-stage renal disease who are maintained on peritoneal dialysis. We report two patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis in whom the first known manifestation of cryptococcal infection was dialysate cultures positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. One patient was on prednisone for systemic lupus erythematosis. The other patient was severely malnourished with type I diabetes mellitus. Both patients were found to have cryptococcal meningitis. Both patients were treated with intravenous (IV) amphotericin B and removal of the dialysis catheter. Evaluation and care of peritoneal dialysis patients with cryptococcal peritonitis include serial cryptococcal cultures and antigen titers, investigation for cryptococcal meningitis, removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter, and IV amphotericin B.     

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in paediatric peritoneal dialysis patients

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). In contrast to the adult population, there are few studies regarding EPS in paediatric CPD patients, and the majority of reported patients are from Japan. The aim of the present report is to define the incidence of EPS in our paediatric CPD patients and to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics. A total of 104 paediatric patients were followed from November 1989 to November 2003 and two were diagnosed as EPS (1.9%). The dialysis periods of these patients were 45 and 53 months with 6 and 8 peritonitis episodes, respectively. Clinical signs of EPS developed 7 and 14 days after the removal of the dialysis catheter, and CPD was replaced by haemodialysis because of persistent peritonitis. One patient was well after surgical management but died 6 months later. The second patient who was treated with prednisolone remained well at 16 months. In conclusion, EPS is a rare but important complication of CPD. We recommend that all patients on CPD who develop ultrafiltration failure be evaluated radiologically for the occurrence of EPS. Management should be tailored to the individual patient.     

Prevalence and risk factors of exit-site infection in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of exit-site infection (ESI) in elderly peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods The status of exit-site was evaluated in elderly PD patients (≥60 years) who had catheter insertion in our center between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013, with follow-up for 1 year or withdrawing from peritoneal dialysis in this period. The patients were divided into ESI and non-ESI group. The data was collected including demographics, clinical features, and nursing care methods of the exit-site. Results A total of 247 patients were recruited in this study, aged (68.6±6.2) years, among whom there were 132 male (53.4%) and 119 diabetes (48.2%). Median follow-up time was 12.0 months. Thirty-two patients had 34 episodes of ESI with a rate of 82.5 patient-months per episode (0.15 episodes per year). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the main pathogen, accounting for 35.3% of the ESI. No bacterial growth was found in 8.8%. The exit-site nursing care status included that poor compliance of exit-site care 23.5%, poor catheter immobilization 62.3%, history of catheter-pulling injury 9.7%, mechanical stress on exit-site 5.3%, improper frequency of nursing care 29.6%, mupirocin usage 13.8%, patients taking exit-site care 26.7%, exit-site caregiver instability 16.6%. There were no differences in demographic (such as age, gender, primary disease, etc) and laboratory data (hemoglobin, serum albumin, blood potassium, etc) between the ESI and non-ESI groups. Poor compliance with exit-site care (HR=2.352, 95%CI 1.008-5.488, P=0.048), poor catheter immobilization (HR=3.074, 95%CI 1.046-9.035, P=0.041) and exit-site caregiver instability (HR=2.423, 95%CI 1.004-5.845, P=0.049) were significantly correlated with increased risk of ESI. Conclusions The prevalence of ESI in elderly PD patients was 0.15 episodes per year. Educating PD patients to improve the compliance with exit-site care, maintain catheter immobilization and do exit-site care by a stable and trained caregiver may reduce ESI events in elderly PD patients.     

Pneumoperitoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients.

The prevalence and clinical significance of pneumoperitoneum in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is not fully defined in current literature and some reports suggest that unlike in non-PD patients, it is rarely caused by gastrointestinal perforation. We reviewed 403 chest X-ray films of the 118 PD patients following our PD program in 1995-96, in order to define the prevalence of pneumoperitoneum. We found pneumoperitoneum in 3.7% of the X-rays (15/403) from five patients (4.2%). Its causes might have been: faulty bag exchange technique in two cases and extension tube exchange in three. One patient suffered from a simultaneous episode of peritonitis. Our data and the literature review suggest that 0-11% of pneumoperitoneum episodes in PD patients are due to gastrointestinal perforation; the main causes generally are abdominal operations and catheter manipulation. The amount of air is not useful in assessing the cause of pneumoperitoneum, which takes some weeks to disappear. Computed tomography is more sensitive than standard X-ray in diagnosis.     

维持透析时间对腹膜透析患者CKD-MBD的影响

目的 对维持腹膜透析患者的骨代谢指标进行横断面调查,并探讨腹膜透析时间对腹膜透析患者慢性肾脏疾病矿物质骨代谢异常(Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder,CKD-MBD)的影响.方法 以60例腹膜透析患者和30例健康体检者(对照组)作为研究对象,腹膜透析患者分为A组(腹膜透析时间＜24个月)和B组(腹膜透析时间≥24个月),比较各组间骨代谢指标,如血钙,血磷,25-羟维生素D3[25-hydroxyl vitamin D3,25 (OH) D3]、血清全段甲状旁腺素(intact parathyroid hormone,iPTH)和骨碱性磷酸酶(bone alkaline phosphatase,BALP)的变化.结果 与对照组相比,腹膜透析组的血磷升高,血钙降低且差异具有统计学意义(P1.40±0.29mmol/L vs 1.75±0.57mmol/L;Ca 2.33±0.19mmol/L 2.02±0.2mmol/L,P＜0.叭),iPTH,25 (OH) D3,BALP具有显著性差异[iPTH 436.41±368.28pg/mL vs 53.31±23.71pg/mL;25(OH)D3199.28±139.52ng/mL vs 36.04±14.17ng/mL;BALP80.24±39.41ng/mL vs 173.76±52.38ng/mL,P＜0.01].腹膜透析患者一项或多项骨代谢指标异常的发生率为100％.与对照组相比,A组、B组的血钙降低,血磷升高,且具有统计学意义;但A组与B组的血钙、血磷水平差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与对照组相比,A组、B组的iPTH显著升高(53.31±23.71pg/mL vs 596.57±449.91 pg/mL & 276.25±148.23pg/mL,P＜0.05);25(OH)D3显著减低[173.76±52.38ng/mL vs 58.99±25.79ng/mL & 101.48±39.67ng/mL,P＜0.05],A组BALP明显减低(36.04±14.18ng/mL vs 264.58±114.24ng/mL);与A组相比,B组的iPTH升高,25(OH)D3降低,BALP降低,且差异均具有统计学意义(BALP:133.97±133.90ng/mL vs 264.58±114.24ng/mL,P＜0.05).结论 腹膜透析患者存在明显的矿物质骨代谢异常.随着腹膜透析时间的增加,骨转化类型可能会发生变化,由于常规行骨活检较困难,需动态的检测患者的骨代谢血清学指标来辅助判断骨转化类型.腹膜透析患者矿物质骨代谢异常的治疗方案需根据骨转化类型进行调整.     

缬沙坦对持续性不卧床腹膜透析者腹膜功能的影响

目的 探讨血管紧张素受体拮抗剂缬沙坦对长期腹膜透析者腹膜功能的影响.方法 选择在焦作市人民医院接受腹膜透析者51例,采用数字表法随机分为缬沙坦组（n=28）和对照组（n=23）,对照组未服用血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂/血管紧张素受体拮抗剂类药物.观测并比较基线及1年后估计肾小球滤过率,行腹膜平衡实验,检测超滤量、透析液/血清肌酐（4 h）比值、透析液/葡萄糖浓度（4 h）比值.采用ELISA法检测隔夜腹膜透析液中转化生长因子β1以及血管内皮生长因子的含量.采用t检验进行数据统计.结果 基线时,两组患者临床资料差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.1年时,缬沙坦组与对照组估计肾小球滤过率均下降,分别为（3.1±1.8）、（2.1±1.9） ml/min,但对照组下降更为明显,与缬沙坦组比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.两组透析液/血清肌酐比值、透析液葡萄糖浓度比值差异无统计学意义,对照组超滤量增加更为明显,两组比较差异有统计学意义[对照组：基线时（351±210）ml/4 h,1年时（445±209） ml/4 h;缬沙坦组：基线时（336±198）ml/4 h,1年时（391±220）ml/4 h;P＜0.05].干预后,对照组转化生长因子β1和血管内皮生长因子的表达明显增加,与基线比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,而缬沙坦组干预前后转化生长因子β1和血管内皮生长因子的表达差异无统计学意义.结论 血管紧张素受体拮抗剂缬沙坦对腹膜透析者残余肾功能具有保护作用,可延缓腹膜透析者超滤衰竭的发生,抑制腹透液中腹膜纤维化相关因子的表达,进而抑制、延缓腹膜纤维化的发生和发展,保护腹膜功能.     

Fatigue in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

Fatigue is a common complaint in long termdialysis patients that may influence theirquality of life. The present study was carriedout in order to evaluate the prevalence andcourse of fatigue in a group of chronic PDpatients and to find the possible factor(s)related to its development. We retrospectivelyreviewed 100 charts of the patients previouslyon PD. The presence or absence of fatigue inthe 1st and last clinic visits and the 1st and2nd changes in fatigue state were studiedaccording to the monthly clinical records ofthe primary nurses. Data regarding dialysatevolume, urine volume, weekly erythropoietin(EPO) dose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea,serum creatinine, residual renal creatinine andurea clearances, dialysate to peritonealcreatinine ratio (D/P Cr), total weekly Kt/Vand total creatinine clearance/l.73 m² bodysurface area (TCrCl) were collected. Fifty-fivepatients were male and 45 female. The mean ageat the 1st clinic visit was 61.3 ± 16 years.At the 1st visit 55 patients had fatigue and 45did not. In 32 of the 55 patients fatiguedisappeared after a mean duration of 7.9 ± 8.4months and in 31 of the 45 patients fatigueappeared after a mean duration of 8 ± 6.8months. So at the last visit the frequency offatigue increased significantly from 55% to67% (p < 0.001). In patients with fatigue themean age and female percentage were higher(64.2 ± 14.1 vs 57.8 ± 17.6, p = 0.05 and 1.2vs 0.5, p < 0.05 respectively), mean hemoglobinconcentration was lower (104.4 ± 14.7 vs110.6 ± 14.2 g/L, p < 0.04) and mean EPO dosewas higher (6379.6 ± 7142 vs 3395.4 ± 4337.8units/week, p < 0.02) at the 1st clinic visit.EPO dose was also higher in patients withfatigue at the last visit (8253.7 ± 10317.3units/wk vs 4736.4 ± 5432.5, p < 0.03). Nocorrelation was found between dialysis adequacyaccording to either weekly Kt/V or TCrCl andnutritional state according to nPCR andfrequency of fatigue. We conclude that fatigueis a common symptom in PD patients and it'sprevalence increases over time. Anemia seemsto be the most important factor associated withfatigue. Dialysis adequacy and nutritionalstate did not show any correlation with thefrequency of fatigue in our study.     

Aseptic peritonitis in patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis

An 'epidemic' of aseptic peritonitis occurred in our peritoneal dialysis unit, affecting 5 of 20 patients. Acute and convalescent viral titers were normal in all 5. The peritoneal fluid of the affected patients was not tested for endotoxin, but endotoxin was found in subsequent dialysis fluids from two machines in the unit. This endotoxin might have been the causative agent of this outbreak. Rapid recovery ensued in all patients following peritoneal lavage.     

Phosphorus control in peritoneal dialysis patients

Hyperphosphatemia is independently associated with an increased risk of death among dialysis patients. In this study, we have assessed the status of phosphate control and its clinical and laboratory associations in a large international group of patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. This cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out in 24 centers in three different countries (Canada, Greece, and Turkey) among 530 PD patients (235 women, 295 men) with a mean+/-s.d. age of 55+/-16 years and mean duration of PD of 33+/-25 months. Serum calcium (Ca(2+)), ionized Ca(2+), phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D(3), 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3), total alkaline phosphatase, and bone alkaline phosphatase concentrations were investigated, along with adequacy parameters such as Kt/V, weekly creatinine clearance, and daily urine output. Mean Kt/V was 2.3+/-0.65, weekly creatinine clearance 78.5+/-76.6 l, and daily urine output 550+/-603 ml day(-1). Fifty-five percent of patients had a urine volume of <400 ml day(-1). Mean serum phosphorus level was 4.9+/-1.3 mg per 100 ml, serum Ca(2+) 9.4+/-1.07 mg per 100 ml, iPTH 267+/-356 pg ml(-1), ionized Ca(2+) 1.08+/-0.32 mg per 100 ml, calcium phosphorus (Ca x P) product 39+/-19 mg(2)dl(-2), 25(OH)D(3) 8.3+/-9.3 ng ml(-1), 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) 9.7+/-6.7 pg ml(-1), total alkaline phosphatase 170+/-178 U l(-1), and bone alkaline phosphatase 71+/-108 U l(-1). While 14% of patients were hypophosphatemic, with a serum phosphorus level lower than 3.5 mg per 100 ml, most patients (307 patients, 58%) had a serum phosphate level between 3.5 and 5.5 mg per 100 ml. Serum phosphorus level was 5.5 mg per 100 ml or greater in 28% (149) of patients. Serum Ca(2+) level was > or =9.5 mg per 100 ml in 250 patients (49%), between 8.5 and 9.5 mg per 100 ml in 214 patients (40%), and lower than 8.5 mg per 100 ml in 66 patients (12%). Ca x P product was >55 mg(2)dl(-2) in 136 patients (26%) and lower than 55 mg(2)dl(-2) in 394 patients (74%). Serum phosphorus levels were positively correlated with serum albumin (P<0.027) and iPTH (P=0.001), and negatively correlated with age (P<0.033). Serum phosphorus was also statistically different (P = 0.013) in the older age group (>65 years) compared to younger patients; mean levels were 5.1+/-1.4 and 4.5+/-1.1 mg per 100 ml, respectively, in the two groups. In our study, among 530 PD patients, accepted uremic-normal limits of serum phosphorus control was achieved in 58%, Ca x P in 73%, serum Ca(2+) in 53%, and iPTH levels in 24% of subjects. Our results show that chronic PD, when combined with dietary measures and use of phosphate binders, is associated with satisfactory serum phosphorus control in the majority of patients.