Association between interleukin-10 gene polymorphism -592 (A/C) and peritoneal transport in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Aim: The aim of this analysis was to know whether these three cytokine polymorphisms, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6; ?572 G/C), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; ?308 G/A), and IL‐10 (–592 A/C) have an effect on baseline peritoneal transport property and longitudinal evolution of peritoneal function. Methods: A total of 141 stable peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with mean treatment duration of 84.4 ± 34.2 months were enrolled. We genotyped these three cytokine polymorphisms, together with clinical parameters that were included as factors affecting longitudinal change of property of peritoneal transport over the first 3 year period after commencing therapy. Results: There was no significant association between genotypes and baseline peritoneal transport property. The ?592 A/C polymorphism of IL‐10 was associated with longitudinal change of peritoneal transport. The ratio of D/P creatinine was significantly higher in patients with AA than those with CC/CA genotypes at 12 months (0.65 ± 0.11 vs 0.62 ± 0.09, P = 0.048) and 24 months (0.64 ± 0.12 vs 0.59 ± 0.09, P = 0.018). In addition, patients with increased peritoneal transport have greater frequency distribution of AA genotype and A allele. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ?592 A allele was an independent predictor for the increase in D/P creatinine over the first 12 month period (odds ratio: 2.482, P = 0.017). There was no correlation between either polymorphism of IL‐6 ?572 (G/C) or TNF‐α?308 (G/A) and longitudinal change of peritoneal function. Conclusions: Single nucleotide polymorphism of IL‐10 ?592 (A/C) was associated with longitudinal evolution of peritoneal transport rate in PD patients rather than the baseline peritoneal characteristics.     

Diffusive and Convective Solute Transport in Peritoneal Dialysis with Glucose as an Osmotic Agent

Abstract: To investigate possible effects of glucose concentration, dwell time, and peritoneal reabsorption on the combined diffusive and convective peritoneal solute transport, dialysate to plasma concentration ratios (D/P) and solute clearances were evaluated for 6-h peritoneal dwell studies with 1.36, 2.27, and 3.86% glucose solutions. The diffusive mass transport coefficient, K_BD, and sieving coefficient, S, were estimated using the Babb-Randerson-Farrell model of peritoneal transport. Dialysate volumes over time and peritoneal reabsorption rates, K_R, were assessed using radiolabeled iodinated serum albumin (RISA). The transport parameters were estimated with and without peritoneal reabsorption of solutes taken into account. To test the stability of the transport parameters throughout a single peritoneal dwell, K_BD and S values were estimated for the initial 3–120 min, the final 120–360 min, and the entire 3–360 min dwell period for dialysis with 3.86% glucose solution. The transport parameters did not differ between the three dialysis fluids although clearances of small solutes were higher with the 3.86% solution. Values of K_BD, but not S, were dependent on the correction for peritoneal reabsorption of solutes. Computer simulations showed that S could be estimated even with the 1.36% glucose solution. A significant change of the transport parameters, with increased values of K_BD during the initial period of the dwell, was found for urea, potassium, sodium, and total protein during dialysis with the 3.86% solution. S values for urea and potassium were close to 1 during the initial period whereas unphysical (higher than 1) S values were found for the whole dwell period. The transient increase of K_BD during the initial part of the dwell may reflect changes in the peritoneal barrier possibly induced by fresh dialysis fluid. In conclusion, the transport parameters K_BD and S are not influenced by the concentration of glucose in the dialysis fluid. Moreover, the estimation of K_BD but not of 5 is dependent on the assumed rate of peritoneal reabsorption. Finally, the current results challenge the assumption that K_BD and S are constant throughout a peritoneal dialysis exchange.     

Management of peritoneal-surface malignancy: the surgeon’s role

Background: Peritoneal surface malignancy can result from seeding of gastrointestinal cancer or abdominopelvic sarcoma; it can also occur as a primary disease, for example, peritoneal mesothelioma. In the past, this clinical situation was treated only with palliative intent. Methods: An aggressive approach to peritoneal surface malignancy involves peritonectomy procedures, perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and knowledgeable patient selection. The clinical assessments necessary for valid clinical judgements include the cancer histopathology (invasive vs expansive progression), the preoperative abdominal and pelvic computed tomogram, the peritoneal cancer index and the completeness of cytoreduction score. Proper patient selection is mandatory for optimizing the results of treatment. Results: In a series of phase-II studies, appendiceal tumors with peritoneal seeding was the paradigm for success with a 75% long-term survival in properly selected patients. Carcinomatosis from colon cancer had an overall 5-year survival of 20% but with selected patients this reached 50%. Also, sarcomatosis patients overall had only a 10% 5-year survival but selected patients had a 75% survival. In all malignancies, early aggressive treatment of minimal peritoneal surface dissemination showed the greatest benefit. Conclusions: The surgeon must accept responsibility for knowledgeable management of peritoneal surface dissemination of cancer. A curative approach has been demonstrated in large phase-II studies. Adjuvant studies with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in diseases where peritoneal surface spread occurs are indicated. Received: 1 April 1999 Accepted: 3 June 1999     

Atherosclerotic Risk Factors Among Ankle-Brachial Index and Toe-Brachial Index in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Atherosclerotic vascular change affecting the lower extremities is the most common peripheral vascular disease. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) are common, non-invasive diagnostic tests for atherosclerosis in the lower extremities. Peritoneum is a vascular-based structure. The use of glucose-based hyperosmolar solutions for PD patients results in a significant increase in blood glucose load and can be considered atherogenic. The association between ABI or TBI values and peritoneal function in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis remains unclear. We presumed that the risk factors for atherosclerosis in large and small vessels may differ. Methods. A total of 146 peritoneal dialysis patients, 41 males and 105 females (119 without diabetes and 27 with diabetes), received peritoneal dialysis for more than four months. Patients who had dialysis-related peritonitis within six months prior to this study were excluded. The ABI or TBI was determined using an automated, non-invasive, waveform analysis device. Results. The ABI value correlated positively with mean arterial pressure and TBI value. The TBI value correlated positively with ABI value and inversely with fasting serum glucose and serum total cholesterol concentrations. Peritoneal function was not correlated with ABI or TBI. Conclusion. This cross-sectional study demonstrated that risk factors in peritoneal dialysis patients for atherosclerosis in large vessels and small vessels differed. Interestingly, peritoneal function test is not associated with ABI or TBI value. However, further investigation of the association between ABI or TBI value and cardiovascular events is required for this patient group.     

Surgery for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: Role of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Exploratory Analysis of the DESKTOP I Trial About Risk Factors, Surgical Implications, and Prognostic Value of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Background  Almost all retrospective trials pointed out that a benefit of surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer may be limited to patients in whom a macroscopic complete resection could be achieved. Peritoneal carcinomatosis has been reported to be either a negative predictor for resectability or a negative prognostic factor, or both. The role of peritoneal carcinomatosis in a multicenter trial was investigated. Methods  Exploratory analysis of the DESKTOP I trial (multicenter trial of patients undergoing surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer, 2000 to 2003). Results  A total of 125 patients (50%) who underwent surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer had peritoneal carcinomatosis. Univariate analyses showed worse overall survival for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis compared with patients without carcinomatosis (P < .0001). Patients with and without peritoneal carcinomatosis had a complete resection rate of 26% and 74%, respectively (P < .0001). This corresponded with the observation that patients with complete resection had a better prognosis than those with minimal residual disease of 1 to 5 mm, which commonly reflects peritoneal carcinomatosis (P = .0002). However, patients who underwent complete resection, despite peritoneal carcinomatosis, had a 2-year survival rate of 77%, which was similar to the 2-year survival rate of patients with completely debulked disease who did not have peritoneal carcinomatosis (81%) (P = .96). Analysis of prognostic factors did not show any independent effect of peritoneal carcinomatosis on survival in patients who underwent complete resection. Conclusions  Peritoneal carcinomatosis was a negative predictor for complete resection but had no effect on prognosis if complete resection could be achieved. Improving surgical skills might be one step to increase the proportion of patients who might benefit from surgery for recurrent disease.     

Peritoneal albumin leakage: 2 year prospective cardiovascular event occurrence and patient survival analysis

Aim: High peritoneal transport status is a determinant of morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. It was hypothesized that 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage predicted 2 year prospective cardiovascular outcome and survival in patients receiving PD. Methods: Sixty‐six patients were included. A simplified peritoneal equilibration test was performed and 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage was calculated. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Patient outcome (alive or dead) and occurrence of a cardiovascular event were recorded. Results: During a 2 year follow‐up period, 10 (15.2%) patients had suffered from a cardiovascular event and seven (10.6%) patients had died. Patients who had suffered from a cardiovascular event during the follow up period were older (54.0 ± 9.4 years vs 44.3 ± 14.5 years, P = 0.025), had lower serum pre‐albumin concentrations (29.3 ± 10.0 g/dL vs 36.0 ± 9.2 g/dL, P = 0.034) and had higher 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage (median, 3.4 g/day (1.66–15.4 g/day) vs 2.4 g/day (0.76–7.31 g/day), P = 0.011) than patients who did not suffer from a cardiovascular event. In the Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis of factors which differed significantly between patients with and without a cardiovascular event (age, serum pre‐albumin and 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage), only advanced age (hazards ratio, 1.083; 95% confidence interval, 1.023–1.147, P = 0.006) was an independent predictor of a cardiovascular event. Conclusion: In contrast to the hypothesis, 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage is not a predictor of 2 year prospective cardiovascular outcome and patient survival. Only advanced age independently predicts the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in patients receiving PD.     

Lactobacillus Peritonitis: A Rare Cause of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Lactobacilli are part of the normal gastrointestinal and female genitourinary flora in humans and they are seldom pathogenic and rarely cause human disease. In the literature, Lactobacillus peritonitis was most common in immunocompromised patients, including patients under chronic peritoneal dialysis. We also suspect that the presence of Lactobacillus spp. in the peritoneal fluid might indicate the leakage of normal flora from a perforated intraabdominal hollow organ. To access the versatile clinical pictures of Lactobacillus peritonitis, this investigation retrospectively reviewed the medical records for Lactobacillus spp. isolated from peritoneal fluid from July 1998 to January 2002 at Chang‐Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study. Six of these 10 patients had concomitant intraabdominal hollow organ perforation, and peritoneal fluid cultures in these six patients also contained bacteria other than Lactobacillus spp. All six patients had recently experienced either abdominal surgery or blunt abdominal trauma. The remaining four patients who had not undergone surgery had decompensated liver cirrhosis with ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The results suggested that the presence of Lactobacillus spp. in the peritoneal fluid other than immunocompromised patients should raise the suspicion of hollow organ perforation in patients with recent abdominal surgery or blunt abdominal trauma.     

Dissociation between the Correlation of Peritoneal and Urine Kt/V with Sodium and Fluid Removal: A Possible Explanation of their Difference on Patient Survival

Background: It has been shown that residual renal function but not peritoneal clearance predicted patients’ survival in peritoneal dialysis therapy. In the present study, we tried to explore the potential causes resulting in the difference between residual renal function and peritoneal dialysis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed during July and August 2003 to evaluate the dialysis adequacy in CAPD patients who were clinically stable and had daily urinary volume more than 100 ml. Results: A total of 45 patients (male 27 and female 18) with an average ( ± SD) age of 61.76 ± 13.27 years were included in this study. The daily urinary volume and dialysate ultrafiltration volume were 570.33 ± 395.47 ml and 726.09 ± 454.01 ml, respectively. Peritoneal urea clearance (Kt/V) correlated significantly with the drained daily dialysate volume (r = 0.362, P < 0.01), but not with peritoneal net fluid removal (ultrafiltration) (r = 0.232, P > 0.05) and sodium removal (r = 0.139, P > 0.05). On the other hand, there were strong positive correlations between residual renal Kt/V and daily urine volume (r = 0.802, P < 0.001), as well as between residual renal Kt/V and urinary sodium removal (r = 0.670, P < 0.001). Conclusions: High residual renal Kt/Vurea represents both higher solute clearance and higher sodium and fluid removal, but higher peritoneal Kt/Vurea is not necessarily associated with better sodium and fluid removal. This dissociation might explain the differences on the survival of patients and peritoneal clearances.     

Increased peritoneal permeability is associated with decreased fluid and small-solute removal and higher mortality in CAPD patients

Background: Recent studies suggest that increased peritoneal membrane permeability is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. It is not known, however, whether the difference in clinical outcome among different peritoneal transport groups is due to differences in peritoneal fluid and solute removal. In the present study, we compared the peritoneal fluid and solute transport and clinical outcome in CAPD patients with high (H), high-average (H-A), low-average (L-A) and low (L) peritoneal transport patterns. Design: A 6-h study was performed in 46 patients with frequent dialysate and plasma samples using 21 of 3.86% glucose dialysate with ¹³¹I albumin as an intraperitoneal volume marker. The patients were divided into four transport groups according to their D/P of creatinine at 240 min. Results: The results showed that high transporters had significantly lower peritoneal fluid and small-solute removal but high glucose absorption and high protein loss during a 6-h exchange. The serum albumin was lower and blood pressure and triglycerides were higher in high transporters compared with the other groups. Two-year patient survival from the start of CAPD treatment was significantly lower for high transporters (64, 85, 90 and 100% for H, H-A, L-A and L respectively, P<0.01). The 1-year patient survival from the dwell study was also significantly lower in high transporters (16, 63, 90 and 100% for each group, P<0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that high transporters remove less fluid and small solutes and have higher protein loss and increased glucose absorption. These alterations may contribute to fluid overload, malnutrition and lipid abnormalities that perhaps contribute to the increased mortality among the high transporters. Key words: CAPD, adequacy, peritoneal transport, mortality      

Preliminary Evaluation of the Viability of Peritoneal Drainage Catheters Implanted in Rats for Extended Durations

Purpose/Aim: In developing a novel peritoneal oxygenation therapy, catheters implanted into the peritoneal cavity became obstructed with omental tissue and prevented the infusion and removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity. The obstruction of peritoneal catheters is a significant failure in researching various peritoneal treatments as further fluid administration is no longer possible. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the most effective catheter design for infusion and removal of fluid into the peritoneal cavity of rats. Materials and Methods: Four types of catheters were tested including the Jackson-Pratt, round fluted drain, flat fluted drain, and an original design. Three of each catheter type were surgically placed into the peritoneal cavity of rats (n = 12). In order to test the efficacy of each catheter, saline was infused and extracted twice daily. Catheters were scored on a weighted scale based on the amount of time they remained patent, the subjective force needed for extraction/infusion, and the amount of saline removed. Results: The round and flat fluted drain catheters remained patent for the full duration of the study (12 days) compared to the other models which failed after 7 days. These catheters also yielded a high average for extracted saline volume and an easy extraction/infusion. Conclusions: The round and flat fluted drain catheters were recognized as viable options to be used in rats for peritoneal drain studies of up to 12 days.     

Fibrinolytic capacity in peritoneal fluid after laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resection: data from a randomized controlled trial

Background A reduced peritoneal fibrinolytic capacity after surgery is currently accepted to be the main cause for postoperative adhesions. The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to determine the fibrinolytic activity in peritoneal fluid after laparoscopic as compared to conventional colorectal resection.Methods A randomized controlled trial in parallel with the multicenter trial Lapkon II was conducted. Peritoneal fluid was sampled via drain at 2, 8, and 24 h after elective laparoscopic (n=14; LAP) and conventional (n=16; CON) colorectal resections. Activities and concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and t-PA/PAI complex were determined in all specimen by ELISA kits.Results There was no difference in age, sex or body mass index between both groups. Postoperatively, t-PA activity decreased in both groups and was lower 2 h after closing the abdomen in the laparoscopic group (p<0.05). PAI-1 activity and concentration increased in both groups. Difference between the groups was measured for PAI-1 concentration after 24 h (p<0.05). There were no differences between the groups regarding t-PA concentrations, PAI-1 activity and t-PA/PAI complex.Conclusions After closing the abdominal cavity, postoperative changes in fibrinolytic capacity of peritoneal fluid can be determined in samples collected by a drain. However, there were no major differences in the postoperative course of fibrinolytic capacity in peritoneal fluid after laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resections.     

Colorectal Cancer Cells Adhere to Traumatized Peritoneal Tissue in Clusters,An Experimental Study

Purpose/Aim: Colorectal malignity is one of the most common forms of cancer. The finding of free intraperitoneal colorectal cancer cells during surgery has been shown to be associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to develop an experimental model designed to investigate adhesion of colorectal cancer cells to the peritoneal surface. Materials and methods: Two human experimental models were developed, the first using cultured mesothelial cells and the second consisting of an ex vivo model of peritoneal tissue. Both models were subjected to standardized trauma, following which labeled colorectal cancer cells (Colo205) were introduced. Adhesion of tumor cells was monitored using microscopy and detection of fluorochromes. Results: The mesothelial cell layers and peritoneal membranes remained viable in culture medium for several weeks. In our experimental model, the tumor cells added were seen to adhere to the edges of the traumatized area in cluster formations. Conclusions: The use of human peritoneal tissue in an ex vivo model would appear to be a potentially useful tool for the study of interaction between human peritoneal membrane and free tumor cells. Experimental surgical trauma increases the ability of tumor cells to adhere to the peritoneal membrane. This ex vivo model should be useful in future studies on biological interactions between peritoneum and tumor cells in the search for novel forms of peritoneal cancer therapy.     

Second-look Surgery after Cytoreduction and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of Prognostic Features

p = 0.04) and the completeness of resection at the time of the second look ( p = 0.066). In addition, a limited extent of peritoneal carcinomatosis distribution found at the time of the second look predicted a favorable result. A new objective assessment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, the peritoneal cancer index, was found to be of help during patient selection ( p = 0.066). We concluded that second-look surgery with potential curative intent should be considered in patients who had a complete initial cytoreduction and those in whom total removal of the recurrence is judged possible at the time of the second look. At the time of abdominal exploration, a limited distribution and volume of peritoneal carcinomatosis as defined by the peritoneal cancer index should be considered. Palliative debulking procedures should be used to alleviate symptoms in other patients.RID=" ID=" <E5>Correspondence to:</E5> P.H. Sugarbaker, M.D.     

Inhibition of Rho-kinase alleviates peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis in a rat model of peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Background/Aims: The present study investigated whether Rho-kinase inhibition had a therapeutic role on the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis. Methods: A rat model of peritoneal dialysis was induced by a daily intraperitoneal infusion of 4.25% Dianeal. Those rats were treated with Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of TGF-β1, Collagen I, αSMA and VEGF in each group. Microvessel density (MVD) was measured by immunohistochemistry. Rho-kinase activity was determined by western immunoblotting. Results: Rho-kinase was activated in the peritoneum of the PD group, which was inhibited by fasudil. Compared with PD group, the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, αSMA and Collagen I were significantly downregulated in fasudil treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner, and the expression of VEGF and peritoneal MVD was also significantly downregulated in fasudil treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The Rho-kinase was activated in the peritoneum of the peritoneal dialysis rats, and the inhibition of Rho-kinase by fasudil can remarkably decrease peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis.     

Sequential changes in the cell mediators of peritoneal and wound fluids after surgery

The concentrations of cell mediators in the peritoneal and wound fluids of patients who underwent abdominal surgery or mastectomy were determined sequentially and compared with the concomitant changes in blood components. The level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the peritoneal and wound fluids was significantly higher than the plasma level after gastrectomy (P<0.001), cholecystectomy (P<0.05), and mastectomy (P<0.05), although the level of plasma IL-6 was also higher postoperatively than before surgery (P<0.001, P<0.05). Significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis factor- were detected in the peritoneal and wound fluids (P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively) after surgery despite its absence in plasma. A platelet-specific protein and a protein specific for fibroblasts were also measured. Thus, mediators derived from various cells were shown to be present in human peritoneal and wound fluids, indicating that the local production of these mediators plays an important role in the process of tissue repair.     

TT Virus Infection in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis in Taiwan

Many studies have reported the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) infection in hemodialysis patients, but few reports studied the prevalence of TTV infection in peritoneal dialysis patients. In this study, we determined the prevalence of TTV in a peritoneal dialysis population in Taiwan and related its prevalence with history of blood transfusion, serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and serum aminotransferases (AST and ALT) levels. Serum samples from 47 peritoneal dialysis patients and a control group of 43 patients at health examination were studied for TTV viremia by using polymerase chain reaction. The rate of blood transfusion exposure (p < 0.0001), female gender (p = 0.001), younger age (p?=?0.0014), and serum AST level (p?=?0.012) were significantly higher in peritoneal dialysis patients. The prevalence of TTV viremia was not significantly different between peritoneal dialysis patients and the control group (23.4% vs. 37.2%). TTV infection was not associated with evident liver diseases in peritoneal dialysis patients, and the infection rate was not different between automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. There was no statistically significant association between TTV infection and age, gender, transfusion history, duration of peritoneal dialysis, AST level, ALT level, HBsAg, or anti-HCV seropositivity in peritoneal dialysis patients. Our results suggest that TTV infection is not associated with evident liver diseases, and there is no difference between TTV infection in healthy individuals and peritoneal dialysis patients. TTV transmission probably occurs via routes unrelated to peritoneal dialysis.     

Peritoneal Dialysis International: Its Origins and Impact

Peritoneal Dialysis International (PDI) started in 1988 as a four‐page document (Peritoneal Dialysis Bulletin) intended to inform all those who visited the Toronto Western Hospital peritoneal dialysis unit about advances in peritoneal dialysis. Soon it became a journal distributed free of charge to 13,000 individuals. Subsequently it became the official publication of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis. For many years it was the main forum for publication of the best articles in peritoneal dialysis. As a result, in 1997, its “impact factor” increased to 2.129, putting it in fourth position among the nephrology journals. PDI greatly stimulated the expansion of peritoneal dialysis in the 1980s and 1990s, and remains the main source of knowledge on clinical and investigative aspects of peritoneal dialysis.     

Automated peritoneal dialysis: a Spanish multicentre study

Background: A prospective sequential study on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and three techniques of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) was conducted to assess peritoneal clearances, the influence of peritoneal permeability on nocturnal APD clearances and the suitability of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) for predicting clearances on APD. Methods: After performing a PET, a series of clinical, biochemical and dialysis adequacy markers were evaluated after 2 months on CAPD, continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) and tidal volume peritoneal dialysis (TPD) with 50% and 25% tidal volumes. Forty five patients participated and 33 completed the study. Results: Serum urea and creatinine decreased significantly whereas haemoglobin and glucose increased. Mean peritoneal urea clearance (1/week) was 55.40±8.76 on CAPD, 74.82±12.62 on CCPD, 69.20±14.63 on TPD (tidal 50%) and 66.89±13.23 on TPD (tidal 25%); mean creatinine clearance (1/week/1.73 m²) was 42.80±9.95, 52.19±11.11, 51.31±13.3 and 49.17±11.83 respectively. Both clearances were significantly lower on CAPD than on APD (<0.001). CCPD was the automated technique that provided the best nocturnal urea clearance (P<0.01). Nocturnal creatinine clearance did not show significant differences between CCPD and TPD (tidal 50%), being better with both techniques than with TPD (tidal 25%). There were statistically significant differences between nocturnal dialysate to plasma (D/P) ratios and those corresponding to the nearest times in the PET. The urea D/P ratio at 180 min and the creatinine D/P ratio at 240 min of the PET were the parameters that better estimated nocturnal clearances on APD. Conclusions: This study confirms that TPD does not improve the results of CCPD. Significant differences between D/P ratios during actual nocturnal cycles and PETs were observed. Key words: automated peritoneal dialysis; CAPD; clearances; PET      

Streptococcus agalactiae: A rare peritoneal infection in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient

Streptococcus agalactiae causes a rare and often fatal peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A 52-year-old white female with Alport and chronic kidney disease was initiated on CAPD treatment. Nineteen months later she had a S. agalactiae peritonitis identified and received initially gentamicin–cephalothin, which was changed to ceftazidime, tobramycin, and vancomycin. Recovery started after peritoneal catheter removal. After 3 weeks, severe leucopenia occurred. Granulokine and steroids were given. Six weeks later, she felt well and an abdominal video laparoscopic procedure disclosed a diffuse peritoneal fibrosis, precluding CAPD resumption. She is now doing well on hemodialysis (HD).