Factors Associated with Above and Under 5-Year Survival in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background/aims: A few patients stay on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for 5 years or longer from initiation of therapy. We investigated patient survival and factors affecting mortality in PD patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study including 354 PD patients. The demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were collected from the medical records. Two hundred patients were excluded. Evaluation was carried out on data from 154 patients, including 83 surviving 5 years or more and 71 who were taken as surviving less than 5 years. Results: Mean age, number of comorbid diseases, prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), rate of mandatory preference of PD, making their PD exchanges with help from anyone were lower in surviving patients, and education level was higher in surviving patients. Advanced age, high rate of mandatory preference of PD, high rate of baseline high, and high-average peritoneal transporters were associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusion: Long-term survival is possible for PD patients, particularly nondiabetics, those having higher education level, those with a self-preference of PD, and those making PD exchanges without any help.     

Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis: A Preliminary Report

Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) was designed to reduce the high incidence of peritonitis and eliminate the multiple interruptions created by dialysate exchanges during the day needed for CAPD, while maintaining the quality of dialysis. Three nocturnal cycles with 2 liters of dialysate lasting 3 hours each are provided by an automated cycler while the patient sleeps. Two liters are left in the abdomen in the morning. Only one daily connection and one disconnection are required between the peritoneal catheter and the cycler line. Our 84 patient months experience with 14 patients reveals a low incidence of peritonitis (1 per 42 patient months), satisfactory ultrafiltration rates and clearances that compare favorably with those of CAPD (C_urea 67, C_creatinine 58, and C_B12 45 L/wk). Blood pressure control has been excellent while most patients enjoy liberal diets.
This preliminary study suggests that CCPD may indeed reduce the rate of peritonitis, provide excellent clearance and ultrafiltration, allow more free time to the patient and maintain a steady physiological state.     

Icodextrine and Insulin Resistance in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Insulin resistance is commonly observed in uremic patients. Glucose-based peritoneal dialysis solutions have long-term metabolic complications like hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the insulin resistance in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with standard glucose and icodextrin containing solutions. The entire non diabetic CAPD patients of our center were studied: forty-four patients in all who were on CAPD treatment for 36.2 ± 23.7 months. Twenty-seven of them (11 male and 16 female) with a mean age of 46 ± 16 years were treated with standard glucose solutions (glucose group). The other 17 patients (10 male and 7 female) with a mean age of 49 ± 16 years were treated with standard glucose solutions during the day and icodextrin dwell during the night, for a median of 12 ± 6.3 months (icodextrin group). Morning fasting serum insulin levels were 20.59 ± 17.86 in the glucose group and 10.15 ± 6.87 in the icodextrin group (p = 0.0001).

Homeostasis Model Assessment Method scores of the glucose group were significantly higher (4.8±4.1 vs 2.3± 1.7; p = 0.025) than the icodextrin group. A significant positive correlation of HOMA score with insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and triglyceride levels were found in HOMA (IR+) patients. Twenty patients of the icodextrin group (74%) and 15 patients of the glucose group (88%) were hypertensive, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.13). The groups showed no significant differences for body mass index and serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and fibrinogen. In conclusion, the use of icodextrin in the long nighttime dwell can reduce serum insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity in CAPD patients.     

Acid-Base Balance in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Stewart-Fencl Analysis

Background. Evaluation of acid-base disorders using the Stewart-Fencl principle is based on assessment of independent factors: strong ion difference (SID) and the total concentration of non-volatile weak acids (Atot). This approach allows for a more detailed evaluation of the cause of acid-base imbalance than the conventional bicarbonate-centered approach based on the Henderson-Hasselbalch principle, which is a necessary yet insufficient condition to describe the state of the system. The aim of our study was to assess acid-base disorders in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using both of these principles.?Methods. A total of 17 patients with chronic renal failure (10 men), aged 60.7 (22–84) years, treated by PD for 25.7 (1–147) months were examined. A control group included 17 healthy volunteers (HV) (8 males), with a mean age of 42.7 (22–77) years and normal renal function. Patients were treated with a solution containing bicarbonate (25 mmol/L) and lactate (15 mmol/L) as buffers; eleven of them used, during the nighttime dwell, a solution with icodextrin buffered by lactate at a concentration of 40 mmol/L. The following equations were employed for calculations of acid-base parameters according to the Stewart-Fencl principle. The first is SID = [Na⁺] + [K⁺] + 2[Ca²⁺] + 2[Mg²⁺] ? [Cl^?] ? [UA^?], where SID is the strong ion difference and [UA^?] is the concentration of undetermined anions. For practical calculation of SID, the second equation, SID = [HCO₃^?] + [Alb^?] + [Pi^?], was used, where [Alb^?] and [Pi^?] are the charges carried by albumin and phosphates. The third is Atot, the total concentration of weak non-volatile acids, albumin [Alb] and phosphates [Pi].?Results. The capillary blood pH in PD group was 7.41 (7.27–7.48), [HCO₃^?] levels 23.7 (17.6–29.5) mmol/L, SID 36.3 (29.5–41.3) mmol/L, sodium-chloride difference 39.0 (31.0–44.0) mmol/L, [Pi] 1.60 (0.83–2.54) mmol/L, and [Alb] 39.7 (28.8–43.4) g/L (median, min-max). Bicarbonate in blood correlated positively with SID (Rho = 0.823; p < 0.001), with the sodium-chloride difference (Rho = 0.649; p < 0.01) and pH (Rho = 0.754; p < 0.001), and negatively with residual renal function (Rho = ?0.517; p < 0.05). Moreover, the sodium-chloride difference was also found to correlate with SID (Rho = 0.653; p < 0.01). While the groups of PD and HV patients did not differ in median bicarbonate levels, significantly lower median value of SID were observed in PD patients, 36.3 vs. 39.3 mmol/L (p < 0.01); additionally, PD patients were shown to have significantly lower mean value of serum sodium levels, 138 vs. 141 mmol/L (p < 0.01), and serum chlorides levels, 100 vs. 104 mmol/L (p < 0.001). Despite the higher [UA^?] levels in PD patients, 9.1 vs. 5.4 mmol/L (p < 0.001), this parameter was not found to correlate with bicarbonate levels.?Conclusions. The results suggest that the decreased bicarbonate in PD patients results from a combination of decreased sodium-chloride difference and mildly increased unmeasured anions.     

Sleep Quality and Depression in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Sleep quality (SQ) is a significant problem in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, yet the underlying factors are not well known. In addition, depression and impaired quality of life (QOL) are main problems in PD patients. We measured the SQ and investigated the effect of depression, QOL, and some other factors on SQ in PD patients. Methods. Data were collected from 124 PD patients (59 male, 65 female) in our center. Demographic data and laboratory values were analyzed. All patients were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Index (BDI), and SF-36. Results. Mean age of the patients was 52.6 ± 14.3 year. The prevalence of poor SQ was 43.5%, defined as global PSQI score >5. The prevalence of depression was 25.8%, defined as BDI scores >17. The poor sleepers had higher BDI scores, poor QOL, older age, and lower duration of PD compared to the good sleepers. There was not a difference in hemoglobin, albumin, C-reactive protein, Kt/V, urea, creatinine, lipid parameters, gender, marital status, cigarette smoking, mode of PD, and comorbidity between poor and good sleepers. The global PSQI score was correlated negatively with both PCS and MCS (r?=??0.414, r?=??0.392, respectively; p < 0.001) and correlated positively with BDI scores and age (r?=?0.422, p < 0.001 and r?=?0.213, p = 0.018, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only BDI scores were found to be factors that could predict the patients being poor sleepers. Conclusion. Poor SQ is a significant problem in PD patients, and we found an association with depression, QOL, and age. Regular assessment and management of SQ may be important especially with PD patients who are depressive and elderly to increase QOL.     

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.     

Intra-Peritoneal Administration of Potassium and Magnesium: A Practical Method to Supplement These Electrolytes in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Malnutrition and gastrointestinal (GI) losses are frequently encountered in peritoneal dialysis patients, leading to hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Oral supplementation is limited by patients' compliance, as well as GI side effects. Methods. Among the 27 patients on continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) in whom we had one-year data, 15 (55%) were on oral potassium (K) supplements and 10 (37%) were on oral magnesium (Mg) supplements. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia persisted in 3 (11%) patients despite oral supplementation. We examined the efficacy and tolerability of intra-peritoneal (IP) K and Mg administration. Four grams of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and/or 60–80 mEq of potassium chloride (KCl) were added to a 2 liter, 2.5% peritoneal dialysis solution bag, and it was used as the last dwell in five CCPD patients. We serially measured serum K and Mg concentrations at 2, 4, and 6–8 hour intervals, drained the fluid, and measured serum concentrations at 20–24 hours. Results. Mean serum K concentration increased from a baseline of 3.2 mEq/L to 4.1, 4.2, 4.1, and 4.2 mEq/L at 2, 4, 6–8, and 20–24 hours post IP administration of KCl, respectively. Similarly, mean serum Mg concentration increased from a baseline of 1.5 mg/dL to 2.5, 2.9, 2.6, and 2 mg/dL at 2, 4, 6–8, and 20–24 hours post-IP administration of MgSO4, respectively. Patients tolerated IP replacement very well, and there were no adverse events. Serum K and Mg concentrations normalized in all patients. Conclusion. IP administration is a safe, practical, and effective method to supplement K and Mg in peritoneal dialysis patients.     

Female Sexual Dysfunction in Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients

Background. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In contrast to basic and clinical research in the field of male SD, the sexual problems of women have received relatively little attention and are often under-treated. We evaluated sexual function in female ESRD patients using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and relation with QOL, depression, and some laboratory parameters. Methods. 117 ESRD patients (85 peritoneal dialysis [PD], 32 hemodialysis [HD], mean age 48.5 ± 13.9 years) were enrolled. All patients had been dialyzed (PD or HD) for more than three months. In addition, an age-matched married control group of 48 subjects (mean age 47.1 ± 12.7 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients were asked to complete three questionnaires of the FSFI, Beck Depression Index (BDI) and SF-36. Results. Female sexual dysfunction was found in 80 of the 85 peritoneal dialysis patients (94.1%) and all of the HD patients (100%), but in only 22 subjects of the control group (45.8%). A significant negative correlation was found between total FSFI score and age (r = ?0.288, p = 0.002), BDI score (r = ?0.471, p < 0.001), mental-physical component score of QOL (r = ?0.463, p < 0.001 and r = ?0.491, p < 0.001, respectively) in PD and HD patients. The rates of depression were 75.3, 43.8, and 4.2% in the PD and HD patients and control subjects, respectively. Conclusion. Female sexual dysfunction is common problem ESRD. This problem especially related with depression and QOL. Thus, sexual function should be evaluated in female subjects to determine its impact on quality of life.     

Icodextrin Dialysate Improves Nutritional and Inflammatory Profiles in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background. Previous studies demonstrate that icodextrin is superior to 4.25%?dextrose for fluid removal in patients with high and high-average transport membrane. Recent studies reveal that controlling volume status improves malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. This study hypothesized that icodextrin enhances nutritional and inflammatory status by improving fluid balance. Methods. This retrospective case-control study investigated the effects of icodextrin on patient nutritional profiles over a one-year period. Thirty-two patients who used icodextrin for more than one year were classified as the “icodextrin group.” Ten patients who used glucose-containing dialysate without icodextrin were classified as the control group. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between groups. Demographic and laboratory parameters were analyzed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after starting icodextrin dialysis. Results. Ultrafiltration of icodextrin per exchange in the icodextrin group was 66%?higher than that for 4.25%?dextrose exchange in the icodextrin group (icodextrin vs. 4.25%?dextrose: 492.1?±?204.5 vs. 296.1?±?115.3 mL/exchange; p?<?0.0001, paired t-test). The increased albumin and normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) after icodextrin for one year was unique for the icodextrin group (p?<?0.0001 and p?<?0.0001, respectively). The inflammatory marker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) decreased significantly only in the icodextrin group (p?=?0.0048). Conclusion. Icodextrin dialysate may improve nutritional and inflammatory status in PD patients. However, the long-term clinical effects of icodextrin require further study.     

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.     

Effect of Intravenous Iron Sucrose on Oxidative Stress in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Aim. Intravenous iron therapy is an accepted treatment for patients receiving hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Studies have found enhanced oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients receiving intravenous iron, but there are no clinical data for CAPD patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of 100 mg of intravenous iron-sucrose on the erythrocyte (RBC) antioxidant enzymes (namely, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase [GSHPx]) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidant molecule, in CAPD patients. Methods. Twelve CAPD patients receiving maintenance intravenous iron-sucrose were recruited. After a 12-hour fast, blood samples were taken for hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and for baseline activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (i.e., SOD, CAT, GSHPx) and the plasma oxidant molecule, MDA. 100 mg iron-sucrose was infused over 30 minutes. Blood samples taken during (i.e., 15 minutes after commencement of infusion) and after (i.e., at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 6 hours after commencement) the infusion were taken for measurement of plasma iron, ferritin, TSAT, RBC SOD, CAT, GSHPx, and plasma MDA. Results. Plasma iron and transferrin saturation elevated significantly during infusion (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in erythrocyte SOD, CAT, GSHPx, or in MDA activities. There was a reduction of GSHPx activity at the 30th minute (from 153.69 ± 66.69 to 123.68 ± 25.50 mU/mL), but it was not statistically significant. The patients were grouped according to baseline ferritin (100–400 and 400–800 ng/mL); 60th-minute MDA was significantly higher in the latter group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between hsCRP and oxidant-antioxidant balance. No correlation was noted between RBC antioxidant enzymes or plasma oxidant molecule and ferritin levels. Conclusion. There are no acute deteriorating effects from a 100 mg of intravenous iron-sucrose in CAPD patients with optimal iron stores. This dose may be applied safely in CAPD patients.     

腹膜溶质转运特性对腹膜透析患者营养指标的影响

目的探讨腹膜溶质转运特性对腹膜透析患者营养指标的影响.方法按照腹膜平衡试验(PET)计算结果,将68例稳定的连续性不卧床性腹膜透析(CAPD)患者分为高转运组(37例)和低转运组(31例).检测患者血浆和腹透透出液中的总蛋白、白蛋白及氨基酸量,同步计算蛋白质摄入量(DPI)和蛋白质分解率(nPCR).比较两组营养状态及进行相关因素分析.结果两组的残余肾功能、CAPD治疗时间、每日透析液剂量、超滤量、葡萄糖吸收量、血糖、尿素氮(BUN)、血清肌酐(Scr)和尿素清除指数(Kt/V)比较,差异无显著性意义(均P>0.05).高转运组每日经腹透透出液丢失的总蛋白质和多种氨基酸量显著高于低转运组(均P<0.05);各项营养指标均低于低转运组;两组体重及血清白蛋白比较,差异有显著性意义(均P<0.05).每日经腹透液丢失的Alb量和TAA与D/P4Scr呈正相关关系(均P<0.05).结论腹膜透析高转运患者营养指标较低转运者差,应加强对高转运患者的营养护理和指导;每日透析液量及超滤量能达到TCcr与DPI平衡即可,不宜盲目增加腹透液的剂量、浓度和存留时间,导致过度透析,引起蛋白质和氨基酸经腹透液大量丢失及吸收大量的葡萄糖,加重患者蛋白质缺乏性营养不良.