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The choice of dialysis solutions in pediatric chronic peritoneal dialysis: guidelines by an ad hoc European committee
1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Wilhelmina Children's University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands. c.h.schroder@wkz.azu.nl
Insights
Guidelines for pediatric peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions recommend using the lowest effective glucose concentration and low calcium solutions. Amino acid fluids and polyglucose solutions may be considered, with bicarbonate preferred as a buffer pending further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Replacement Therapy
- Dialysis Solutions
Background:
- Chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a crucial renal replacement therapy for children.
- Optimizing PD solutions is essential for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
- Current guidelines for pediatric PD solutions require refinement based on evidence and expert opinion.
Framework:
- This guideline addresses the selection of dialysis solutions for pediatric patients undergoing chronic PD.
- It synthesizes available evidence and expert consensus from the European Paediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Working Group.
- Key considerations include osmotic agents, mineral balance, nutritional support, and buffering agents.
Implementation:
- Glucose is the standard osmotic agent; use the lowest effective concentration.
- Low calcium (1.25 mmol/L) PD solutions are recommended, with parathyroid hormone monitoring.
- Amino acid-containing fluids can be considered for malnourished children, prioritizing enteral nutrition.
- Polyglocuse solutions are beneficial for insufficient ultrafiltration or solute removal in nocturnal intermittent PD.
- Bicarbonate-buffered solutions are preferred, but further in vivo studies are needed.
Implications:
- Appropriate selection of PD solutions can enhance treatment efficacy and patient well-being in pediatric chronic PD.
- Further research is needed to establish long-term safety and efficacy of newer PD solutions in children.
- Standardizing PD solution protocols can improve care consistency for pediatric patients with kidney disease.
Objective:
To provide guidelines on choosing dialysis solutions for children on chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD).
Setting:
European Paediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Working Group.
Data Source:
Literature on the application of PD solutions in children (Evidence), and discussions within the group (Opinion).
Conclusions:
Glucose is the standard osmotic agent for PD in children (Evidence). The lowest glucose concentration needed should be used (Opinion). Low calcium solution (1.25 mmol/L) should be applied, wherever possible, with careful monitoring of parathyroid hormone levels (Opinion). The use of amino acid-containing dialysis fluids can be considered in malnourished children, although aggressive enteral nutrition is preferred (Opinion). There is insufficient evidence documenting the efficacy of intraperitoneally administered amino acids (Evidence). When ultrafiltration and/or solute removal are insufficient, polyglucose solutions are a welcome addition to the treatment of children on nocturnal intermittent PD (Evidence). However, in the absence of any reported long-term experience with children, their use must be closely monitored (Opinion). Bicarbonate would appear to be the preferred buffer for PD in children, but more in vivo studies are required before it replaces the present lactate-containing solutions (Evidence/Opinion).
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