[Influence of new dialysis solutions on clinical results in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis]

Long-term peritoneal dialysis is associated with changes in the peritoneal membrane. Conventional dialysate solutions are bioincompatible because of their low pH, high glucose content, hyperosmolality and increased concentration of glucose degradation products. The development of double-compartment systems has made it possible to separate glucose from the buffer during heat sterilization, resulting in a higher or even physiologic pH of the solution with reduced concentration of glucose degradation products. These new solutions are less toxic for several cell groups and are better than conventional solutions in preserving membrane function, as demonstrated by experiments in rats. Glucose degradation products promote formation of advanced glycation end-products, and plasma levels of these are markedly reduced when double-compartment systems are used. Clinical studies with these more physiologic dialysis solutions have demonstrated better correction of acidosis, less inflow pain, significantly elevated CA-125 dialysate levels and lower concentrations of markers for inflammation and fibrosis in the effluent. In a retrospective study, a lower rate of mortality was observed in patients who were treated using a double-compartment system than in those treated with standard dialysis solution. Amino acids (in the low-molecular-weight range) and icodextrin (in the high-molecular-weight range) are newer osmotic agents that have been developed as alternatives to glucose. Several clinical studies have shown that amino-acid solution improves various nutritional parameters in patients with malnutrition and is more biocompatible than standard glucose solution. Icodextrin is an iso-osmolar dialysis solution. Ultrafiltration takes place via colloid osmotic pressure and is sufficient in all types of peritoneal transport. Clinical studies using icodextrin have shown better fluid control, especially in high transporters, reduced carbohydrate load and fewer patients with ultrafiltration failure compared with those treated with conventional dialysis solutions. However, allergic skin reactions have been observed in up to 10% of patients treated with icodextrin. Icodextrin may induce a fall of sodium plasma levels. Because of cross-reaction with elevated plasma levels of maltose, serum amylase is determined falsely low and glucose (using the glucose-dehydrogenase method) is measured falsely high, but high plasma levels of maltose do not affect measurement of lipase or measurement of glucose using the glucose-oxidase method. New dialysate solutions will have a positive influence on both survival and technical drop-out rates in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis treatment.