[Inflammation, residual renal function, overhydration, and membrane failure. The Rubik's cube of peritoneal dialysis]

Over the last years, a large amount of experimental and clinical evidence has been accumulated that supports the existence of interactions between the decline in residual renal function, hydration status, inflammatory states and functional and structural deterioration of the peritoneal membrane in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. These interactions are complex and remain far from being fully understood, but each one of these alterations appears to be capable of aggravating the harmful effects of the others, clearly affecting the probabilities of survival of these patients. Preservation of residual renal function and functional capacity of the peritoneal membrane, together with other measures to prevent overhydration and reduce the intensity of inflammatory phenomena, are essential mechanisms for risk prevention in these patients, and should be addressed from a joint perspective. New peritoneal dialysis solutions, apparently more biocompatible, could play an essential role in the achievement of these objectives.