[Medical and economic evaluation of new peritoneal dialysis solutions]

Conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions are mostly bioincompatible in relationship with a low pH, a high glucose and glucose degradation products (GDP) concentrations inducing anatomical and functional peritoneal membrane alterations. Use of icodextrin solution instead of glucose hypertonic solution preserves peritoneal membrane minimizing glucose exposure and its peritoneal absorption. Physiological fluids with a neutral pH and less GDP seem to have a positive effect on residual renal function which declines more slowly when they are early prescribed, before highly damaged and sclerotic kidneys. Preliminary data show that patients and technique survivals are better when physiological solutions are used either for diabetic and non diabetic patients. However, these new solutions do not improve peritonitis rates except for bicarbonate solutions but this fact must still be confirmed by other studies. In spite of a higher cost, physiological solutions must be proposed mainly for patients with a low comorbidity index and a high life expectancy.