The use of an amino-acid-based CAPD fluid over 12 weeks

Eight patients with end-stage renal failure (plasma albumin less than 35 g/l) who were established on glucose CAPD exchanges, were studied for 4-week periods before, and after 12 weeks when 1% amino-acid solution had been used for the morning exchange. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary assessments were made every 4 weeks. Dietary intakes of protein and calories were maintained. Studies with amino-acid solutions showed a mean of 13% and 8% amino acids remaining in the dialysate after 6 and 8 h respectively. Plasma amino acids increased to a maximum after 2 h of dialysis; however, fasting concentrations were constant over the 5 months. Osmolality of amino acids decreased comparably with 1.36% glucose during 8-h exchanges although the recovery of fluid was marginally less. Plasma transferrin increased significantly after 8 weeks of amino acids but subsequently decreased in one patient due to infection. No significant changes occurred in albumin, apolipoprotein A, IgG, IgA or prealbumin. Cholesterol and apolipoprotein B decreased in seven patients but increased in one due to rising calorie intake. Increases in urea and decreases in bicarbonate were not clinically significant. Amino-acid-based fluid was well tolerated with modest nutritional benefit and reduction in hyperlipidaemia. Optimal effects of amino acids are likely at higher concentrations using two or more exchanges in patients eating less than 0.9 g protein/kg per day.