The effect of calcium antagonists on the peritoneal membrane in patients on CAPD

In order to evaluate the effect of Calcium Antagonists on the permeability of the peritoneal membrane in patients on CAPD, the peritoneal clearances, the mass transfer, the ultrafiltration and the mass transfer area coefficient (MTAC) were measured. We studied 10 patients before and after the instillation of 10 mg (5 mg/L) of Verapamil into the peritoneal cavity. Our results showed a significant (p less than 0.05) increase of urea, creatinine and uric acid clearances. A significant increase (p less than 0.05) in the ultrafiltration and MTAC was also observed, while the mass transfer of electrolytes K+, Na+ and Ca++ was unchanged. These findings indicate that the intraperitoneal use of verapamil may induce an increase in the peritoneal permeability in patients on CAPD.