Does Far-Infrared Therapy Improve Peritoneal Function and Reduce Recurrent Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology and Biomedical Engineering
• Therapeutic Modalities for Renal Disease

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is increasingly used for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• Inflammation and cellular immunity are critical factors affecting PD outcomes.
• Far-infrared (FIR) radiation therapy is being explored for its potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of FIR therapy on inflammation and cellular immunity in PD patients.
• To assess changes in key biochemical markers and peritoneal function during PD with FIR therapy.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 56 patients undergoing PD, with 32 in the experimental FIR group and 24 in the control group.
• Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was used to assess abdominal blood vessels.
• Biochemical markers (glucose, HbA1c, albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, white blood cells, hs-CRP), peritoneal Kt/V, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared.
• Concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-18, TNF-α) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in abdominal blood vessels were observed via CT over 6 months.
• FIR therapy led to significant reductions in creatinine (p=0.039) and hs-CRP (p<0.001).
• Significant improvements were noted in eGFR (p=0.043), glucose (p<0.001), and albumin (p=0.048) levels.
• While FIR therapy did not significantly alter inflammatory cytokine levels, it mitigated glucose-related side effects in the dialysis buffer, potentially reducing peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• FIR therapy significantly enhances the effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis in ESRD patients.
• FIR treatment improves peritoneal permeability and modulates the inflammatory response.
• Combined PD and FIR therapy offers a promising approach to managing PD patients, reducing complications associated with dialysis buffer glucose.