A Review of Residual Kidney Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Residual kidney function (RKF) has been associated with better survival, less morbidity, and improved quality of life in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Since higher peritoneal clearance does not lead to better outcomes, more emphasis should be put on preserving kidney function. Many other benefits have been reported, including better volume and blood pressure control, better nutritional status, lower rates of PD peritonitis, preserved erythropoietin and vitamin D production, middle molecule clearance, lower Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, and better serum phosphate level. The most practical method of assessing RKF is the mean of 24-h urinary urea and creatinine clearance. Incremental PD prescription is an ideal option to supplement RKF in PD patients, which also offers more flexibility to the patient and, possibly, improved adherence. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should be used when possible in PD patients to preserve RKF. Loop diuretics are underutilized in PD patients despite providing an additional means of maintaining fluid balance and reducing the need for higher glucose-containing PD solutions. In this paper, we outline the importance of RKF in PD patients and the different strategies for its preservation.