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Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in the neurocritical intensive care unit and is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. AKI and its treatment, including acute kidney replacement therapy, can expose patients to a secondary greater brain injury. This study aimed to explore the role of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in neurocritical AKI patients in relation to metabolic and fluid control, complications related to PD and outcome., Methods: Neurocritical AKI patients were treated by PD (prescribed Kt/V = 0.40/session) using a flexible catheter and a cycler and lactate as a buffer., Results: A total of 58 patients were included. The mean age was 61.8 ± 13.2 years, 65.5% were in the intensive care unit, 68.5% needed intravenous inotropic agents, 72.4% were on mechanical ventilation, APACHE II was 16 ± 6.67 and the main neurological diagnoses were stroke (25.9%) and intracerebral haemorrhage (31%). Ischaemic acute tubular necrosis (iATN) was the most common cause of AKI (51.7%), followed by nephrotoxic ATN AKI (25.8%). The main dialysis indications were uraemia and hypervolemia. Blood urea and creatinine levels stabilised after four sessions at around 48 ± 11 mg/dL and 2.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL, respectively. Negative fluid balance and ultrafiltration increased progressively and stabilised around 2.1 ± 0.4 L /day. Weekly delivered Kt/V was 2.6 ± 0.31. The median number of high-volume PD sessions was 6 (4-10). Peritonitis and mechanical complications were not frequent (8.6% and 10.3%, respectively). Mortality rate was 58.6%. Logistic regression identified as factors associated with death in neurocritical AKI patients: age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-2.16, p = 0.001), nephrotoxic AKI (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.69- 0.95, p = 0.03), mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.17-2.46, p = 0.01), intracerebral haemorrhage as main neurological diagnoses (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-2.11, p = 0.03) and negative fluid balance after two PD sessions (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.74-0.97, p = 0.009)., Conclusion: Our study suggests that careful prescription may contribute to providing adequate treatment for most neurocritical AKI patients without contraindications for PD use, allowing adequate metabolic and fluid control, with no increase in the number of infectious, mechanical and metabolic complications. Mechanical ventilation, positive fluid balance and intracerebral haemorrhage were factors associated with mortality, while patients with nephrotoxic AKI had lower odds of mortality compared to those with septic and ischaemic AKI. Further studies are needed to investigate better the role of PD in neurocritical patients with AKI., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. The lead authors (DP and ALB) confirm that the manuscript is an honest, accurate and transparent account of the study being reported; that no important aspects of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as originally planned (and, if relevant, registered) have been explained.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a heterogeneous syndrome with multiple etiologies. It occurs frequently in the neurocritical intensive care unit and is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, AKI alters the kidney-brain axis, exposing patients who receive habitual dialytic management to greater injury. Various therapies have been designed to mitigate this risk. Priority has been placed by KDIGO guidelines on the use of continuous over intermittent acute kidney replacement therapies (AKRT). On this background, continuous therapies have a pathophysiological rationale in patients with acute brain injury. A low-efficiency therapy such as PD and CRRT could achieve optimal clearance control and potentially reduce the risk of secondary brain injury. Therefore, this work will review the evidence on peritoneal dialysis as a continuous AKRT in neurocritical patients, describing its benefits and risks so it may be considered as an option when deciding among available therapeutic options., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Infections are the second leading cause of death among patients with end-stage kidney disease, behind only cardiovascular disease. In addition, patients on chronic dialysis are at a higher risk for acquiring infection caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and for death resulting from infection owing to their likelihood of requiring treatment that involves invasive devices, their frequent exposure to antibiotics, and their impaired immunity. Vascular access is a major risk factor for bacteremia, hospitalization, and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Catheter-related bacteremia is the most severe central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection and increases linearly with the duration of catheter use. Given the high prevalence of CVC use and its direct association with catheter-related bacteremia, which adversely impacts morbidity and mortality rates among HD patients, several prevention measures aimed at reducing the rates of CVC-related infection have been proposed and implemented. As a result, a large number of clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have been conducted to assess the effectiveness, clinical applicability, and long-term adverse effects of such measures. Peritoneal dialysis chronic treatment without the occurence of peritonitis is rare. Although most cases of peritonitis can be treated adequately with antibiotics, some cases are complicated by hospitalization or a temporary or permanent need to abstain from using the peritoneal dialysis catheter. Severe and long-lasting peritonitis can lead to peritoneal membrane failure, requiring the treatment method to be switched to HD. Some measures as patients training, early diagnosis, and choice of antibiotics can contribute to the successful treatment of peritonitis. Finally, medical directors are key leaders in infection prevention and are an important resource to implement programs to monitor and improve infection prevention practices at all levels within the dialysis clinic., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as an AKI treatment in adults was widely accepted in critical care settings well into the 1980s. The advent of extracorporeal continuous KRT led to widespread decline in the use of PD for AKI across high-income countries. The lack of familiarity and comfort with the use of PD in critical care settings has also led to lack of use even among those receiving maintenance PD. Many critical care units reflexively convert patients receiving maintenance PD to alternative dialysis therapies at admission. Renewed interest in the use of PD for AKI therapy has emerged due to its increasing use in low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, saw PD for AKI used early on, where many critical care units were in crisis and relied on PD use when resources for other AKI therapy modalities were limited. In this review, we highlight advantages and disadvantages of PD in critical care settings and indications and contraindications for its use. We provide an overview of literature to support both PD treatment during AKI and its continuation as a maintenance therapy during critical illness. For AKI therapy, we further discuss establishment of PD access, PD prescription management, and complication monitoring and treatment. Finally, we discuss expansion in the use of PD for AKI therapy extending beyond its role during times of resource constraints., (Copyright © 2023 by the American Society of Nephrology.)

Background: Few studies have compared the infectious and mechanical complications seen in planned-start and urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients., Objectives: To compare the incidence and etiology of mechanical and infectious complications in patients offered planned- and urgent-start PD and assess potential differences in patient survival and time on PD., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with chronic kidney disease on planned- and urgent-start PD seen from 2014 to 2020 and compared them for mechanical and infectious complications, clinical outcome, death rates, and need to switch to hemodialysis., Results: Ninety-nine patients on planned-start PD and 206 on urgent-start PD were included. Incidence of exit-site infection (18.9 vs. 17.17%, p=0.71) and peritonitis (24.27 vs. 27.27%, p=0.57) were similar between patients, while pathogens causing peritonitis were different, although non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli were more commonly seen in the planned-start PD group. Leakage as a mechanical complication and hospitalization were more common among patients needing urgent-start PD (10.68 vs. 2.02%, p=0.0085 and 35.44 vs. 17.17%, p=0.0011, respectively). Patient survival was similar between groups. Cox regression found an association between death and age (HR=1.051, 95% CI 1.026-1.07, p=0.0001) and albumin (HR=0.66, 95% CI 0.501-0.893, p=0.0064), and between peritonitis and a diagnosis of diabetes (HR=2.016, 95% CI 1.25-3.25, p=0.004)., Conclusion: Patient survival and time on PD were similar between the planned- and urgent-start PD groups, while leakage was more frequently seen in the urgent-start PD group. Death was associated with lower albumin levels and older age, while peritonitis was associated with diabetes.

Introduction: Unplanned peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important option for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients requiring kidney replacement therapy urgently as it offers the convenience of home-based therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the Brazilian urgent-start PD program in three different dialysis centers where there is shortage of hemodialysis (HD) beds., Methods: This prospective, multicentric cohort study included incident patients with stage 5 CKD and no permanent vascular access established who started urgent PD between July 2014 and July 2020 in three different hospitals. Urgent-start PD was defined as initiation of treatment up to 72 h after catheter placement. Patients were followed up from catheter insertion and assessed according to mechanical and infectious complications related to PD, patients, and technique survival., Results: Over 6 years, 370 patients were included in all three study centers. Mean patient age was 57.8 ± 16.32 years. Diabetic kidney disease was the main underlying condition (35.1%) and uremia was the main cause for dialysis indication (81.1%). Concerning complications related to PD, 24.3% had mechanical complications, 27.3% had peritonitis, 28.01% had technique failure, and 17.8% died. On logistic regression, hospitalization (p = 0.003) and exit site infection (p = 0.002) were identified as predictors of peritonitis, while mechanical complications (p = 0.004) and peritonitis (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of technique failure and switching to HD. Age (p < 0.001), hospitalization (p = 0.012), and bacteremia (p = 0.021) were observed to predict death. The number of patients on PD increased at least 140% in all three participating centers., Conclusion: PD is a feasible option for patients starting dialysis in an unplanned manner and may be a useful tool for reducing shortage of HD beds., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Unassigned: In the 1970s, acute peritoneal dialysis (PD) was widely accepted for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI), but this practice has declined in favor of extracorporeal therapies, mainly in developed world. The lack of familiarity with the use of PD in critically ill patients has also led to a lack of use even among those receiving maintenance PD. Renewed interest in the use of PD for AKI therapy has emerged due to its increasing use in low- and middle-income countries due to its lower cost and minimal infrastructural requirements. In high-income countries, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic saw PD for AKI used early on, where many critical care units were in crisis and relied on PD use when resources for other AKI therapy modalities were limited. In this review, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of PD in AKI patients and indications and contraindications for its use. We also provide an overview of advances to support PD treatment during AKI, discussing PD access, PD prescription, complications related to PD, and its use in particular clinical conditions. (Rev Invest Clin. 2023;75(6):327-36)., (Copyright: © 2023 Permanyer.)

Introduction: There are several studies comparing the outcomes of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), and most are divergent., Methods: This is a cohort study that followed patients with incident PD and HD in a planned and unplanned way, in a dialysis unit of the HCFMB from 01/2014 to 01/2019, until the outcome. We collected clinical and laboratory data. The PD and HD groups, death and non-death outcomes, were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test, or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Kaplan Meier curve and log-rank test were used for survival. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression. The significant difference was p < 0.05., Results: We had 592 patients, 290 treated by HD and 302 by PD. The mean age was 59.9 ± 16.8, with a predominance of males (56.3%), the main underlying disease was diabetes (45%); 29% of the patients died. There was no difference in the survival of patients treated by HD and PD. The oldest age (1.018 (95% CI 1.000-1.037; p=0.046)) was identified as a risk factor for death, while the highest number of infection-free days (0.999 (95% CI 0.999-1.000; p=0.003 )) as a protective factor., Conclusion: The analysis reinforced that the survival of patients on HD and PD was similar. Higher age and shorter infection-free time were associated with death.

Aim: To compare infectious and mechanical complications, technique failure and mortality of a planned PD vs. an unplanned PD program., Design: It was a prospective observational study that included chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who started PD according to medical recommendation: group1-planned and group 2-unplanned PD., Methods: This study evaluated patients who started planned and unplanned PD programs in a teaching hospital from July 2014 to December 2017., Results: A total of 58 patients were included in the planned PD group and 113 in the unplanned PD group. There was difference between the two groups in leak and hospital admissions, that were more frequent in the unplanned PD group. Periods free from exite site infection, peritonitis and mechanical complications were longer in the planned group. Cox regression analysis identified age and the lowest albumin value as factors associated with mechanical complications; peritonitis indicated the presence of ESI and mechanical complications; the change to HD was associated with a younger age, mechanical complications, diabetes mellitus (DM) and peritonitis. The factors associated with death were age and lower values of albumin. After 48 months, the growth of the PD program was 252%., Conclusion: The technique survival and patient mortality in unplanned PD was similar to planned PD, while the period marked by the absence of complications related to PD was longer in the planned PD group. In the Cox regression, unplanned PD was not identified as risk factor for death, transition to HD or complications related to therapy, while age and lower albumin values were predictors of negative outcomes., Impact: Unplanned PD is not risk factor for death and complications related to PD and can be an option to unplanned HD., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique survival is an important outcome for patients, caregivers and health professionals, however, the definition and measures used for technique survival vary. We aimed to assess the scope and consistency of definitions and measures used for technique survival in studies of patients receiving PD., Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) conducted in patients receiving PD reporting technique survival as an outcome between database inception and December 2019. The definition and measures used were extracted and independently assessed by two reviewers., Results: We included 25 RCTs with a total of 3645 participants (41-371 per trial) and follow up ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. Terminology used included 'technique survival' (10 studies), 'transfer to haemodialysis (HD)' (8 studies) and 'technique failure' (7 studies) with 17 different definitions. In seven studies, it was unclear whether the definition included transfer to HD, death or transplantation and eight studies reported 'transfer to HD' without further definition regarding duration or other events. Of those remaining, five studies included death in their definition of a technique event, whereas death was censored in the other five. The duration of HD necessary to qualify as an event was reported in only four (16%) studies. Of the 14 studies reporting causes of an event, all used a different list of causes., Conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity in how PD technique survival is defined and measured, likely contributing to considerable variability in reported rates. Standardised measures for reporting technique survival in PD studies are required to improve comparability.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the viability and outcomes between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD) in urgent-start renal replacement therapy (RRT). This study aimed to compare infectious and mechanical complications related to urgent-start PD and HD. Secondary outcomes were to identify risk factors for complications and mortality related to urgent-start dialysis., Methods: A quasi-experimental study with incident patients receiving PD and HD in a Brazilian university hospital, between July 2014 and December 2017. Subjects included individuals with final-stage chronic kidney disease who required immediate RRT, that is, HD through central venous catheter or PD in which the catheter was implanted by a nephrologist and utilized for 72 h, without previous training. Patients with PD were subjected, initially, to high-volume PD for metabolic compensation. After hospital discharge, they remained in intermittent PD in the dialysis unit until training was completed. Mechanical and infectious complications were compared, as well as the recovery of renal function and survival., Results: In total, 93 patients were included in PD and 91 in HD. PD and HD groups were similar regarding age (58 ± 17 vs. 60 ± 15 years; p  = 0.49), frequency of diabetes mellitus (37.6% vs. 50.5%; p  = 0.10), other comorbidities (74.1% vs. 71.4%; p  = 0.67) and biochemical parameters at the beginning of RRT, that is, creatinine (9.1 ± 4.1 vs. 8.0 ± 2.8; p  = 0.09), serum albumin (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6; p  = 0.06) and haemoglobin (9.5 ± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 2.0; p  = 0.44). After a minimum follow-up period of 180 days and a maximum follow-up period of 2 years, there was no difference regarding mechanical complications (24.7% vs. 37.4%; p  = 0.06) or bacteraemia (15.0% vs. 24.0%; p  = 0.11); however, there was a difference regarding infection of the exit site (25.8% vs. 39.5%; p  = 0.04) and diuresis maintenance [700 (0-1500) vs. 0 (0-500); p < 0.001], with better results in the PD group. There was better phosphorus control at 180 days in the PD group (62.4% vs. 41.8%; p  = 0.008), with a lower requirement for phosphate binder usage (28% vs. 55%; p  < 0.001), erythropoietin (18.3% vs. 49.5%; p  < 0.001) and anti-hypertensives (11.8% vs. 30.8%; p  = 0.003). Time to death was similar between groups. In the multivariate analysis, PD was a predictor of renal function recovery [odds ratio: 3.95 (1.01-15.4)]., Conclusion: PD is a viable and safe alternative to HD in a scenario of urgent-start RRT with complication rates and outcomes similar to those of HD, highlighting the results regarding renal function recovery.

Summary Statements: (1) Peritoneal dialysis (PD) should be considered a suitable modality for treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in all settings (1B) ., Guideline 2: Access and Fluid Delivery for Acute Pd in Adults: (2.1) Flexible peritoneal catheters should be used where resources and expertise exist (1B) (optimal) .(2.2) Rigid catheters and improvised catheters using nasogastric tubes and other cavity drainage catheters may be used in resource-poor environments where they may still be life-saving (1C) (minimum standard) .(2.3) We recommend catheters should be tunnelled to reduce peritonitis and peri-catheter leak (practice point) .(2.4) We recommend that the method of catheter implantation should be based on patient factors and locally available skills (1C) .(2.5) PD catheter implantation by appropriately trained nephrologists in patients without contraindications is safe and functional results equate to those inserted surgically (1B) .(2.6) Nephrologists should receive training and be permitted to insert PD catheters to ensure timely dialysis in the emergency setting (practice point). (2.7) We recommend, when available, percutaneous catheter insertion by a nephrologist should include assessment with ultrasonography (2C) .(2.8) Insertion of PD catheter should take place under complete aseptic conditions using sterile technique (practice point) .(2.9) We recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to PD catheter implantation (1B) .(2.10) A closed delivery system with a Y connection should be used (1A) (optimal) . In resource poor areas, spiking of bags and makeshift connections may be necessary and can be considered (minimum standard) .(2.11) The use of automated or manual PD exchanges are acceptable and this will be dependent on local availability and practices (practice point) ., Guideline 3: Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions for Acute Pd: (3.1) In patients who are critically ill, especially those with significant liver dysfunction and marked elevation of lactate levels, bicarbonate containing solutions should be used ( 1B) (optimal) . Where these solutions are not available, the use of lactate containing solutions is an alternative (practice point) (minimum standard) .(3.2) Commercially prepared solutions should be used (optimal) . However, where resources do not permit this, then locally prepared fluids may be life-saving and with careful observation of sterile preparation procedure, peritonitis rates are not increased (1C) (minimum standard) .(3.3) Once potassium levels in the serum fall below 4 mmol/L, potassium should be added to dialysate (using strict sterile technique to prevent infection) or alternatively oral or intravenous potassium should be given to maintain potassium levels at 4 mmol/L or above (1C) .(3.4) Potassium levels should be measured daily (optimal) . Where these facilities do not exist, we recommend that after 24 h of successful dialysis, one consider adding potassium chloride to achieve a concentration of 4 mmol/L in the dialysate (minimum standard) (practice point)., Guideline 4: Prescribing and Achieving Adequate Clearance in Acute Pd: (4.1) Targeting a weekly K t / V urea of 3.5 provides outcomes comparable to that of daily HD in critically ill patients; targeting higher doses does not improve outcomes (1B) . This dose may not be necessary for most patients with AKI and targeting a weekly K t / V of 2.2 has been shown to be equivalent to higher doses (1B) . Tidal automated PD (APD) using 25 L with 70% tidal volume per 24 h shows equivalent survival to continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration with an effluent dose of 23 mL/kg/h (1C) .(4.2) Cycle times should be dictated by the clinical circumstances. Short cycle times (1-2 h) are likely to more rapidly correct uraemia, hyperkalaemia, fluid overload and/or metabolic acidosis; however, they may be increased to 4-6 hourly once the above are controlled to reduce costs and facilitate clearance of larger sized solutes (2C) .(4.3) The concentration of dextrose should be increased and cycle time reduced to 2 hourly when fluid overload is evident. Once the patient is euvolemic, the dextrose concentration and cycle time should be adjusted to ensure a neutral fluid balance (1C) .(4.4) Where resources permit, creatinine, urea, potassium and bicarbonate levels should be measured daily; 24 h K t / V urea and creatinine clearance measurement is recommended to assess adequacy when clinically indicated (practice point) .(4.5) Interruption of dialysis should be considered once the patient is passing >1 L of urine/24 h and there is a spontaneous reduction in creatinine (practice point) ., The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) to treat patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has become more popular among clinicians following evidence of similar outcomes when compared with other extracorporeal therapies. Although it has been extensively used in low-resource environments for many years, there is now a renewed interest in the use of PD to manage patients with AKI (including patients in intensive care units) in higher income countries. Here we present the update of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines for PD in AKI. These guidelines extensively review the available literature and present updated recommendations regarding peritoneal access, dialysis solutions and prescription of dialysis with revised targets of solute clearance.

Aims: To evaluate the nutritional status, resting energy expenditure, caloric and protein intake, and evolution of biochemical parameters in three stages of chronic kidney disease: pre-dialytic, at the beginning of the dialysis treatment, and 30 days after starting treatment., Methods: The chi-square and Student's t tests were used to compare the variables, and analysis of repeated measurements was used to compare the data obtained in the three moments evaluated. The results were discussed at the 5% level of significance., Results: We evaluated 35 patients, 60% female and 60% with diabetes mellitus. There was a decrease in midarm circumference and serum albumin. Inflammatory state and caloric and protein intake increased. There was no significant difference in resting energy expenditure in the three moments. The serum urea and serum albumin, handgrip strength, and protein consumption after 30 days from the start of dialysis were greater in the peritoneal dialysis patients, when compared to the hemodialysis population., Conclusion: there was a decrease in midarm circumference and serum albumin and an increase in protein intake after dialysis. The peritoneal dialysis patients had higher muscle strength, even with lower protein intake. Resting energy expenditure was not different between dialysis methods and the moments evaluated.

Chronic kidney disease is a significant problem of public health worldwide, and up to 60% of patients start dialysis in an unplanned manner without a definitive dialysis access. Recently, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has emerged as an alternative to unplanned chronic dialytic method, and the world collective experience shows that PD can be an efficient, safe, and cost-effective alternative with comparable outcomes to the planned PD and urgent-start hemodialysis (HD). More importantly, as compared to urgent-start HD using a central venous catheter, urgent-start PD has significantly fewer incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infections, dialysis-related mechanical complications, and need for dialysis catheter reinsertions during the initial time of the therapy. An integrative review was conducted on PD urgent start compared to HD urgent start and to planned PD, identifying its potential advantages and limitations. Literature search was performed within multiple databases, and observational studies on clinical experience with urgent PD were reviewed and appraised., (© 2020 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Studies on vancomycin pharmacokinetics in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients on high-volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) are lacking. We studied the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) vancomycin in AKI patients treated by HVPD who received a prescribed single IV dose of vancomycin (15 - 20 mg/kg total body weight) to determine the extent of vancomycin removal and to establish vancomycin dosing guidelines for the empirical treatment of AKI patients receiving HVPD. The application of 18 mg/kg vancomycin every 48 - 72 hours in AKI patients undergoing HVPD was required to maintain therapeutic concentrations., (Copyright © 2019 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.)

Background: There is no consensus about the preferable type of catheter for successful peritoneal dialysis. Intra- and extra-peritoneal catheter configuration may be associated with mechanical and infectious complications affecting technique survival. The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical and infectious complications of coiled versus straight swan neck (SN) peritoneal dialysis catheters., Methods: A prospective randomized trial was performed to compare mechanical (tip migration with dysfunction) and infectious (peritonitis and exit site infection) complications between catheters randomly divided into two groups: swan neck straight tip and swan neck coiled tip. The follow-up was 1 year., Results: A total of 49 catheters, in 46 patients, were included from April 2015 to February 2016. The catheters groups were constituted as: 25 coiled tip SN and 24 straight tip SN. The baseline demographics were similar among the groups. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were not different for time to first exit site infection, peritonitis and time to first catheter tip migration (log-rank test, p = 0.07, p = 0.54 and p = 0.83, respectively). Catheter survival and method survival were also similar (log-rank p = 0.88 and p = 0.91, respectively)., Conclusions: The two types of intra-peritoneal segments of SN catheters studied presented similar infectious and mechanical rates with no differences in catheter and technique survival curve. These results were consistent with the recommendations of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are options for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of PD and daily HD on respiratory mechanics of AKI patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV)., Methods: A prospective cohort study evaluated 154 patients, 37 on continuous PD and 94 on HD. Respiratory mechanics parameters such as pulmonary static compliance (Psc) and resistance of the respiratory system (Rsr) and oxygenation index (OI) were assessed for 3 days. Patients were evaluated at moments 1, 2 and 3 (pre- and post-dialysis)., Results: The initial clinical parameters were similar in the two groups, except the age that was higher in continuous PD group (70.8 ± 11.6 vs. 60 ± 15.8; p < 0.0001). In both groups, Psc increased significantly, with no difference between the two groups-pre-dialysis (continuous PD 40 ± 17.4, 42.8 ± 17.2, 48 ± 19; HD 39.1 ± 21.3, 39. 5 ± 18.9, 45.2 ± 21) and post-dialysis (continuous PD 42.8 ± 7.2, 48 ± 19, 57.1 ± 18.3; HD 42 ± 19, 45 ± 18.5, 56 ± 24.8). Rsr remained stable among patients on continuous PD (pre-dialysis 10.4 ± 5.1, 13.3 ± 7.7, 13.5 ± 10.3, post-dialysis 13.3 ± 7.7, 13.5 ± 10.3, 11.1 ± 5.9) and decreased among HD patients (pre-dialysis 10.4 ± 5.1, 10.4 ± 5.1, 10.4 ± 5, 1, post-dialysis 10.5 ± 6.8, 10 ± 4.9, 8.9 ± 4.2). There was difference in Rsr between the two groups at the post-dialysis moments 1 and 2 (p = 0.03). OI increased in both groups (continuous PD 260.7 ± 119, 252.7 ± 87.1, 287.3 ± 88.4; HD 228 ± 85, 257 ± 84, 312.1 ± 111.5, p > 0.05), although there was no difference between them., Conclusion: AKI patients undergoing IMV and HD or PD had improvement in the mechanical ventilation and oxygenation, with no difference between the two groups.

Purpose of Review: Although historically peritoneal dialysis was widely used in nephrology, it has been underutilized in recent years. In this review, we present several key opportunities and strategies for revitalization of urgent start peritoneal dialysis use, and discuss the recent literature on clinical experience with peritoneal dialysis use in the acute and unplanned setting., Recent Findings: Interest in using urgent start peritoneal dialysis to manage acute kidney injury (AKI) and unplanned chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 patients has been increasing. To overcome some of the classic limitations of peritoneal dialysis use in AKI, such as a high chance of infectious and mechanical complications, and no control of urea, the use of cycles, flexible catheters, and a high volume of dialysis fluid has been proposed. This knowledge can be used in the case of an unplanned start on chronic peritoneal dialysis, and may be a tool to increase the peritoneal dialysis penetration rate among incident patients starting chronic dialysis therapy., Summary: Peritoneal dialysis should be offered in an unbiased way to all patients starting unplanned dialysis, and without contraindications to peritoneal dialysis. It may be a feasible, well tolerated, and complementary alternative to hemodialysis, not only in the chronic setting, but also in the acute.

Background: We performed this study to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, microbiology, treatment, and outcome of peritonitis in pediatric Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients at a nationwide prospective study., Methodology: Patients younger than 18 years recruited in the BRAZPD II study from 2004 to 2011, who presented their first peritonitis episode, were included in the study., Results: We found 125 first episodes of peritonitis in 491 children PD patients (0.43 episodes/patient-year). Patients free of peritonitis episode constituted 75.6% in 1 year. Culture-negative episodes were very high (59.2%) and gram-positive (GP) bacteria were the most commonly found organisms (58.8%). First-generation cephalosporin was the initial choice to cover GP (40.5%) and aminoglycosides was the most prescribed antibiotics used for gram-negative agents (27.5%). Treatment failure was 26.4%. Technique failure (TF) occurred in 12.1% and peritonitis was the main cause (65.1%). Pseudomonas (p = 0.04) and negative cultures (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of TF., Conclusion: Peritonitis remains a common complication of PD in children and negative cultures and pseudomonas had a negative impact on TF., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Most patients with stage 5 CKD start RRT of unplanned manner. Unplanned dialysis, also known as urgent start, may be defined as hemodialysis (HD) started without permanent vascular access, i.e., using a central venous catheter (CVC), or as peritoneal dialysis (PD) started within seven days after implantation of the catheter, without family training. Although few studies have evaluated the PD as an immediate treatment option for patients starting urgent RRT, theirs results suggest that it is a feasible and safe alternative, with infectious complications and survival similar to patients treated with unplanned HD. Given the importance of the social role of urgent start of dialysis and the lack of studies on the subject, this narrative review aims to analyze and synthesize knowledge in published articles, preferably, from last five years in order to unify information and facilitate future studies.

This study aimed to explore the role of high-volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 1 patients in relation to metabolic and fluid control and outcome. Sixty-four patients were treated by HVPD (prescribed Kt/V = 0.50/session), flexible catheter and cycler. Mean age was 68.8 ± 15.4 years, 54.7% needed intravenous inotropic agents and/or intravenous vasodilators, 31.2% were on mechanical ventilation, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the main cause of acute disease heart failure (ADHF) 48.3%, median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38% and the main dialysis indications were uremia and hypervolemia. Blood ureic nitrogen and creatinine levels stabilized after 4 sessions at around 50 and 4 mg/dL, respectively. Negative fluid balance (FB) and ultrafiltration (UF) increased progressively and stabilized around 2.6 L and -2.5 L/day, respectively. Weekly-delivered Kt/V was 3.0 ± 0.42, and 32.8% died. There was a significant difference between the survivors (S) and non-survivors (NS) in age (71.4 ± 15.7 vs 63.6 ± 17.6, p < 0.001), main diagnosis of ADHF (ACS: 76.2 vs 34.8%, p = 0.04), mechanical ventilation (52.4 vs 20.1%, p = 0.03), fluid overload (FO) at predialysis moment (52.4 vs 25.6%, p = 0.04), and FB and UF from the 2 nd to 5 th dialysis session. In conclusion, HVPD treatment was effective in CRS type 1 patients, allowing adequate metabolic and fluid control. Age, ACS, FO and positive FB after 2 HVPD sessions were higher in NS patients., (Copyright © 2017 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.)

Background: Currently, the execution of indirect calorimetry, which is considered the gold standard for measuring energy expenditure, is not indicate during dialysis, and it may interfere on nutritional therapy of these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with severe acute kidney injury treated by different modalities of dialysis and to identify whether dialysis influences on REE., Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that evaluated patients admitted in intensive care units with diagnosis of acute kidney injury AKIN-3, mechanically ventilated, and submitted to conventional hemodialysis (CHD), extended hemodialysis (EHD) or high volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD). Indirect calorimetry was performed at pre dialysis time and during the dialysis procedure. Parameters that could change REE were also evaluated., Results: One-hundred patients undergoing 290 dialysis sessions were evaluated, with mean age 60.3 ± 17 years, 69% were male and 74% have died. There was no significant difference between REE of predialysis time and during dialysis time (2156 ± 659 kcal vs. 2100 ± 634 kcal, respectively, p = 0.15). No difference was observed in the REE before and during dialysis of different modalities. There were no differences between parameters pre and during dialysis of each modality. There was only a difference in norepinephrine dose, which was higher in pre dialysis time in HVPD and EHD modalities, compared with CHD modality. Moreover, during dialysis time, EHD modality had significantly higher VAD compared to other dialysis modalities., Conclusion: The three evaluated modalities did not change REE. Indirect calorimetry can be performed during dialysis procedures and there was no difference between ventilation parameters, sedatives use, body temperature and VAD in both moments., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aimed to evaluate mechanical and infectious complications associated with urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) and patients and technique survival in the first 180 days., Methods: It was a prospective study that evaluated chronic patients who started unplanned PD using high-volume PD (HVPD) right after (<72 h) PD catheter placement. After hospital discharge, patients were treated with intermittent PD on alternate days in a dialysis unit until family training was provided., Results: Fifty-one patients fulfilling the following criteria were included: age was 62.1 ± 15 years, with diabetes as the main etiology of end-stage renal disease (39%), and uremia as the main dialysis indication (76%). Metabolic and fluid controls were achieved after 3 sessions of HVPD, and patients remained in intermittent PD for 23.2 ± 7.2 days. Mechanical complications occurred in 25.7% and peritonitis rate was 0.5 episode/patient-year. In the first 6 months, technique and patients survival rates were 86 and 82.4% respectively., Conclusion: The PD modality was a feasible and safe alternative to hemodialysis in the urgent-start dialysis., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be a feasible and safe alternative to haemodialysis not only in the chronic but also in the acute setting. It was previously widely accepted as a modality for acute kidney injury (AKI) treatment, but its practice declined in favor of other types of extracorporeal therapies., Summary: The interest in PD to manage AKI patients has been increased and PD is now frequently used in developing countries because of its lower cost and minimal infrastructural requirements. Studies from these countries have shown that, with careful thought and planning, critically ill patients can be successfully treated using PD. Some of the classic limitations of PD use in AKI, such as infectious and mechanical complications and poor metabolic control, have been decreased with the use of cyclers, flexible catheters, and a high volume of dialysate. The recent publication of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines for PD in AKI has tried to address these issues and provide an evidence-based standard by which to initiate therapy. Key Message: In this review, advances in technical aspects and the advantages and limitations of PD were discussed; it clearly showed that PD is a simple, safe, and efficient way to correct metabolic, electrolyte, acid - base, and volume disturbances generated by AKI and it can be used as a renal replacement therapy modality to treat AKI, both in and out of the intensive care unit setting., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be a feasible, safe, and complementary alternative to hemodialysis not only in the chronic setting, but also in the acute setting. It previously was widely accepted for acute kidney injury (AKI) treatment, but its practice decreased in favor of other types of extracorporeal therapies. The interest in PD to manage AKI patients has been reignited and PD now frequently is used in developing countries because of its lower cost and minimal infrastructural requirements. Studies from these countries have shown that, with careful thought and planning, critically ill patients can be treated successfully using PD. Some of the classic limitations of PD use in AKI, such as a high chance of infectious and mechanical complications and poor metabolic control, have been overcome with the use of cyclers, flexible catheters, and a high volume of dialysis fluid. However, in developing countries the infrastructure for quality research often is lacking and the result has been limited evidence on standardized treatment regimens such as indications, dosing, and technical failure and mortality. The recent publication of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines for PD in AKI have tried to address these issues and provide an evidence-based standard by which to initiate therapy. In this article, advances in technical aspects and the advantages and limitations of PD are discussed, and recent literature on clinical experience with PD for the treatment of AKI patients is reviewed., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Starting dialysis in an unplanned manner is frequent situation in dialysis center even for patients with regular nephrology follow-up. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) appears as an option for unplanned initiation of chronic dialysis, offering the advantage of not using central venous catheters and preserving of residual renal function. Since July 2014, we have offered PD as urgent start for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients., Methods: It was a prospective study that aimed to evaluate the mortality rate in hospitalized patients who started unplanned urgent PD in the first 90 days. It was used high-volume PD right after (<48 h) PD catheter placement, and it was kept until metabolic and fluid controls were achieved. After hospital discharge, patients were treated with intermittent PD on alternate days at the dialysis unit until family training., Results: Thirty-five patients were included from July 2014 to January 2015. Age was 57.7 ± 19.2 years, diabetes was the main etiology of CKD (40.6 %), and uremia was the main dialysis indication (54.3 %). Metabolic and fluid controls were achieved after five sessions of high-volume PD, and patients remained in intermittent PD for 23.2 ± 7.2 days receiving 11.5 ± .3.1 intermittent PD sessions. Peritonitis and mechanical complications occurred in 14.2 and 25.7 %, respectively. Mortality rate was 20 %, and technique survival was 85.7 %. The chronic PD program presented a growth of 41.1 %., Conclusion: The concept of unplanned start on chronic PD may be feasible, safe, complementary alternative to hemodialysis and a tool to increase the PD penetration rate among incident patients starting dialysis therapy.

During the 1970s and 1980s, peritoneal dialysis (PD) was widely accepted as the standard treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, advances in the techniques of extracorporeal blood purification gradually reduced its use, making PD an underused modality in this context. Although PD for AKI is an underutilized modality worldwide, it is frequently used in developing countries because of its lower cost and minimal infrastructure requirements. Recent studies have shown that PD administered continuously through a flexible catheter and cycler is an effective treatment in AKI because it ensures adequate fluid status and metabolic control. However, the use of PD in AKI has several limitations, such as the need for an intact peritoneal cavity and, in emergency situations such as severe fluid overload and severe hyperkalemia, an efficacy that is lower than that with extracorporeal blood purification techniques. Metabolic, infectious, and mechanical disorders related to PD are also limitations.Among the metabolic complications of PD are hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, protein loss into the dialysate, and hypercatabolism. Hyperglycemia is caused by the use of dialysate containing high concentrations of glucose. Hypernatremia is a result of short dialysate dwell times during the rapid exchanges of high-volume PD. Protein loss into the dialysate can reach 48 g daily, worsening the nutrition status of patients already depleted by AKI. Severe hypercatabolism caused by PD remains controversial and occurs because PD methods cannot provide an adequate dialysis dose for AKI patients.Few studies have assessed the metabolic implications of PD in AKI patients. Evaluation of these implications is relatively simple, imposes no additional costs, and can provide information about the severity of the disease. Evaluation could also guide the selection of therapeutic, dialytic, and nutrition measures, preventing metabolic complications. The present manuscript describes the metabolic implications of PD and reviews the literature on how to prevent metabolic complications., (Copyright © 2015 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.)

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) should be considered a suitable method of renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. This study is the largest cohort providing patient characteristics, clinical practice, patterns and their relationship to outcomes in a developing country. Its objective was to describe the main determinants of patient and technique survival, including trends over time of PD treatment in AKI patients. This was a Brazilian prospective cohort study in which all adult AKI patients on PD were studied from January/2004 to January/2014. For comparison purposes, patients were divided into 2 groups according to the year of treatment: 2004-2008 and 2009-2014. Patient survival and technique failure (TF) were analyzed using the competing risk model of Fine and Gray. A total of 301 patients were included, 51 were transferred to hemodialysis (16.9%) during the study period. The main cause of TF was mechanical complication (47%) followed by peritonitis (41.2%). There was change in TF during the study period: compared to 2004-2008, patients treated at 2009-2014 had relative risk (RR) reduction of 0.86 (95% CI 0.77-0.96) and three independent risk factors were identified: period of treatment at 2009 and 2014, sepsis and age> 65 years. There were 180 deaths (59.8%) during the study. Death was the leading cause of dropout (77.9% of all cases) mainly by sepsis (58.3%), followed cardiovascular disease (36.1%). The overall patient survival was 41% at 30 days. Patient survival improved along study periods: compared to 2004-2008, patients treated at 2009-2014 had a RR reduction of 0.87 (95% CI 0.79-0.98). The independent risk factors for mortality were sepsis, age >70 years, ATN-ISS > 0.65 and positive fluid balance. As conclusion, we observed an improvement in patient survival and TF along the years even after correction for several confounders and using a competing risk approach.

A good catheter implantation technique is important to allow effective peritoneal access function and long-term technique survival. Studies regarding results obtained by nephrologists in comparison with different techniques have been limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of early catheter-related complications and catheter survival in two Brazilian centers, according to two different percutaneous methods of catheter implantation performed by nephrologist team. Adult incident patients recruited from January 2006 to July 2013 having undergone first peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter implantation were included in the analysis. Mechanical and infectious early complication rates were defined as time to the first event occurring up to 3 months. Four hundred and forty-five consecutive Tenckhoff catheters were implanted by nephrologist team percutaneously after antibiotic prophylaxis in an operating room: trocar was used in 349 (78.4 %) and Seldinger technique (ST) in 99 (21.6 %). The ST was significantly associated with a lower rate of leak (16.3 vs 3 %, p = 0.03) and outflow failure due to tip catheter migration (22.6 vs 10.1 %, p = 0.04), while early infectious complication rates were similar between the two groups (p = 0.59). Long-term catheter survival was higher in Seldinger group (log-rank, p = 0.031). By Cox multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and diabetes, the ST remained independently associated with better catheter survival [HR 0.681 (0.462-0.910), p = 0.04]. As conclusion, our experience showed better PD outcomes with the ST than trocar method of catheter implantation by nephrologist.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment for selected acute kidney injury patients (AKI), but little is known about its metabolic implications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the metabolic implications of glucose absorption, sodium removal, protein loss into the dialysate, and catabolism in AKI patients undergoing high-volume PD and to identify risk factors associated with those metabolic effects., Methods: A prospective cohort study over 18 consecutive months evaluated 208 sessions of high-volume PD performed in 31 AKI patients. One session of high-volume PD lasted 24 hours. Repeated-measures analysis was performed, and correlations were calculated using the Spearman test for continuous variables and generalized linear models for categorical variables., Results: Glucose absorption remained at approximately 35.3% ± 10.5% per session. Protein loss measured 4.2 ± 6.1 g daily, with higher values initially, which declined significantly after 2 sessions. Nitrogen balance (NB) was initially negative, but stabilized at approximately zero after 3 sessions. Glucose uptake was positively correlated with the Acute Tubular Necrosis Individual Severity Score [ATNISS (r = 0.21, p = 0.0036)], C-reactive protein (r = 0.26, p = 0.0167), protein loss (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001), and sodium removal (r = 0.24, p = 0.002). Protein loss was positively correlated with sodium removal (r = 0.22, p = 0.0085) and gastrointestinal disease (p = 0.0004). Sodium removal was positively correlated with serum sodium (r = 0.21, p = 0.0064), ATNISS (r = 0.15, p = 0.0411), urea nitrogen appearance [UNA (r = 0.24, p = 0.0019)], and fluid overload as an indication for dialysis (p < 0.0001). Urea nitrogen appearance was positively correlated with the indication for dialysis (electrolyte disturbances: p = 0.0287) and negatively correlated with nephrotoxic AKI (p < 0.0001). Nitrogen balance was negatively correlated with UNA (r = -0.389, p < 0.0001) and ischemic AKI (p = 0.0047)., Conclusions: High-volume PD did not increase hypercatabolism in AKI patients, and protein loss and glucose uptake remained constant during treatment. Those parameters were influenced by the clinical condition of the patients, including the cause of AKI, inflammation, and comorbidities-factors that should be known before the prescription of dialysis and nutrition, thus avoiding metabolic complications such as hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and worsening catabolism.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis in critically ill patients is associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of 50-80 %. Extended daily hemodialysis (EHD) and high volume peritoneal dialysis (HVPD) have emerged as alternative modalities., Methods: A double-center, randomized, controlled trial was conducted comparing EHD versus HVPD for the treatment for AKI in the intensive care unit (ICU). Four hundred and seven patients were randomized and 143 patients were analyzed. Principal outcome measure was hospital mortality, and secondary end points were recovery of renal function and metabolic and fluid control., Results: There was no difference between the two groups in relation to median ICU stay [11 (5.7-20) vs. 9 (5.7-19)], recovery of kidney function (26.9 vs. 29.6 %, p = 0.11), need for chronic dialysis (9.7 vs. 6.5 %, p = 0.23), and hospital mortality (63.4 vs. 63.9 %, p = 0.94). The groups were different in metabolic and fluid control. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and bicarbonate levels were stabilized faster in EHD group than in HVPD group. Delivered Kt/V and ultrafiltration were higher in EHD group. Despite randomization, there were significant differences between the groups in some covariates, including age, pre-dialysis BUN, and creatinine levels, biased in favor of the EHD. Using logistic regression to adjust for the imbalances in group assignment, the odds of death associated with HVPD was 1.4 (95 % CI 0.7-2.4, p = 0.19). A detailed investigation of the randomization process failed to explain the marked differences in patient assignment., Conclusions: Despite faster metabolic control and higher dialysis dose and ultrafiltration with EHD, this study provides no evidence of a survival benefit of EHD compared with HVPD. The limitations of this study were that the results were not presented according to the intention to treat and it did not control other supportive management strategies as nutrition support and timing of dialysis initiation that might influence outcomes in AKI.

Background and Objectives: Peritoneal dialysis is still used for AKI in developing countries despite concerns about its limitations. The objective of this study was to explore the role of high-volume peritoneal dialysis in AKI patients in relation to metabolic and fluid control, outcome, and risk factors associated with death., Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: A prospective study was performed on 204 AKI patients who were assigned to high-volume peritoneal dialysis (prescribed Kt/V=0.60/session) by flexible catheter and cycler; 150 patients (80.2%) were included in the final analysis., Results: Mean age was 63.8±15.8 years, 70% of patients were in the intensive care unit, and sepsis was the main etiology of AKI (54.7%). BUN and creatinine levels stabilized after four sessions at around 50 and 4 mg/dl, respectively. Fluid removal and nitrogen balance increased progressively and stabilized around 1200 ml and -1 g/d after four sessions, respectively. Weekly delivered Kt/V was 3.5±0.68. Regarding AKI outcome, 23% of patients presented renal function recovery, 6.6% of patients remained on dialysis after 30 days, and 57.3% of patients died. Age and sepsis were identified as risk factors for death. In urine output, increase of 1 g in nitrogen balance and increase of 500 ml in ultrafiltration after three sessions were identified as protective factors., Conclusions: High-volume peritoneal dialysis is effective for a selected AKI patient group, allowing adequate metabolic and fluid control. Age, sepsis, and urine output as well as nitrogen balance and ultrafiltration after three high-volume peritoneal dialysis sessions were associated significantly with death.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a simple, safe, cheap, and efficient renal replacement therapy method. It can correct metabolic disorders and fluid overload in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients both in and out of the intensive care unit. Use of PD in AKI is enhanced by placement of a Tenckhoff catheter, which can be safely accomplished at the bedside. Some PD modalities, such as high-volume PD and continuous-flow PD, can provide dialysis doses and efficiency comparable to extracorporeal blood purification methods. PD is particularly suitable for neonates, children, and patients with refractory heart failure or who are otherwise hemodynamically unstable. PD should be considered in situations where systemic anticoagulation and/or vascular access are problematic. PD is limited by a lower efficiency that may produce inadequate renal replacement in larger and/or severely hypercatabolic patients. Fluid removal can be unpredictable, there is a risk of infection, and possible issues with mechanical ventilation. In this article, we discuss the use of PD in AKI, with emphasis on recent advances., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The optimal dialysis dose for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) is controversial. No studies have directly examined the effects of peritoneal dialysis (PD) dose on outcomes in AKI. From January 2005 to January 2007, we randomly assigned critically ill patients with AKI to receive higher- or lower-intensity PD therapy (prescribed Kt/Vof 0.8 and 0.5 per session respectively). The main outcome measure was death within 30 days. Of the 61 enrolled patients, 30 were randomly assigned to higher-intensity therapy, and 31, to a lower-intensity PD dose. The two study groups had similar baseline characteristics and received treatment for 6.1 days and 5.7 days respectively (p = 0.42). At 30 days after randomization, 17 deaths had occurred in the higher-intensity group (55%), and 16 deaths, in the lower-intensity group (53%, p = 0.83). There was a significant difference between the groups in the PD dose prescribed compared with the dose delivered (higher-intensity group: 0.8 vs. 0.59, p = 0.04; lower-intensity group: 0.5 vs. 0.49, p = 0.89). The groups had similar metabolic control after 4 PD sessions (blood urea nitrogen: 69.3 +/- 14.4 mg/dL and 60.3 +/- 11.1 mg/dL respectively, p = 0. 71). In critically ill patients with AKI, an intensive PD dose did not lower the mortality or improve the recovery of kidney function or metabolic control. The PD dose is limited by dialysate flow and membrane permeability, and clearance per exchange can decrease if a shorter dwell time is applied.

More than 30% of the patients on peritoneal dialysis show chronic systemic inflammatory activity with high levels of C-reactive protein. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the influence of the inflammatory state on clinical and nutritional markers in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Twenty-seven patients were included: mean age was 57.6 +/- 19 years, 48% were male, and median time on peritoneal dialysis was 16.0 (8.3; 35.8) months. Clinical, dialytic, laboratory, anthropometric and electric bioimpedance data were collected with the sample stratified for C-reactive protein. In patients, the levels of Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were higher, while adiponectin levels were lower than in healthy individuals (p < or = 0.001), indicating the presence of inflammatory activity in the sample. When compared to patients with C-reactive protein <1 mg/dL, those with > or =1mg/dL showed higher body mass index (29.4 +/- 6.1 vs. 24.4 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2); p = 0.009), percent of standard body weight (124.5 +/- 25.4 vs. 106.8 +/- 17.9 %; p = 0.012), and percent of body fat as assessed by both anthropometry (31.3 +/- 9.9 vs. 23.9 +/- 9.1%; p = 0.056) and bioimpedance (38.9 +/- 6.3 vs. 26.2 +/- 12.6 %; p < 0.001). Patients with C-reactive protein > or =1mg/dL also exhibited higher levels of ferritin (701 +/- 568 vs. 532 +/- 356 ng/mL; p =0.054) and lower total lymphocyte count (median 1838 vs. 1638 mm3; p = 0.001). In conclusion, higher body mass index and body fat markers were associated with C-reactive protein > or = 1mg/dL, and higher C-reactive protein was associated with immunocompetence impairment evidenced by the lower total lymphocyte count. Our findings confirm the relationship between inflammation, body fat, and immunocompetence, which may be superimposed potentializing the inflammatory status.