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Background: The approach to peritoneal catheter malfunction consists usually in a diagnostic and therapeutic sequence of laxative prescription, abdominal radiography, brushing of the catheter, guide-wire manipulation or fluoroscopy and in the end of a videolaparoscopy (VLS) rescue intervention. Ultrasound (US) is able to find out major causes of peritoneal catheter malfunction, however without a clearly defined diagnostic value. The aim of the study was to validate the diagnostic capability of US in catheter malfunction compared to the diagnostic reference of VLS. Methods: US scans of the subcutaneous and intraperitoneal segment of the catheter were performed prior to a VLS intervention in 40 adult patients presenting persistent catheter malfunction within a prospective multicentre study. Laxative prescription and brushing of the catheter lumen were undertaken prior to US scan. US diagnosis was compared to the corresponding at VLS, kappa coefficient calculated and the causes of mismatch analysed. Results: In US, causes of persistent malfunction were catheter dislocation combined with omental wrapping in 21 cases, omental wrapping without dislocation in 11 cases, dislocation only in 4 cases, adherences to non-omental structures in 3 cases and entrapment in the lateral inguinal fossa in 1 case. The US diagnosis corresponded to the respective at VLS in 36 of 40 cases, resulting in a kappa coefficient of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.78–1.00). The discrepancies were due to improper visualization of the catheter between omentum and intestinal loops, resulting in an erroneous US diagnosis of omental wrapping. Conclusions: This study suggests that US might have a pivotal role in the diagnostic approach to peritoneal catheter dysfunction.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced a reshaping of economic, productive, commercial and healthcare systems. The last one had the dual mandate to limit intra-hospital infections and strengthen its ability to deal with the ongoing emergency. In this paper we report the experience gained by the staff of the Nephrology and Dialysis Unit of the AULSS7 Pedemontana (Vicenza - Veneto region) and the organizational model pursued during the first wave of the pandemic.

Background and Aims The clinical approach to peritoneal catheter malfunction consists usually in laxative prescription, abdominal radiography, brushing of the catheter lumen, guide-wire manipulation or catheter fluoroscopy. Only specialized centers apply videolaparoscopy for catheter rescue interventions. Up to now, limited experience is present regarding the evaluation of the intraperitoneal tract of the peritoneal catheter in adult patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of B-mode ultrasound (US) followed by colour Doppler US (Doppler US) in persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction. Method US followed by Doppler US of the intraperitoneal part of the catheter was performed prior to videolaparoscopy intervention in 40 adult patients presenting persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction despite non-invasive therapy such as laxative prescription and brushing of the catheter lumen. US and Doppler US diagnosis were compared to the corresponding at videolaparoscopy intervention, and the causes of mismatch analyzed. In all patients US was performed after filling of the abdominal cavity with peritoneal dialysis solution of at least one liter. Doppler US along the intraperitoneal segment of the catheter was performed by flushing with dialysis fluid. Results In US, causes of persistent malfunction were catheter dislocation combined with omental wrapping in 21 cases, omental wrapping without dislocation in 11 cases, dislocation only in 4 cases, adherences to non-omental structures in 3 cases and entrapment in the lateral inguinal fossa in one case. The correspondence of US and videolaparoscopy diagnosis was 90%, respectively in 36 of 40 cases. The discrepancies were due to improper visualization of the catheter caused by constipation and embedding of the catheter between intestinal loops, resulting in an erroneous US diagnosis of omental wrapping, whereas videolaparoscopy showed encasement of the catheter between intestinal loops in three cases and presence of adherences to tubal structures in one case. Doppler US clarified the functional aspects of the catheter, thus increasing the correspondence to videolaparoscopy up to 39 out of 40 cases (97.5%) Conclusion US combined with Doppler US is helpful in making a correct pre-operative diagnosis of persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction and in planning of the videolaparoscopy rescue intervention.

Patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery with suprarenal clamping are at high risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) and major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). We aimed to assess whether the stroke volume variation (SVV), a measure of hemodynamic instability, is associated with AKI in hypertensive patients undergoing elective AAA surgery with suprarenal clamping. In a cohort of 51 hypertensive patients, we performed serial measurements of SVV (n = 459) and serum creatinine (sCr) (n = 255). AKI was defined according to the KDIGO clinical practice guidelines. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA and regression analysis of time-integrated changes of both SVV and sCr. AKI developed in 45% of patients (stage 1: 31%; stage 2: 10%; stage 3: 2%). The diuresis during surgery (beta − 0.29 Z-score 95% [CI − 0.54, − 0.05]; p = 0.02), clamp time (beta 0.29 Z-score [0.05–0.52]; p = 0.02), and time-integrated changes in SVV from baseline to 12 h after surgery (beta 0.31 Z-score [0.03–0.60]; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of the time-integrated changes in sCr from baseline to 48 h after the end of surgery. In a model adjusted for age and sex, patients with AKI had an increased risk for MACCE during a mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 1.1 years (HR 5.53 [1.52–20.06]; p = 0.004). SVV increases progressively during and after AAA surgery in subjects who will develop AKI. The increase of SVV precedes and predicts the rise in sCr and is a good discriminator of the development of AKI. AKI is associated with an increased long-term risk for MACCE.

Heavy metals are extensively used in agriculture and industrial applications such as production of pesticides, batteries, alloys, and textile dyes. Prolonged, intensive or excessive exposure can induce related systemic disorders. Kidney is a target organ in heavy metal toxicity for its capacity to filter, reabsorb and concentrate divalent ions. The extent and the expression of renal damage depends on the species of metals, the dose, and the time of exposure. Almost always acute kidney impairment differs from chronic renal failure in its mechanism and in the magnitude of the outcomes. As a result, clinical features and treatment algorithm are also different. Heavy metals in plasma exist in an ionized form, that is toxic and leads to acute toxicity and a bound, inert form when metal is conjugated with metallothionein and are then delivered to the liver and possible causing the kidney chronic damage. Treatment regimens include chelation therapy, supportive care, decontamination procedures and renal replacement therapies. This review adds specific considerations to kidney impairment due to the most common heavy metal exposures and its treatment.

Heavy metals are used in industrial applications, such as production of pesticides, batteries, alloys, and textile dyes. Excessive exposure may lead to specific disorders. The kidney is a target organ in heavy metal toxicity because of its ability to reabsorb and concentrate divalent metals. The extent of renal damage depends on the nature, the dose, and the time of exposure. In general, acute damage differs from chronic damage in its mechanism of toxicity. As a consequence, the clinical features and therapeutic approach are also different. Heavy metals in plasma exist in nondiffusible and ionized forms. The ionized form is toxic and produces acute toxicity; on the other hand the bound, inert form is conjugated with metallothionein and glutathione, which then are released into the blood by the liver and the kidney. These compounds subsequently are reabsorbed through an endocytotic process in segment S1 of the proximal tubule and can lead to chronic damage. Treatment regimens include chelation therapy, decontamination procedures, supportive care, and extracorporeal therapy. This chapter adds specific considerations for some of the most common metals.

Acute kidney injury is an important health problem and its incidence is increasing. Acute kidney injury has traditionally been measured and defined using surrogate measurements of the function of renal filtration, as plasma creatinine and urea. Despite the serious delay in diagnosing acute kidney injury, creatinine remains the most used biomarker. In recent years, clinicians highlighted the need to find new biomarkers for acute kidney injury that can replace or implement the data found using creatinine and that can allow an early measurement of the damage. Despite the multiple biomarkers analyzed and tested in recent years, creatinine is the reference marker because it is easy to measure and for its lower costs.Biomarker panels, employed in various frames help to determine the beginning and the duration of kidney damage or the severity of acute kidney injury, may assist in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury.

Background In Italy, few studies have examined the clinical management of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, resulting in a lack of information and awareness. Methods A total of 378 PD patients (64.7 ± 14.3 years, 58.9% males) were enrolled across 15 centres in a 12-month retrospective and 6-month prospective study. The primary objective was to evaluate the achievement of Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines on recommended target values for anaemia, high blood pressure and mineral metabolism. Comorbidities, hospitalizations, treatment and quality of life were also assessed. Results Frequent comorbidities included hypertension (87.8%) and cardiovascular disease (39.7%). Peritonitis was the leading cause of hospitalization [12 admissions per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 9.3–15.2)]. At 6 months, anaemia corrected by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was observed in 30% of patients and 73% received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded in 50% and 20% of patients, respectively. Sixty-four percent of echocardiograms revealed left ventricular hypertrophy and 30% of patients had vitamin D

Heavy metals are extensively used in agriculture and industrial applications such as production of pesticides, batteries, alloys, and textile dyes. Prolonged, intensive or excessive exposure can induce related systemic disorders. Kidney is a target organ in heavy metal toxicity for its capacity to filter, reabsorb and concentrate divalent ions. The extent and the expression of renal damage depends on the species of metals, the dose, and the time of exposure. Almost always acute kidney impairment differs from chronic renal failure in its mechanism and in the magnitude of the outcomes. As a result, clinical features and treatment algorithm are also different. Heavy metals in plasma exist in an ionized form, that is toxic and leads to acute toxicity and a bound, inert form when metal is conjugated with metallothionein and are then delivered to the liver and possible causing the kidney chronic damage. Treatment regimens include chelation therapy, supportive care, decontamination procedures and renal replacement therapies. This review adds specific considerations to kidney impairment due to the most common heavy metal exposures and its treatment.

Acute kidney injury is an important health problem and its incidence is increasing. Acute kidney injury has traditionally been measured and defined using surrogate measurements of the function of renal filtration, as plasma creatinine and urea. Despite the serious delay in diagnosing acute kidney injury, creatinine remains the most used biomarker. In recent years, clinicians highlighted the need to find new biomarkers for acute kidney injury that can replace or implement the data found using creatinine and that can allow an early measurement of the damage. Despite the multiple biomarkers analyzed and tested in recent years, creatinine is the reference marker because it is easy to measure and for its lower costs. Biomarker panels, employed in various frames help to determine the beginning and the duration of kidney damage or the severity of acute kidney injury, may assist in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury.

Peritoneal dialysis is a method used in Italy from the 70s; starting from the first unsuccesses due to inexperience, today we reached a point in which the technique is safe and supported by a large amount of literature. Nevertheless, the percentage of patients using this method has settled for a long time at 10%, with a negative trend in the recent years. It is not understood why such a simple and yet so effective technique fails to obtain a more respectable space. Much has been written about the so-called “barriers” to its development, among which social, economical, and organizational issues are included. The purpose of this work is to show, using examples, that these barriers are only determined by the inexperience and total lack of will of those who run a nephrology unit.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) has undergone substantial growth in recent years because of an increased demand for higher doses of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment and a need to improve quality of life for patients. The evolution of this treatment is closely linked with the development of new automatic machines and with recent advances in prescription and monitoring of PD treatment. In the present article, we describe the characteristics of the new generation of APD cyclers with particular regard to adequacy targets and safety. There is renewed interest in continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD), because of a belief that new peritoneal access technologies will make the success of this modality a possibility. In the CFPD technique, a certain amount of fluid is constantly present in the abdomen, and constant inflow and outflow are maintained without interruption thanks to paired indwelling catheters. The PD solution is used either in a single pass or in a recirculation loop with a regeneration systems (sorbent cartridge or dialyzer).

Dent’s disease (DD) involves nephrocalcinosis, urolithiasis, hypercalciuria, LMW proteinuria, and renal failure in various combinations. Males are affected. It is caused by mutations in the chloride channel CLCN5 gene. It has been suggested that DD is underdiagnosed, occurring in less overt forms, apparently without family history. A possible approach to this problem is to search for CLCN5 mutations in patients who may have a high prevalence of mutations: end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with previous calcium, struvite, or radio-opaque (CSR) stones. We looked for CLCN5 mutations in 25 males with ESRD–CSR stones selected from all of the patients (1,901 individuals, of which 1,179 were males) of 15 dialysis units in the Veneto region. One DD patient had a new DD mutation (1070 G>T) in exon 7. The new polymorphism IVS11–67 C>T was detected in intron 11 in one patient and one control. We also found 28 females with ESRD and stone history, and seven more males with ESRD and non-CSR stones. The prevalence of stone formers among dialysis patients in our region was 3.2%, much lower than the prevalence observed in older studies. Struvite stones continue to play a major role in causing stone-associated ESRD .

Dialysis must control the bodys fluid content accurately in order to maintain optimal health. Determination of body hydration and nutritional status are significant problems in dialysis patients. In practice, clinical evaluation is usually used to estimate the ultrafiltration target, since accurate knowledge of dry weight is lacking. PD over-hydration is more common than in HD. The only commonly used, practical and objective measurements we have to guide fluid removal are very inaccurate. Several methods have been proposed for non-clinical dry weight assessment; unfortunately these methods suffer from several shortcomings, such as poor specificity (natriuretic peptides), operator dependence (inferior vena cava diameter measurements) and poor correlation with extra cellular volume (continuous blood volume measurement). Recent study has validated bioimpedance (BIA) as an objective measure of fluid and nutritional status in dialysis patients. There are a number of different methods suitable for routine use available to the clinician. This review analyze the role of the different BIA techniques in peritoneal dialysis.

The experience and the current practice of a single center located in northern Italy is reported. The center of Vicenza is a self-standing nephrologic unit serving a population of about 300,000 individuals. The overall province counts approximately 800,000 individuals and some of them are referred to our center from peripheral hospitals for renal transplantation and/or particular pathologic conditions. The center offers an integrated approach to the treatment of uremia including hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and renal transplantation. In HD and PD, the most peculiar aspect is the treatment personalization that leads to numerous types of applied therapies and technologies. The policy of the center is based on the belief that the nephrology team has a substantial influence on the outcomes of dialysis patients. A large number of treatment options are available. Special care is placed on the delivery of an adequate amount of dialysis, but the fractional clearance of urea in relation to volume (Kt/V) is seen as a prerequisite and other factors are considered important. Reduction in mortality and morbidity is largely dependent on beginning therapy early in the course of renal treatment. The attainment of appropriate hemoglobin concentrations, good nutrition, good control of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, lipids, and blood pressure, is considered of great importance. Beyond all these factors the time spent by the physician with the patient is considered one of the major factors influencing quality of care. The particularly low mortality of the center (6%/yr) may also be ascribed to a lower incidence of diabetes and other comorbidities.

Growing evidence demonstrates that morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease correlate significantly with retention of larger uremic toxins including β2 microglobulin. Even when hemodialysis is performed, complications such as dialysis-associated amyloidosis are likely to develop. These complications seem to be related to the retention and accumulation of larger uremic substances, only a small amount of which are removed by hemodialysis. On-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is popular but expensive; double-highflux hemodiafiltration (DHF-HDF) and push-pull hemodiafiltration (PP-HDF), special types of HDF, are very efficient treatments without the need for ultrapure substitution fluid. In DHF-HDF two high-flux dialyzers are connected in series by blood and dialysate lines. In the first dialyzer mixed diffusion convection removes fluid and solutes; in the second dialyzer backfiltration of sterile dialysate occurs, resembling the post-dilution OL-HDF mode. The PP-HDF method alternates rapid convection of body fluids and rapid backfiltration of sterile pyrogen-free dialysate using a high-flux membrane and a double-pump system. These treatments require an elevated blood flow and have the advantage that they use dialysis fluid instead of ultrapure fluid. Several studies have shown an elevated removal rate of middle molecules and reduction of dialysis-related amyloidosis symptoms like back and shoulder pain, restless leg syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Assessment of fluid status in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is complex. Clinical evaluation based solely on body weight, blood pressure, volume of ultrafiltration (UF) and peripheral edema is insufficient. A non-invasive test, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) might be of potential benefit.To test whether BIA correlates with other ancillary markers of extracellular fluid volume, namely B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), residual renal function (RRF) and UF, and whether BIA provides complementary information in categorizing PD patients vis-à-vis hydration status.A cross-sectional study of 61 out-patients on chronic PD. Single-frequency BIA measurements of resistance/height were divided into tertiles (lowest:253 Ω/m; middle:253 Ω/m and316 Ω/m; highest:316 Ω/m).Compared to patients in the highest tertile of BIA (least fluid), patients in the lowest tertile (most fluid) had highest BNP, RRF and UF (93.5 vs. 55.0 pg/ml, p = 0.029; 850 vs. 300 ml/day, p = 0.05; and 1.75 vs. 1.21 l/day, p = 0.023, respectively).BIA tertiles categorized PD patients who differed in BNP, RRF and UF in a stepwise pattern, suggesting BIA may better inform hydration status, and serve as an additional clinical tool in management of chronic PD patients.

Objective: Assessment of fluid status in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is complex. Clinical evaluation based solely on body weight, blood pressure, vo

Exit-site infection (ESI) is still one of the most important technical complications in peritoneal dialysis because it can lead to peritonitis and catheter loss. Catheter choice does not appear to affect exit-site infection in most cases. Early diagnosis is extremely important in reducing such complications. Ultrasound inspection of the exit site and of the subcutaneous tunnel is one of the best practices to prevent technique failure. Surgical technique, peri- and postoperative protocols and care of the exit site are key points. Medical therapy should be selected based on international guidelines and prompt and timely intervention is the basis of successful therapy. A new treatment for exit-site infection is described and discussed in this paper.

Secondary hyperoxalemia is a common feature in patients with chronic renal failure, but oxalate removal is not adequately accomplished by regular dialysis treatment. Oxalate removal in two groups of patients, 11 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 12 on hemodialysis (HD), was investigated. HD patients were studied during a regular bicarbonate dialysis and during hemodiafiltration (HDF) with a high convective component (UF = 66 mL/min) and AN69 filter (Hospal Filtral 12, 1.2 m2, Hospal Industrie, Meyzieu, France). All HD and HDF spent dialysate and all 24 hr CAPD effluents were collected; oxalate concentration was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an ion exchange column. Both oxalate flux and total extraction were statistically higher during HDF treatments (HDF = 1.87 +/- 0.77 mg/min and 335.9 +/- 131.5 mg/session, respectively; HD = 0.99 +/- 0.74 mg/min, 226 +/- 153 mg/session, respectively; p < 0.02). The positive interaction of convective and diffusive fluxes probably played a major role in oxalate removal during treatment with a high convective component; solute-membrane interactions can occur by using either cellulosic or synthetic fibers. In CAPD patients, oxalate removal (76.42 +/- 50.85 mg/day) was lower than in patients on either HD or HDF, although weekly oxalate extraction was statistically no different between CAPD (535.46 +/- 356 mg/week) and HD (677.72 +/- 460.82 mg/week). It was concluded that HDF is more effective than HD or CAPD in oxalate removal. Long-term studies are needed to demonstrate whether these kinetic findings have clinical relevance.

The proportion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In the US, the percentage of PD patients on APD has steadi

Several strategies have been proposed to increase dialysis efficiency in order to reduce dialysis treatment time. Paired filtration dialysis (two-chamber technique) is a new technique combining the advantages of highly permeable membranes and convective transport with the high depurative efficacy of diffusion. The system operates with two units in series (hemofilter + dialyzer) with membranes of polysulfone and hemophan, respectively. A detailed analysis of the hydraulic properties of the system and its possible optimization in terms of depurative efficiency is reported in this paper. In vitro and in vivo tests provided data sufficient to draw some hypotheses on a new utilization of the system. The system appears to be adequate for operating under conditions of high blood flows, however, some limitations were evidenced during our evaluation: the convective component may be insufficient and further increases are impossible because of the limiting effect of the low surface area of the hemofilter; the configuration in which the weight loss is achieved in the hemofilter exposes to the risk of backfiltration in the dialyzer, reducing the benefits of a highly biocompatible system, and the use of acetate in the dialysate and/or lactate in the substitution fluid may interfere with a satisfactory correction of metabolic acidosis. On the basis of our evaluations, some changes can be proposed such as: (1) increased surface area of the hemofilter; (2) use of blood flows higher than 300 ml/min; (3) use of bicarbonate in the dialysate and in the replacement solution; (4) increased convective component with ultrafiltration rates of 50-60 ml/min and full replacement with substitution fluid in between the two filters, and (5) weight loss achieved in the dialyzer with a constantly positive transmembrane pressure. With such a modification of the operative conditions, paired filtration dialysis can be probably applied as a highly efficient dialysis technique in a large number of patients with a significant reduction of dialysis treatment time.

Alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-AK) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) represent a defense mechanism to protect the tissues from proteolytic enzyme activity. We studied the implication of alpha 1-AK and alpha 1-AT in glomeruli of patients with different nephropathies based on the analysis of 52 paraffin-embedded renal biopsies with alpha 1-AK and alpha 1-AT antisera. The results demonstrate an intense alpha 1-AK glomerular staining in renal biopsies from patients with minimal-change disease, while a minor staining of this protein was found in the other nephropathies. No significant evidence of alpha 1-AT deposits was observed in our cases. Our findings suggest that when alpha 1-AK is lacking in glomeruli the defense mechanisms against proteolytic enzymes may not be efficient enough to protect the glomerular structures and limit the damage. Since alpha 1-AK is a reactant of the acute phase of inflammation, it may be considered as a marker of activity for monocyte-macrophages in glomerular damage.

The peritoneal catheter should be a permanent and safe access to the peritoneal cavity. Catheter-related problems are often the cause of permanent transfer to hemodialysis (HD) in up to 20% of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients; in some cases, these problems require a temporary period on HD. Advances in connectology have reduced the incidence of peritonitis, and so catheter-related complications during PD have become a major concern. In the last few years, novel techniques have emerged in the field of PD: new dialysis solutions, better connectology, and cyclers for automated PD. However, extracorporeal dialysis has continued to improve in terms of methods and patient survival, but PD has failed to do so. The main reason is that peritoneal access has remained problematical. The peritoneal catheter is the major obstacle to widespread use of PD. Overcoming catheter-related problems means giving a real chance to development of the peritoneal technique. Catheters should be as efficient, safe, and acceptable as possible. Since its introduction in the mid-1960s, the Tenckhoff catheter has not become obsolete: dozens of new models have been proposed, but none has significantly reduced the predominance of the first catheter. No convincing prospective data demonstrate the superiority of any peritoneal catheter, and so it seems that factors other than choice of catheter are what affect survival and complication rates. Efforts to improve peritoneal catheter survival and complication rates should probably focus on factors other than the choice of catheter. The present article provides an overview of the characteristics of the best-known peritoneal catheters.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is important for the further penetration of PD in the dialysis marketplace. Long dwell, equilibration PD (CAPD) has limited applicability in many patients due to inadequate solute clearance or fast membrane transport characteristics. Providing large volumes of dialysate over circumscribed hours is highly labor intensive without an automated system. Early attempts at APD were crude but effective in reducing labor, which was generally provided by nursing staff. Later evolution of PD technology has been greatly accelerated by the microchip, and by miniaturization of components. Current generation machines allow individualized fill volumes, variable tidal volumes and additional daytime automated exchanges, teledialysis, memorized delivery control, and full portability. The ideal machine should not only be able to perform all treatment schedules, but it should also optimize the performance of a selected treatment strategy. Biocompatible solutions, improved osmotic agents, and sorbent technology are all adaptable to APD. The eventual evolution toward continuous flow PD will resolve many of the current problems with both CAPD and APD.

The real integration of a specific therapy into the renal replacement program is represented by the possibility of easy and free patient transfer from one treatment to another without restrictions. In the case of peritoneal dialysis we feel that its integration in the therapeutic approach of uremia represents an ethical obligation for the physician, a clinical opportunity for the patient and a good cost/benefit solution for care givers. A full conviction that peritoneal dialysis represents a real therapeutic option for ESRD patients is necessary to achieve a real integration of this therapy in the uremia treatment program. A positive cost benefit ratio, both from the clinical and the economical points of view must also be seeked. The patient indirectly, must receive the same positive conviction, based on solid data and clinical results, comparable to those achievable in hemodialysis. Furthermore the patient must know that such treatment will provide an equal opportunity for kidney transplant compared to other therapies. Such a kind of feeling and knowledge must include information on patient's survival, rate of complications, treatment adequacy, availability of different techniques within the treatment and complete summary of advantages and disadvantages.

Fluid overload and uncontrolled hypertension may be considered important mortality risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) population. Even malnutrition is highly prevalent in PD patients. It is now well established that lower levels of serum markers of nutrition such as albumin, creatinine, and prealbumin are associated with increased mortality in PD patients [Fein, P.A. et al: Adv Perit Dial 2002;18:195-199]. Moreover cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease, and hypertension and volume expansion are highly prevalent in long-term PD patients. Many studies in hemodialysis and in PD have demonstrated that phase sensitive bioelectrical impedance analysis is a widely used and proven method for evaluating patient's body composition. The vectorial bioimpedance analysis is a validated system to evaluate the hydration and nutritional state of hemodialysis and PD patients with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the new multifrequency BodyComp bioimpedance analyzer as a home based tool versus traditional Bia Vector.

Dislocation of peritoneal dialysis catheters is one of the major causes of technique failure. We evaluated 701 Vicenza catheters, implanted since 1985 in 365 males, mean age 53 ± 16 yrs, range 24 - 87, and 336 females, mean age 51 ± 17 yrs, range 21 - 82. The Vicenza catheter is defined “short” since it consists of a classic straight double cuff PD catheter having however an inner segment (the portion located in the peritoneal cavity) much shorter than any other type of catheter. It is implanted in the lower abdomen, just a few centimeters above the pubis. The analysis of our results obtained in a large PD population displayed good device survival at 2 and 5 years (94.3% and 91.5% respectively), a low dislocation rate (4%) and an exit-site infection rate similar to other double cuffed catheters. There was no selection of patients receiving this catheter since from 1985 we have used this catheter in every incident patient. Due to its lower implantation site this catheter demonstrates excellent wearability and good body image acceptance.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is important for the further penetration of PD in the dialysis marketplace. Long dwell, equilibration PD (CAPD) has limited applicability in many patients due to inadequate solute clearance or fast membrane transport characteristics. Providing large volumes of dialysate over circumscribed hours is highly labor intensive without an automated system. Early attempts at APD were crude but effective in reducing labor, which was generally provided by nursing staff. Later evolution of PD technology has been greatly accelerated by the microchip, and by miniaturization of components. Current generation machines allow individualized fill volumes, variable tidal volumes and additional daytime automated exchanges, teledialysis, memorized delivery control, and full portability. The ideal machine should not only be able to perform all treatment schedules, but it should also optimize the performance of a selected treatment strategy. Biocompatible solutions, improved osmotic agents, and sorbent technology are all adaptable to APD. The eventual evolution toward continuous flow PD will resolve many of the current problems with both CAPD and APD.

Fluid overload and uncontrolled hypertension may be considered important mortality risk factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) population. Even malnutrition is highly prevalent in PD patients. It is no

The real integration of a specific therapy into the renal replacement program is represented by the possibility of easy and free patient transfer from one treatment to another without restrictions. In the case of peritoneal dialysis we feel that its integration in the therapeutic approach of uremia represents an ethical obligation for the physician, a clinical opportunity for the patient and a good cost/benefit solution for care givers. A full conviction that peritoneal dialysis represents a real therapeutic option for ESRD patients is necessary to achieve a real integration of this therapy in the uremia treatment program. A positive cost benefit ratio, both from the clinical and the economical points of view must also be seeked. The patient indirectly, must receive the same positive conviction, based on solid data and clinical results, comparable to those achievable in hemodialysis. Furthermore the patient must know that such treatment will provide an equal opportunity for kidney transplant compared to other therapies. Such a kind of feeling and knowledge must include information on patient's survival, rate of complications, treatment adequacy, availability of different techniques within the treatment and complete summary of advantages and disadvantages.

Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is the fastestgrowing dialysis treatment in the world at the present time. The evolution of this treatment modality is closely linked to the development of new automatic machines and to the recent advances in prescription and monitoring of peritonal dialysis (PD) treatment.