Background: Little is known about the haemodynamic effects of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) despite its widespread use in the management of end-stage renal failure. We undertook a study to delineate the haemodynamic effects of CAPD using glucose-containing fluids (1.36 and 3.86% glucose) and icodextrin.
Methods: Eight CAPD patients were recruited for a prospective crossover study. Patients attended for two investigatory days (in random order). CAPD was carried out using 1.36% followed by 3.86% glucose (buffered with lactate/bicarbonate, Physioneal) on one study day and 1.36% glucose followed by 7.5% icodextrin (Extraneal) on the other day. Dwell times were 150 min. Blood pressure (BP) and a full range of haemodynamic variables including pulse (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured non-invasively using continuous arterial pulse wave analysis.
Results: BP was significantly higher during 3.86% glucose dwells as compared with 1.36% glucose or icodextrin dwells (P<0.0001). TPR during all three dwells was similar; the higher blood pressure was due to an increased HR, SV and, therefore, CO during 3.86% glucose dwells. The higher blood pressure during the 3.86% glucose dwells was present despite the highest ultrafiltration volume and sodium removal.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates large magnitude haemodynamic changes in response to CAPD. In addition to the well-recognized adverse effects on blood glucose and long-term peritoneal membrane viability, CAPD fluids containing high glucose concentrations may also exert undesirable effects on systemic haemodynamics, with potential long-term consequences for patient outcomes.