Background: Optimization of ultrafiltration and preservation of the peritoneal membrane are desirable objectives in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Mixtures of glucose- and non-glucose-based solutions may help to meet both targets simultaneously.
Aim: To analyze the effects, in terms of ultrafiltration and peritoneal glucose load, of including icodextrin-based dialysate in the nocturnal schedule of patients undergoing automated PD (APD).
Method: Following a randomized crossover design, 17 APD patients underwent two 10-day study periods under identical prescription (including amino acid-based solution for the night schedule), except for the substitution of 2 L glucose-based dialysate in the nocturnal mixture (control) by a similar amount of icodextrin-based dialysate (icodextrin phase) in one period. Dependent variables included ultrafiltration, sodium removal, peritoneal glucose load, and residual renal function. We measured serum and urine levels of icodextrin metabolites at the end of each phase.
Results: Ultrafiltration was marginally higher during the icodextrin phase (median 815 vs 763 mL/day, p = 0.07), while peritoneal sodium removal was similar in both phases (74 vs 71 mmol/L/day). Peritoneal glucose load (median 67.5 vs 104.0 g/day, p < 0.005) and absorption (14.0 vs 35.6 g/day, p < 0.005) were lower during the icodextrin phase. Diuresis was also modestly lower during the icodextrin phase (500 vs 600 mL/day, p < 0.05). Serum levels of icodextrin metabolites were moderately higher in the icodextrin phase (p < 0.005) in patients both on and off diurnal icodextrin.
Conclusion: Inclusion of amino acid- and icodextrin-based solutions in the nocturnal schedule of APD patients may allow sustained ultrafiltration and sodium removal while significantly reducing the peritoneal glucose load in these patients.