¹Department of Renal Medicine and Transplantation, The Royal London and St Bartholomew's Hospitals, London, UK

Correspondence: SLS Fan, Renal Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK. E-mail: s.fan@qmul.ac.uk

Received 21 May 2007; Revised 25 July 2007; Accepted 7 August 2007; Published online 3 October 2007.

Abstract

Residual kidney function is important for patient and technique survival in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Biocompatible dialysis solutions are thought to improve function and viability of peritoneal mesothelial cells and to preserve residual renal function (RRF). We conducted a randomized controlled study comparing use of biocompatible (B) with standard (S) solutions in 93 incident PD patients during a 1-year period. The demographics, comorbidities, and RRF of both groups were similar. At 3 and 12 months, 24-h urine samples were collected to measure volume and the mean of urea and creatinine clearance normalized to body surface area. Surrogate markers of fluid status, diuretic usage, C-reactive protein concentration, peritonitis episodes, survival data, and peritoneal equilibrium tests were also collected. Changes in the normalized mean urea and creatinine clearance were the same for both groups, with no significant differences in secondary end points. Despite non-randomized studies suggesting benefits of these newer biocompatible solutions, we could not detect any clinically significant advantages. Additional studies are needed to determine if advantages are seen with longer term use.