Topic Discussion: Non glucose based solutions for Peritoneal Dialysis

Glucose based solutions are standard for PD.
Two non glucose based are also available: Icodextrin and amino acids.

1. EAPOS trial compared retrospectively on membrane function and it showed stable membrane function and better UF with the icodextrin arm
2. Exposure to hyperglycemia and subsequent effects of glucose absorption are less with these agents
3. No side effects are noted with these agents
4. No clinical data are present to support use of amino acids as membrane protectors
5. Cost of above agents are a lot and hence not used much in USA.

Something to ponder about
Check out the recent Seminars in Dialysis review on this topic by Peter Blake
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21801231
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16720998
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15780118