| [ Summary ] |
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and its derivatives are therapy alternatives for end-stage renal disease patients, the dose of which is determined by the amount of dialysate and the treatment regimen, as well as the peritoneal permeability of the patient. Therefore, peritoneal function needs to be evaluated prior to prescribing dialysis dose by using a standard or simplified peritoneal equilibration test (PET) or specifically designed computer software available from three dialysate suppliers. Dose of PD is usually evaluated by weekly Kt/V for urea (Kt/V) and/or by weekly creatinine clearance normalized to 1.73m2 (Ccr). Recommended values for adequate dialysis can be found elsewhere. According to a Japanese multi-center study, however, fixed values of these indices may not be universally targeted for all patients with diverse body size, although both indices look as though they may be normalized by the patients' body size. |