Clinical Studies indicate Better Survival and Protection of the Peritoneal Membrane using an Innovative Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid

According to a South Korean study now published in the journal Peritoneal Dialysis International (Vol 25, pp 248-255), patients live significantly longer if they use the PD solution balance developed by Fresenius Medical Care rather than conventional fluids. More than 1,100 patients were included in the retrospective analysis. This is the largest analysis on survival comparing conventional and new, more biocompatible PD solutions.

The researchers compared 611 patients treated with balance and 551 patients who received treatment with conventional dialysis fluid. The follow up period was up to 30 months. When treated with biocompatible balance, the relative mortality risk was reduced by 25% compared to conventional high quality treatment (also from Fresenius Medical Care). Differences in age or sex of the patients between both groups were taken into account.

The biocompatible dialysis fluid balance has a neutral pH and has extremely low levels of glucose degradation products (GDPs) compared to conventional PD fluids. A randomized, prospective multicenter study published in the journal Kidney International in 2004 (Vol. 66, pp. 408-418) demonstrated that the biocompatible dialysis fluid balance had less negative impact on the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum and in addition better preserves residual renal function. The positive impact of residual renal function on patient survival has been demonstrated already in clinical studies and is a key indicator of positive survival outcomes.

This relationship could be the reason for the better survival of patients treated with balance. "This study, for the first time, suggests that treatment with a novel biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluid confers a significant survival advantage," says Professor Ho Yung Lee from the Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul.

South Korea is one of the countries with the highest number of peritoneal dialysis patients. Worldwide, about 150.000 patients are treated with this therapy. In peritoneal dialysis, which is one of two methods of treatment for patients with chronic kidney failure, the peritoneum serves as a dialysis membrane. Using a surgically implanted catheter, dialysis fluid is introduced into the peritoneal cavity and removed from it after a while. Toxins and surplus water, the latter with the help of the osmotic activity of glucose, are being moved through the peritoneum into the fluid and thus removed from the blood.