Alternative osmotic agents

Abstract

After a decade of experience with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, several long-term complications are emerging which relate either directly (ultrafiltration of short duration, metabolic derangements) or indirectly (hyperosmolality, low pH) to the use of glucose as an osmotic agent. These considerations have motivated the search for an alternative to glucose. Some of the substances which have been proposed to replace it have been reviewed.