Short-term clinical study with bicarbonate-containing peritoneal dialysis solution

Abstract

Objective: The evaluation of the efficacy, adequacy, clinical tolerance, and safety of a new bicarbonate continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) solution.

Design and patients: A 6-week cross-over clinical study in 6 stable CAPD patients was performed. After a control period (2 weeks) with a standard CAPD solution (lactate, 35 mmol/L), a two-chamber bag containing 34 mmol/L of bicarbonate was used for 4 weeks. A breakable valve divided the two chambers, one containing bicarbonate and the other calcium. The two solutions were mixed just before use, thus avoiding the calcium and magnesium carbonate precipitation.

Results: No differences between control and study periods were found for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, total and ionized calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chlorine, and hemoglobin. Blood bicarbonate significantly increased from 21.25 +/- 2.02 to 23.36 +/- 1.15 (p < 0.05) during the study. The peritoneal equilibration tests for urea nitrogen, creatinine, proteins, sodium, potassium, and glucose were slightly reduced during bicarbonate dialysate, but this effect was compensated for by a slight increase of ultrafiltration, thus keeping peritoneal clearances constant. Residual renal function did not change during the study. No side effects occurred during the bicarbonate period.

Conclusion: A CAPD bicarbonate solution is effective in uremic acidosis correction, does not affect dialysis adequacy, is safe, and well tolerated.