Objectives: To study longitudinal changes in transcapillary ultrafiltration
(TCUF) and marker clearance (MC), as a reflection of lymphatic absorption,
in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD). To present data on fluid kinetics
in infants younger than 2.5 years, using an intraperitoneal volume of 1200
mL/m(2) body surface area (BSA).
Design: The study involved a 4-hour dwell of 1200 mL/m(2) BSA of dialysis f
luid containing 3.86% glucose with Dextran 70 as volume marker. Cumulative
TCUF and cumulative MC were measured.
Setting: A tertiary-care university hospital.
Patients: A follow-up period of 33 months of serial (1 - 4) peritoneal equi
libration tests (PETs) was studied in 20 children with a median age of 6.4
years (range 2.1 - 15.4 years). Fluid kinetics in 5 additional infants with
a median age of 1.4 years (range 0.5 - 2.5 years) was measured.
Results: Cumulative TCUF was 1041 mL/1.73 m(2) at 1 - 3 months after start
of PD, 1026 mL/1.73 m(2) at 7 - 9 months, 1021 mL/1.73 m(2) at 11 - 13 mont
hs, and 756 mL/1.73 m(2) at 26 - 33 months (NS). Cumulative MC was 235 mL/1
.73 m(2) at 1 - 3 months after start of PD, 311 mL/1.73 m(2) at 7 - 9 month
s, 395 mL/1.73 m(2) at 11 -13 months, and 509 mL/1.73 m(2) at 26 - 33 month
s (NS). In infants, cumulative TCUF was 755 +/- 237 mL/1.73 m(2); cumulativ
e MC was 400 +/- 214 mL/1.73 m(2)
Conclusions: Transcapillary ultrafiltration and marker clearance do not cha
nge in children > 2.5 years during the period studied. Fluid kinetics does
not differ between infants < 2.5 years and older children when intraperiton
eal volumes of 1200 mL/m(2) BSA are used.