K. Pawlaczyk et al., Effects of intraperitoneal heparin on peritoneal transport in a chronic animal model of peritoneal dialysis, NEPH DIAL T, 16(3), 2001, pp. 669-671
Background. Heparin has anti-inflammatory effects and is often added to the
peritoneal dialysis fluid to prevent fibrin formation. Conjugation of hepa
rin to the surface of biomaterials has been shown to improve its biocompati
bility. In this study, we describe for the first time an experimental chron
ic peritoneal dialysis model with repeated dwell studies in non-uraemic rat
s and evaluate the effect of addition of heparin to glucose-based peritonea
l dialysis fluid on peritoneal fluid and solute transport.
Methods. Wistar male rats, weighing 340 +/- 15 g, with implanted peritoneal
catheters were infused during I month, twice per day with 20 ml of Dianeal
1.36%+antibiotics (AB; n = 10) or Dianeal 1.36% + antibiotics + heparin 25
00 U/l (HAB; n = 9). After 10 (DS 1) and 30 days (DS 2), a dwell study was
performed in rats with free access to drinking water, by infusing 30 mi of
Dianeal 3.86%. Dialysate samples were obtained at 0, 2, 30, 60, 120 and 240
min. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the dwell. Radiolab
elled serum albumin was used as macromolecular volume marker.
Results. Peritoneal volumes during DS 1 were significantly greater for the
HAB group as compared with the AB group. No differences in ultrafiltration
were found during DS 2 for HAB vs AB. However, peritoneal volumes were sign
ificantly higher for DS 2 compared with DS I in the AB group. The amount of
glucose absorbed over time did not differ between the solutions, while flu
id absorption tended to be lower in the HAB group.
Conclusions. Heparin may improve peritoneal fluid transport possibly due to
better healing and reduced peritoneal inflammation as shown in this novel
animal model of chronic peritoneal dialysis with repeated dwell studies.