Clinical use of and experience with neutral-pH solutions.

New peritoneal dialysis solutions with neutral pH and lactate bicarbonate, or combinations of both buffer bases, have been clinically tested in various countries. The experience is most encouraging and consistent with the laboratory data generated in animals and tissue cultures. The available studies suggest improvement in cellular function and viability and better biocompatibility. However the reported studies do not define the specific contributions of neutral pH per se versus those of bicarbonate or reduction in glucose degradation products. Studies designed to address this important question are required.