Icodextrin: an alternative peritoneal dialysis fluid.

Peritoneal dialysis is a home dialysis therapy in which a fluid known as dialysate is placed into the patient's peritoneal cavity. The standard dialysate consists of a concentrated dextrose solution. Icodextrin is a glucose polymer that can be substituted for dextrose with avoidance of some of the glucose-dependant effects. The efficacy and safety of this compound was evaluated and compared with the standard dialysate solutions. It seems to be well-tolerated overall and may offer benefits in select populations of patients with kidney failure. This seems to be especially relevant in patients with more permeable peritoneal membranes who are known as 'high-transporters'.