Clearance of beta-2-microglobulin using continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

In the 9 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients studied, the mean clearance of beta 2-microglobulin was significantly higher using hypertonic as opposed to isotonic exchanges (1 ml/min and 0.75 ml/min, respectively). Clearance of beta 2-microglobulin correlated with the clearance of albumin. The daily mass transfer of beta 2-microglobulin ranged from 19 to 62 mg. Although all the daily production of beta 2-microglobulin is not eliminated in patients on CAPD their serum beta 2-microglobulin levels would be expected to be lower than in patients on haemodialysis. Long-term prospective studies are needed to determine whether lower serum beta 2-microglobulin levels lead to a lower incidence of dialysis amyloid.