Body fluid spaces in patients on CAPD.

Total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were determined in 9 CAPD patients on treatment from 5 to 14 months (mean 8.6 months). The mean value of TBW was normal and directly correlated to body weight, but TBW was abnormally distributed between extracellular and intracellular space. ECW volume was significantly lower than the predicted value (12.1 +/- 1.4 l versus 16.8 +/- 1.9 l) and out of proportion to TBW (34.8 +/- 3.9% versus 47.8 +/- 1.5%). The calculated ICW, therefore, appeared clearly hyperexpanded. The data suggest that cell overhydration was the distinctive feature in our CAPD patients.