Serum enzyme levels during initial peritoneal dialysis.

Serum creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were studied at initial peritoneal dialysis in two groups of patients with renal failure. In Group I the patients underwent no intracorporeal interventions other than the implantation of a permanent catheter for peritoneal dialysis. In Group II the patients received injections or infusions in addition to the insertion of the catheter. CK was found to be significantly raised in Group II as a result of the injections or infusions. ASAT and ALAT were within normal range for both groups. LDH was significantly raised in Group II, probably to be explained by the degree of severity of the renal disease. It is concluded that the implantation of a permanent catheter for peritoneal dialysis and the institution of peritoneal dialysis do not per se lead to a rise in the serum concentrations of the enzymes CK, ASAT, ALAT, and LDH.