Evaluation of low flow long dwell chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis.

TWelve patients on chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis for end-state renal disease were followed a total of eight months on high dialysate flow rate (four liters/hour) and low dialysate flow rate (two liters/hour). Creatine, blood urea nitrogen, serum electrolytes, albumin, calcium and phosphorous were recorded weekly. Interdialytic weight gain and intradialytic weight loss were recorded with each dialysis. No significant differences were noted when the mean values were compared for the two trail periods. The two liter/hour dialytic flow rate is less expensive, more convenient for the patients, and could result in a decreased risk for peritonitis when compared to the four liter/hour flow rate. For chronic intermittent peritoneal dialysis, the two liter/hour flow rate should be the preferred mode of therapy.