The use of glucose polymer (icodextrin) in peritoneal dialysis: an overview.

The osmotic effectiveness of glucose polymer is now well established. The relative inertness of this macromolecular compound has been the key factor in its success as the first "colloid" osmotic agent in clinical use. In its present form it sustains ultrafiltration for up to 12 hours, and a daily overnight use would obviate the need for hypertonic exchanges, especially 3.86% glucose. In addition, it could be used in automated peritoneal dialysis regimens to enhance ultrafiltration and solute clearance during the daytime. Preliminary reports also indicate that it is beneficial in diabetic patients and in some patients who have lost ultrafiltration. Although systemic accumulation of glucose polymer breakdown products occurs, it reaches steady-state levels quickly (within 2 weeks) and remains stable throughout the duration of polymer use. In the long-term study these levels of maltose and oligosaccharides over 2.5 years represent the longest exposure of these substances in uremic patients without any clinical or metabolic adverse effects and provides important evidence of its safety. Future work based on ongoing studies suggests that a family of physiological solutions ("bimodal" preparations in iso-osmolar combination) could be available, and the individual's dialysis prescription could be tailored to take into account the ultrafiltration and metabolic needs. Icodextrin will be a key component of such solutions.