The initial decrease in effective peritoneal surface area is not caused by an increase in hematocrit.

The possible relationship between initial changes in functional characteristics of the peritoneal membrane in time and hemoglobin (Hb) or hematocrit (Ht) was analyzed as part of a prospective longitudinal study. The patients were investigated twice: the first time within 3 months after the start of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and again 4 months later. Mass transfer area coefficients (MTC) for low molecular weight solutes and net fluid removal were calculated during a 4-hour dwell, glucose 1.36%. Thirty-four patients were analyzed. MTC (mean +/- SD, mL/min/1.73 m2), were higher during the first examination: urea 22.6 versus 19.9, p < 0.05; lactate 15.6 versus 13.8, p < 0.001; creatinine 10.5 versus 9.3, p < 0.05; glucose 9.4 versus 7.9, p < 0.001. Net fluid removal was lower during the first examination: 28 versus 99 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.05. Hb and Ht increased between the two examinations (Hb: 5.4 vs 6.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001: Ht: 0.26 vs 0.29, p < 0.001). No relation was found between the absolute or relative change in Hb or Ht and the absolute or relative change in solute and fluid transport between the same examinations. In conclusion, Hb and Ht increased between the first and second examinations. The simultaneously observed changes in peritoneal transport kinetics could not be attributed to changes in Hb or Ht. Therefore, the changes in transport kinetics during the first months on CAPD are probably due to the recent start of the treatment, possibly by an increase in peritoneal surface area. Local irritation by the dialysate may be the causative mechanism.