Prevention and treatment of peritoneal dialysis membrane failure.

A review is given on the definition of peritoneal membrane failure, its pathogenesis, mechanisms of impaired ultrafiltration, and prevention and treatment of membrane failure. In the absence of clinical signs of peritoneal sclerosis and of nonresolving peritonitis, membrane failure is best defined as net ultrafiltration of less than 400 mL/4 hours on a 3.86% glucose-based dialysis solution. Evidence has been accumulating that glucose is a major pathogenetic factor. Reduced exposure to glucose is the most important preventive measurement. Strategies for treatment are discussed. The use of icodextrin-based dialysis solutions is an attractive possibility to reduce glucose exposure.