Age Accumulation in Peritoneal Membrane and Cavity during Peritoneal Dialysis and Its Effect on Peritoneal Structure and Function

he conventional dialysis solutions contain a high concentration of glucose to induce sufficient ultra filtration and to maintain fluid balance in uremic patients. During continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the peritoneal cavity is therefore continuously exposed to high glucose for a long time. Histological examination of the peritoneum from peritoneal dialysis patients revealed duplication of submesothelial basement membrane in both diabetic and non diabetic patients and acceleration of preexisting duplication of capillary basement membrane in diabetic patients (1-4). These histologic changes, similar to diabetic complications, are believed to be due to continuous exposure of the peritoneum to an unphysiologic ally high concentration of glucose. Hyperglycemia is associated with the presence or