Successful use of icodextrin in elderly patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

In peritoneal dialysis (PD), a 7.5% polyglucose-containing dialysis solution (icodextrin) provides prolonged ultrafiltration as compared with glucose-based dialysis solutions. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the safety and effectiveness of icodextrin in elderly patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Clinical data and outcomes of 16 patients aged 65 or older were monitored for 12 weeks before and during icodextrin treatment. The group included 13 men and 3 women with a mean age of 69 +/- 5 years (range: 66-78 years). The underlying kidney disease was chronic nephritis in 7 patients, diabetes mellitus in 8 patients, and nephrosclerosis in I patient. From the beginning of peritoneal dialysis, 1 patients had been treated with icodextrin; the other 10 were changed to icodextrin from glucose dialysis solution. At the end of study, body weight had increased to 63.8 +/- 9.3 kg from 61.6 +/- 9.3 kg, accompanied by an increase in ultrafiltration to 480 +/- 207 mL daily from 369 +/- 436 mL daily. No significant change in urine volume occurred. Despite the increase in body weight, cardiothoracic rate decreased to 51.1% +/- 3.4% from 52.3% +/- 4.9%. All patients reported an improvement of edema and appetite. Edema scores were significantly decreased to 0.85 +/- 0.90 from 1.63 +/- 0.96 (p < 0.03). No adverse side effects were associated with the use of icodextrin. From the foregoing data, we concluded that, as compared with conventional glucose solution, icodextrin has beneficial effects on ultrafiltration volume and clinical symptoms in elderly patients on CAPD.