OBJECTIVE: To determine if peritoneal dialysis modality has an impact on protein losses in dialysate. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: 190 patients who had selected peritoneal dialysis were classified into one of four transport categories (high, high-average, low-average, or low) based on standard peritoneal equilibration test results. Patients were then assigned to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) or nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) based on membrane transport characteristics and individual preferences. RESULTS: Patients with similar membrane transport characteristics had essentially no differences in dialysate protein and albumin losses whether treated with CAPD or NIPD. CONCLUSIONS: Although high transporters may be better managed with short-dwell therapies such as nocturnal intermittent peritoneal dialysis or daily ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, consistent marked decreases in protein losses cannot be cited as a benefit of NIPD over CAPD.

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