After several decades of experience of peritoneal dialysis therapy, we now understand the peritoneal membrane and the causes of its changes during long-term dialysis much better. Several new, more biocompatible solutions are available in clinic today, and the outcome of peritoneal dialysis therapy is expected to be further improved. However, limitations with the currently available peritoneal dialysis solutions still exist, and continual efforts are needed to develop solutions that are more efficient and more membrane-friendly. With the better understanding of the role of fluid balance in peritoneal dialysis, we believe that development of peritoneal dialysis fluid that protects the peritoneal surface layer (and thus the integrity of the peritoneum, thereby improving peritoneal fluid removal) may be an area of research in the near future.

Copyright © 2001 by Multimed Inc.