Peritoneal dialysis principles

Patients who progress to ESRD require renal replacement therapy (RRT). The modalities that are used for RRT are dialysis, including HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation. The United States Renal Data Service (USRDS) reported that the number of patients with ESRD was 452,957, with 102,567 new cases being diagnosed in 2003.2 The most common form of RRT is dialysis, accounting for 72% of all patients with ESRD. The principles and complications associated with dialysis are discussed below. Chapter 52 discusses the principles of kidney transplantation. 

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilizes similar principles as hemodialysis in that blood is exposed to a semipermeable membrane against which a physiologic solution is placed. In the case of PD, however, the semipermeable membrane is the peritoneal membrane, and a sterile dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal membrane is composed of a continuous single layer of mesothelial cells that covers the abdominal and pelvic walls on one side of the peritoneal cavity, and the visceral organs, including the GI tract, liver, spleen, and diaphragm on the other side. The mesothelial cells are covered by microvilli that increase the surface area of the peritoneal membrane to approximate body surface area (1 to 2 m2). 

As mentioned already, the artificial kidney is a classic example of chemical engineering prowess. The proper design of such devices requires a description of both water and solute transport to and from blood, across membranes, and to and from an adjacent fluid known as the dialysate. Variations on this theme include hemodilution, hemoconcentration, and hemofiltration. Applications of these same principles have been used to examine continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Oxygenation of blood,... 

The peritoneal dialysis access catheter placement simulation is ideal to teach aviation safety principles emphasizing the importance of knowing basic facts, such as the tools and instruments needed for the procedure and how the use of checklists improves patient safety. An abdominal simulator is currently under development for the laparoscopic technique of placing the peritoneal dialysis catheter [12]. 

Peritoneal dialysis methods involve ion-trapping principles. 

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