The effect of hemoglobin concentration on peritoneal mass transfer and drain volumes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Objective: To determine whether a correlation exists between hemoglobin levels and peritoneal mass transfer or drain volumes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Design: Prospective study of two groups of CAPD patients, identified on the basis of their stable hemoglobin levels. Group A-hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dL; Group B-hemoglobin greater than 10.5 g/dL. Peritoneal mass transfer and drain volumes were measured for each patient, after which a subgroup of Group A was treated with rHuEPO (forming Group C) and measurements repeated once hemoglobin had risen by at least 2.0 g/dL. Setting: Single renal unit of a university teaching hospital. Patients: Twenty-seven patients established on CAPD, selected according to their stable hemoglobin level. Group A-14 patients; Group B-13 patients; Group C (subgroup of A)-8 patients. Main outcome measures: Difference between peritoneal mass transfer or drain volume in Group A versus Group B, and in Group C before and after rHuEPO therapy. Serum biochemical parameters in Group C before and after rHuEPO therapy. Results: No statistically significant differences in any of the parameters measured were found between groups A and B, or before and after rHuEPO therapy in Group C. Conclusions: Peritoneal transfer of small solutes and water is not influenced by hemoglobin level, and does not change following otherwise effective treatment with rHuEPO.