From the Research
Peritoneal dialysis reaches the venous system through the process of diffusion and osmosis across the peritoneal membrane, with waste products and excess fluid moving from the blood vessels into the dialysate fluid through the rich network of capillaries in the peritoneal membrane 1.
Key Points
- The peritoneal membrane acts as a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the exchange of waste products and excess fluid between the blood vessels and the dialysate fluid.
- The process of diffusion and osmosis enables the removal of waste products, such as urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes, from the bloodstream into the dialysate solution.
- The high concentration of glucose or icodextrin in the dialysate creates an osmotic gradient that pulls excess fluid from the blood vessels, effectively removing toxins and excess fluid from the bloodstream.
- The peritoneal membrane contains a rich network of capillaries that lie in close proximity to the dialysate, allowing for this exchange to occur.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of peritoneal dialysis involves the infusion of dialysate fluid into the peritoneal cavity through a permanently implanted catheter. The dialysate fluid is in close contact with the capillaries in the peritoneum, allowing for the exchange of waste products and excess fluid through the process of diffusion and osmosis. The peritoneal membrane contains small pores that allow for the transport of water and small-molecular-size solutes, including electrolytes, by way of both diffusion and convection 2.
Clinical Implications
The understanding of the mechanism of action of peritoneal dialysis is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies for patients with end-stage renal disease. The use of peritoneal dialysis as a renal replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in removing waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream, improving the quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease 1.