Solute and Water Transport in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case-Based Primer
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective therapy for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Dialysis solutions containing physiologic concentrations of electrolytes and base, as well as glucose often at supraphysiologic concentrations, are infused into the peritoneal cavity for solute and water exchange, and the patient’s own peritoneal membrane is used for dialysis. The peritoneal membrane is dominated by small pores, which allow transport of water and small-molecular-size solutes, including electrolytes, by way of both diffusion and convection.