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Background: Calprotectin is an important molecule in the initiation and progression of the inflammatory process. Systemic and local intraperitoneal inflammation are distinct processes and consequences in peritoneal dialysis (PD). We aimed to evaluate dialysate calprotectin levels and its associations with peritonitis and dialysis adequacy in PD patients. Methods: Forty‐four PD patients were included in this prospective study. Calprotectin concentration was evaluated in 24‐h peritoneal drainage fluid. Patients were followed‐up for 1 year, and peritonitis episodes were recorded. Dialysate calprotectin levels were compared to dialysis adequacy parameters and peritonitis frequency. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.9±12.7 years. Median PD duration was 54 (23–76) months. Seventeen patients (38.6%) had previous peritonitis episodes. During follow‐up, 15 of 44 patients (34.1%) had peritonitis. The median calprotectin concentration was 79.5 (75.2–86.3) ng/ml. The patients were divided into low and high calprotectin groups according to median value. In the high calprotectin group, BMI was found higher (p = 0.04). There was no significant relationship between calprotectin concentration and peritonitis during follow‐up (p = 0.29). However, the patients that have had previous peritonitis had higher calprotectin concentrations (p = 0.02). The patients who had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels also had higher calprotectin concentrations (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Peritoneal calprotectin concentrations were correlated with higher BMI and ESR, and it was higher in patients with previous peritonitis episodes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the peritoneal calprotectin levels in PD patients. Further studies are needed to determine the use of peritoneal calprotectin as an inflammatory marker in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and is increased in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Association of CIMT with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or mortality is less clear. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is a hormone associated with vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, and mortality in the hemodialysis population. We investigated whether baseline CIMT and FGF-23 are associated with CVD and mortality in PD patients. Fifty-five PD patients were included. CVD was defined as ischemic heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Intact FGF-23 was measured in plasma. CIMT was measured by ultrasonography. Twenty-one patients developed CVD and 12 died over 47.1 ± 33.8 months. Patients with CVD were older (55.9 ± 10.5 vs. 42.5 ± 12.9 years, P < .01), had lower albumin (3.8 ± 0.5 vs. 4.2 ± 0.3 g/dL, P < .01) and higher CIMT (0.87 ± 0.22 vs. 0.61 ± 0.11 mm, P < .01). Patients with mortality were also older (53.5 ± 11.5 vs. 45.8 ± 13.8 years, P = .05), had lower albumin (3.7 ± 0.6 vs. 4.1 ± 0.3 g/dL, P < .01), higher CRP (15.0 ± 8.5 vs. 7.6 ± 8.4 mg/L, P < .01) and CIMT (0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 mm, P < .01). Albumin and CIMT were associated with CVD and CIMT > 0.75 mm was associated with cardiovascular mortality. FGF-23 did not show any correlations. CIMT at baseline is associated with CVD and mortality in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies assessing peritoneal thickness by CT in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are lacking. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between peritoneal thickness as measured by CT and dialysis adequacy with peritoneal membrane characteristics in PD patients. Ninety-four PD patients were enrolled. Peritoneal thickness was measured by CT. Patients with and without a decrease in Kt/V of at least 0.3 over time were classified as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. An increase of 0.1 unit of dialysate/plasma (D/P) creatinine over time were considered significant. The relationship between peritoneal membrane thickness, change in Kt/V, and peritoneal membrane characteristics were investigated. There were 31 (33.0%) patients in Group 1. The duration of PD (86.0 ± 64.1 vs. 59.6 ± 45.2 months, p: 0.023), peritoneal thickness (1.02 ± 0.37 vs. 0.87 ± 0.21 mm, p: 0.015), peritoneal calcification (7 [22.6%] vs. 3 [4.8%] patients, p: 0.013], increased D/P creatinine ratio (14 [45.2%] vs. 14 [22.2%] patients, p: 0.031) and CRP (13.9 ± 11.2 vs. 7.1 ± 4.8 mg/L, p: 0.045) were significantly higher in Group 1, whereas albumin (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6 g/dL, p: 0.047) and parathyroid hormone (355.2 ± 260.2 vs. 532.1 ± 332.9 ng/L, p: 0.015) levels were significantly lower. Peritoneal thickness was significantly correlated with duration of PD (r: 0.775, p < 0.001) and CRP (r: 0.282, p: 0.006). Regression analysis showed that peritoneal thickness (Exp (B) [95% CI]: 0.029 [0.003-0.253], p: 0.001) was independent predictor of decreased Kt/V in PD patients. In conclusion, prolonged PD duration and increased peritoneal thickness are associated with a decrease in Kt/V over time. CT may be an alternative and noninvasive method instead of peritoneal biopsy for determining the structural changes of the peritoneal membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections are the most common complications in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The association between the anatomical localization of the exit site (ES) and infectious complications is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the anatomic location of the ES and infectious complications of PD. Methods: We examined the ES of 53 patients on PD. To define the anatomical localization of the ES, its distance from the line between right and left anterior superior iliac spines (A line), umbilicus (B line), and the anterior superior iliac spine on the catheter side (C line) was measured. Results: Coiled catheters were used in all patients. The mean lengths of A line, B line, and C line were 4.1 ± 2.2 cm (range, 0-9.5 cm), 9.6 ± 2.9 cm (range, 4-17 cm), and 9.3 ± 2.9 cm (range, 5-18 cm), respectively. ES infection was documented in 9 patients (17%), tunnel infection in 1 patient (2%), and peritonitis in 27 (50.9%) patients. The B line was significantly longer in those with peritonitis than those without peritonitis (10.6 ± 3 vs. 8.7 ± 2.7 cm; P = .036). Other variables were not associated with infectious complications. Conclusion: There was an association between the anatomical localization of the ES and the development of peritonitis. An ES close to the umbilicus could reduce the risk of peritonitis by enabling access by the patient to perform daily care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]