Hypervolemia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

This paper reviews the evaluation of volume status in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the epidemiology of protocols assessing the hydration status in PD patients, in addition the factor contributing to fluid overload in PD patients, among them the peritoneal transport characteristics, being the most important, are discussed. Long term structural and functional alteration in the membrane occur which may affect the peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity. Finally, the most important therapeutic options to treat hypervolemia in PD patients are discussed, including dietary salt restriction, the prescription of loop diuretics and the application of low sodium dialysate and polyglucose solutions.