Kinetics of intermittent and continuous peritoneal dialysis.

Relations were developed for clearance under both intermittent and continuous flow peritoneal dialysis. The theoretical prediction was compared with data from other investigators. A mass transfer characteristic of 52 ml/min per 1.85 liters of dialysate was determined for urea from Boen's single batch experiment. This number was used to calculate the value of clearance for intermittent dialysis versus rate of dialysate exchange. The calculated clearances are in good agreement with Boen's experimental results. The calculated urea clearances for continuous flow dialysis were compared with Shinaberger's data. The predicted curve is in reasonable agreement with the data although there is a rather large scatter of the points. Some possible explanations for the scatter are provided as a caviat for future experimental research. A theoretical comparison between intermittent and continuous flow clearances shows that the latter is more efficient, particularly at higher flow rates.