BODY-COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL-STATUS IN PATIENTS ON CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS (CAPD)

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 23  (1) , 18-25
Abstract
Total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), exchangeable K pool (EKP), and alkali-soluble nitrogen in skeletal muscle tissue (N) were determined in 9 CAPD patients on treatment from 5-14 mo. (mean 8.6 mo.). The parameters were reevaluated in 6 of these patients 5-13 mo. later (mean 8.6 mo.). The mean value of TBW was normal and directly correlated to body weight (BW), but TBW was abnormally distributed between extracellular and intracellular space. ECW volume was significantly lower than the predicted value (12.1 .+-. 1.4 versus 16.8 .+-. 1.91) and out of proportion to TBW (34.8 .+-. 3.9% vs. 47.8 .+-. 1.5%). The calculated intracellular water, appeared clearly hyperexpanded. The mean value of EKP was slightly reduced, but in 3 patients there was a 25% reduction. N content was low in 5 of 9 patients. When the parameters were reevaluated BW and TBW were unchanged in 2 subjects. A 3rd patient showed a simultaneous increase in both BW (12.7%) and TBW (19%). TBW variations (+19%, -23%, -24%) without changes in BW were seen in three patients. The mean value of EKP was unchanged, but there was a 25% reduction in 1 patient. N content improved in 2 and worsened in 1 of the 3 patients in whom it was determined. Apparently, cell overhydration was the distinctive feature in CAPD patients; the evolution of the nutritional status was variable, since the patients could remain stable, gain or loose body fat, and probably change their lean body mass.