Intraperitoneal heparin reduces peritoneal permeability and increases ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis patients

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Abstract
Background. Patients on long-term treatment with peritoneal dialysis (PD) suffer from increasing peritoneal permeability and loss of ultrafiltration as a result of persistent inflammation, which may be triggered by bioincompatible dialysis fluids. Heparins have anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. We have examined the effect of intraperitoneal (IP) low-molecular weight heparin (tinzaparin) on peritoneal permeability and ultrafiltration in PD patients. Methods. By means of a double-blinded cross-over design, 21 PD patients were randomized to receive either placebo or tinzaparin intraperitoneally once a day for two treatment periods of 3 months, separated by a wash-out period. The effect of heparin on peritoneal permeability and ultrafiltration was assessed using the 4 h standard peritoneal equilibration test. Results. IP tinzaparin reduced significantly the dialysate-to-plasma ratios (D/P) of creatinine (P < 0.01), urea (P < 0.01) and albumin (P4/D0) was increased (PPConclusions. IP tinzaparin reduces peritoneal permeability to small solutes and increases ultrafiltration in PD patients.