Autotaxin concentrations in peritoneal dialysis effluent reflect peritoneal function

Abstract Introduction Peritoneal equilibration test (PET) has been used to monitor peritoneal function. A more convenient marker would be useful in clinical situations including home medical care. Autotaxin is known to leak into the interstitium as vascular permeability increases during the progression of tissue fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that autotaxin concentrations in peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent might reflect peritoneal function. Methods This study enrolled 45 patients undergoing PD from 2016 to 2021. Autotaxin concentrations measured in PD effluent were evaluated for their associations with markers obtained from PET. Results Mean age was 69 years, and 33 patients were men. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that autotaxin concentrations are associated with dialysate/plasma creatinine ratio, end/start dialysate glucose ratio, and the dip in the dialysate sodium concentration, a marker of ultrafiltration capacity, at baseline (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Autotaxin concentrations in PD effluent might be an adjunct marker that reflects peritoneal function.