Cytokines and Other Soluble Factors in Dialysate - Indicators of Altered Peritoneal Function?

OBJECTIVE: The bioincompatibility of dialysis solutions and recurrent episodes of peritonitis may alter peritoneal function. Cytokines and growth factors may play a role in inflammatory and fibrotic processes. We therefore investigated whether there is a correlation between peritoneal function and excretion of cytokines and other soluble factors in dialysate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A personal dialysis capacity test was performed in 40 stable peritoneal dialysis patients. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), hyaluronan, soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and transforming growth factor-beta1 were analysed from overnight and 24-h dialysates during the test. RESULTS: We found little evidence for a direct correlation between cytokines and other soluble factors in dialysate and dialysis adequacy. There was, however, a strong correlation between the measured soluble factors and characteristics of the peritoneal membrane. Furthermore, IL-6 correlated with the number of previous episodes of peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble factors in dialysate may indicate ongoing inflammatory processes in the peritoneal membrane, which may gradually lead to alterations in peritoneal function.