Pulsed peritoneal dialysis in Sprague-Dawley rats

Peritoneal dialysis treatment is hampered by low small solute clearances compared to hemodialysis. Previous data have indicated that stirring or mixing of the dialysate could possibly improve small solute diffusion, presumably by avoiding the formation of stagnant layers in the dialysate directly adjacent to the peritoneal membrane. In an experimental model of peritoneal dialysis in Sprague-Dawley rats, we compared a 60 min standard PD-exhange with a novel exchange technique called pulsed peritoneal dialysis in which the dialysate in pulsed in and out of the peritoneal cavity without the addition of fresh dialysis fluid. Samples of dialysate were taken directly after instillation and after 60 min. Samples of blood were taken before and after dialysis.