Nutrition in Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been associated with improved quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and better outcomes for patients with kidney failure. However, many patients utilizing PD for replacement therapy face numerous nutritional hurdles. As the use of PD continues to increase worldwide, malnutrition has become an increasingly recognized concern for patients undergoing PD. The nephrology community needs to recognize and treat malnutrition to promote optimal nutritional states for our patients. In this review, we discuss several factors that contribute to malnutrition and protein-energy wasting and explore the benefits and limitations of nutritional parameters used to assess protein-calorie malnutrition. We also emphasize updated guidelines on daily caloric, protein, and micronutrient recommendations, as well as their effects on electrolyte homeostasis.

Keywords: Home dialysis; Nutrition; Peritoneal dialysis.