FIBRONECTIN AND FIBRINOGEN IN THE PLASMA AND DIAL YSATE OF PATIENTS ON CAPD

Plasma and dialysate fluid from 18 patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) while peritonitis-free, were analysed for fibronectin (FN), fibrinogen (FG), albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP). Mean plasma FG (6.24 g/l) was higher than for normal controls (4.23 g/1; p < 0.001) whereas FN (0.31 g/l) was lower than for normal (0.36 g/l; p < 0.02). Twenty-four hour losses of proteins into the dialysate were as follows: TP = 10.9 g, ALB = 5.2 g, FN = 15.6 mg and FG = 221 mg. Mean dialysate concentration for FN was 2.09 mg/1 and FG 31.1 mg/l. Dialysate FN and FG correlated with dialysate ALB (r = 0.92; p < 0.001, r = 0.60; p < 0.01 respectively) suggesting an ultrafiltrate rather than synthesis within the peritoneum. From the Renal Unit and Renal Research Unit, General Infirmary, Leeds, LSl 3EX.