PD solutions: New and old

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions have evolved since Boen described the appropriate composition of a suitable fluid comprising an osmotic agent, electrolytes, and buffer substance in 1969. New solutions introducing alternative osmotic agents and bicarbonate as an alternative to lactate-buffered solutions have been developed. These so-called biocompatible solutions belong to a very heterogeneous group of PD fluids that share some features but are distinct in other aspects. All biocompatible solutions have a substantially reduced level of toxic glucose degradation products (GDPs). However, the new solutions differ in their absolute GDP content, osmotic agent, buffer substance, and pH. The differences from the conventional solutions and the characteristics of the distinct new solutions are presented in this review together with a discussion of their potential clinical benefits and implications. Dial. Transplant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.