Gravity-assisted continuous flow peritoneal dialysis technique use in acute kidney injury in children: a randomized, crossover clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Our previously demonstrated continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) technique in children with acute kidney injury (AKI), although effective, was manpower heavy and expensive due to the high-volume pumps required. The aim of this study was to develop and test a novel gravity-driven CFPD technique in children using readily available, inexpensive equipment and to compare this technique to conventional PD. METHODS: After development and initial in vitro testing, a randomised crossover clinical trial was conducted in 15 children with AKI requiring dialysis. Patients received both conventional PD and CFPD sequentially, in random order. Primary outcomes were measures of feasibility, clearance and ultrafiltration (UF). Secondary outcomes were complications and mass transfer coefficients (MTC). Paired t-tests were used to compare PD and CFPD outcomes. RESULTS: Median (range) age and weight of participants were 6.0 (0.2–14) months and 5.8 (2.3–14.0) kg, respectively. The CFPD system was easily and rapidly assembled. There were no serious adverse events attributed to CFPD. Mean ± SD UF was significantly higher on CFPD compared to conventional PD (4.3 ± 3.15 ml/kg/h vs. 1.04 ± 1.72 ml/kg/h; p < 0.001). Clearances for urea, creatinine and phosphate for children on CFPD were 9.9 ± 3.10 ml/min/1.73 m(2), 7.9 ± 3.3 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and 5.5 ± 1.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2) compared to conventional PD with values of 4.3 ± 1.68 ml/min/1.73 m(2), 3.57 ± 1.3 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and 2.53 ± 0.85 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Gravity-assisted CFPD appears to be a feasible and effective way to augment ultrafiltration and clearances in children with AKI. It can be assembled from readily available non-expensive equipment. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Figure: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00467-022-05852-3.