Clinical effects of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis

Objective. This study reviews the relevant publications on the clinical effects of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Design. The study provides a systematic review of the literature (MEDLINE search with icodextrin as the keyword). Results. Icodextrin induces sustained transcapillary ultrafiltration during long dwell periods. It also stimulates increased removal of sodium by the peritoneal membrane, reduction of extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW). Effects of icodextrin on blood pressure control and residual renal function are discrepant. Icodextrin induces a reduction in the formation of advanced glycation end-products, while the longitudinal changes in the peritoneal membrane transport are less prominent. Conclusions. Use of icodextrin in PD improves the sodium and fluid balance. Icodextrin is potentially more biocompatible, when compared with the conventional glucose solutions. The side effects are rare.