Estrategias en la profilaxis y el tratamiento de la malnutrición en diálisis peritoneal: un problema infradiagnosticado

Malnutrition is prevalent among dialysis patients and results in increased morbidity and mortality. Around 30-70% of peritoneal dialysis patients will develop malnutrition. In these patients clinical, anthropometric, analytical and dietary parameters should be monitored for the early diagnosis of malnutrition and its causes in order to provide early treatment. We now review the diagnosis and management of malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis patients. Strategies include the use of oral supplements or more specifically the use of intraperitoneal amino-acid solution as a daily single exchange or its concomitant use with glucose solutions. Amino-acids solutions achieve better nitrogen balance and serum proteins, preserve peritoneal damage and diminish the secondary effects of the use of glucose in peritoneal dialysis regimes.