The role of residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract

Patients with end-stage renal disease, commencing renal replacement therapy, usually have preserved diuresis. It is termed residual renal function (RRF). The present article describes the benefits of RRF in peritoneal dialysis subjects, of which the most important is improved survival, demonstrated in large prospective, as well as observational evaluations. Furthermore, studies comparing the impact of particular forms of dialysis on preservation of RRF are presented. Finally, methods of RRF preservation in peritoneal dialysis patients are characterized, including non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures, as well as the dialysis itself.