The implications of the ADEMEX study for the peritoneal dialysis prescription: the role of small solute clearance versus salt and water removal.
OBJECTIVE
This review examines the results of the ADEMEX (Adequacy of Peritoneal Dialysis in Mexico) study in the context of other recent advances in peritoneal dialysis, and assesses the implication of this new knowledge for the optimal peritoneal dialysis prescription.


RESULTS
The prospective randomized controlled ADEMEX study demonstrated no survival advantage of an increased dose of peritoneal small molecule clearance delivered by chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Coincident with this finding, there has been increasing awareness that many peritoneal dialysis patients are volume expanded, and that there are adverse cardiovascular consequences to this chronic overhydration. As a result there has been a shift away from interest in peritoneal small solute clearance with renewed interest in peritoneal removal of salt and water. There is also increasing evidence of the importance of residual renal function in maintaining euvolemia and as a prognostic indicator for survival.


CONCLUSIONS
The ADEMEX study and subsequent investigations have changed the way we perceive the optimal peritoneal dialysis prescription. This has resulted in de-emphasis of peritoneal small molecule clearance and increased emphasis on clinical assessment of dialysis adequacy, preservation of residual renal function, and optimization of salt and water removal.
McCormick
Brendan B
BB
Toronto General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Bargman
Joanne M
JM
D003404:Creatinine / Q000378:metabolism*; D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012492:Salts / Q000378:metabolism*; D014508:Urea / Q000378:metabolism*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions; D012492:Salts; D014867:Water; D014508:Urea; D003404:Creatinine