title: Glucose in the dialysate: historical perspective and possible implications?
abstract: Hemodialysate solutions often contain high concentrations of glucose (up to 200 mg/dL). The historical reasons for the addition of glucose to the dialysate included: (1) aid in performance of ultrafiltration and (2) minimization of nutritional (caloric) losses during dialysis. However, recent experimental evidence supports the fact that exposure to high levels of glucose may be pro-inflammatory. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with dialysis and its linkage to chronic inflammation, the routine use of glucose in the dialysate may warrant reexamination. This review examines the utility of glucose in the dialysate and discusses the potential implications on chronic inflammation in patients with end-stage renal disease. While there is currently no evidence for a casual relationship between dialysate glucose concentration and the chronic inflammation seen in ESRD, this possibility is explored.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA.
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Mitchell H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Rosner
mesh_terms: D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000209:etiology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D015312:Hemodialysis Solutions; D005947:Glucose