Serum β₂-microglobulin concentration and its removal in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

This study was performed to clarify serum beta-2 microglobulin (β₂-M) level and its change in 50 CAPD and 56 HD patients. There was significant correlation between duration of dialysis and serum β₂-M level in CAPD and HD patients treated under 12 months, but no correlation in those treated over 12 months. Serum β₂-M level was 33.5±9.1 mg/l in 45 CAPD patients treated over 12 months, and 46.2±21.1 mg/l in 35 HD patients. In 26 CAPD patients treated over 12 months, clearance and removal of β₂-M were 1.0±0.3 ml/min and 43.0±17.8 mg/day. There was significant correlation between dwell time and β2-M removal (p<0.01), and these results suggested β₂-M was removed by diffusion. Because CAPD treatment can lower serum β₂-M level compared to HD, there is possibility that CAPD is useful at prevention of dialysis associated amyloidosis.