Abstract
We compared lymphatic absorption (LA) using dextran 70 and albumin in 9 children, 8 boys and 1 girl, on peritoneal dialysis. Their average age was 12 years (5-19yr). LA estimated using dextran 70 as a marker substance was 3.0ml-7.5ml/kg/4 hours (average 5.3±1.4ml/kg/4 hours). LA estimated using albumin as a marker substance was 0-29ml/kg/4 hours (average 8.8±9.9ml/kg/4 hours). There was no significant correlation between LA estimated by dextran 70 and that estimated by albumin (r=0.4). Six of 9 patients receiving the albumin solution complained of abdominal pain; however, no patients given the dextran 70 solution complained of abdominal pain. Based on these observations, dextran 70 appears to be a better marker than albumin for measuring lymphatic absorption.
