Abstract
The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is a useful method of evaluating the peritoneal membrane characteristics in an individual patient. However, the procedure is rather complex. This problem sometimes becomes an obstacle to repeating PET periodically. However, fast PET is an alternative method, although these results are not reliable in patients whose peritoneal catheters drain poorly. We postulated that patients could perform PET at home if they are thoroughly educated about the procedure. For this purpose, we prepared visual aids (VCR, and brochure with photographs). PET was performed in 9 cases where twin-bag systems were used. To mark fluid level indicator lines (200mL and 10mL), patients received a guide sheet on which the fresh dialysate bag was placed. After an 8-12 hour overnight dwell, the dwelled dialysate was drained completely into the empty bag. Immediately after infusing 2L of a 2.5% dialysis solution, 200mL of the solution was drained into the bag on which the two fluids levels were previously marked. After mixing, about 190mL of dialysate was reinfused and the remaining 10mL, the amount indicated by a guide mark at the corner, was left within the bag. After a 4 hour dwell, the dialysate was completely drained into another twin bag. The standard PET was also performed on a different day and the data were compared with that obtained by Home PET (N=9). There were significant correlations in D/D0 and in drain volume between the Home PET and Standard PET (0.387±0.059 vs. 0.38±0.053, r=0.874 p=0.0009; 2336±136.5 vs. 2376±97.2, r=0.814 p=0.0053, respectively). There was no relation in the residual volume of Home PET (70mL-484mL). Home PET is a clinically useful alternative to the standard PET and saves time and labor while maintaining accuracy.
