icodextrin and Hypotension

Icodextrin is a peritoneal dialysis solution that is commonly used to increase ultrafiltration during the long dwell. The other major clinical benefit of icodextrin is that it is glucose-sparing, which may help preserve peritoneal membrane function. Since it has a different chemical composition than dextrose, and with its increasing use, there are several clinical considerations healthcare providers must familiarize themselves with prior to prescribing icodextrin.. Failure to recognize these special properties of icodextrin can lead to adverse events reaching patients. This narrative review explores the hemodynamic, metabolic, and idiopathic effects of icodextrin to facilitate the safe use of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis.. Hemodynamic effects include hypotension from enhanced ultrafiltration contributing to loss of residual kidney function. Metabolic effects include the chemical structure of icodextrin interfering with biochemical assays, resulting in misleading glucose readings on non-specific glucometers. Idiopathic adverse effects include a diffuse rash and sterile peritonitis. It is also important to remember that not all antibiotic combinations have undergone stability testing in icodextrin. This narrative review will help healthcare providers to confidently prescribe icodextrin to maximize its benefit in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Topics: Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Dialysis Solutions; Glucans; Glucose; Hemodiafiltration; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypotension; Icodextrin; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritoneum; Peritonitis

In recent years, icodextrin 7.5% has been used in PD as an alternative to glucose to achieve sustained reliable ultrafiltration (UF) and clearance without adversely increasing glucose absorption. Icodextrin is generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported adverse events are cutaneous reactions. We report a rare form of hypersensitivity to icodextrin 7.5% that was accompanied by dyspnea and symptomatic hypotension, without increased UF to account for the observed hypotension. Icodextrin produces symptomatic hypotension in up to 40% of patients by a known mechanism of increased UF and corresponding weight loss. However, it can also produce symptomatic hypotension accompanied by several other systemic symptoms in a hypersensitivity reaction. Discontinuation of the icodextrin results in prompt resolution of those symptoms. Treating nephrologists must be aware of this rare form of icodextrin hypersensitivity.

Topics: Aged; Diabetes Complications; Dialysis Solutions; Drug Hypersensitivity; Dyspnea; Female; Glucans; Glucose; Humans; Hypotension; Icodextrin; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Peritoneal Dialysis

Handheld glucose meters remain a rapid means of excluding hypoglycemia as a cause of altered mental status in the Emergency Department. However, emergency physicians must be alert for factors that can mask hypoglycemia at the bedside.. An 80-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis presents with altered mental status, hypotension, and a bedside handheld glucose meter reading of 99mg/dL. His mental status failed to improve with treatment of hypotension and the patient was intubated for airway protection. Laboratory-measured serum glucose was 29mg/dL. His mental status improved after glucose administration. It was subsequently determined that the patient used icodextrin (Extraneal(®), Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL) as his peritoneal dialysate. This is partly absorbed into serum and hydrolyzed to oligosaccharides that are falsely detected as glucose by many handheld glucose meters.. The peritoneal dialysate icodextrin can produce falsely elevated bedside glucose meter values. As the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and dialysis increases, emergency physicians must remain vigilant for such cases of unrecognized hypoglycemia.

Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Cognition Disorders; Dialysis Solutions; Emergency Service, Hospital; False Positive Reactions; Glucans; Glucose; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypotension; Icodextrin; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Peritoneal Dialysis; Sweetening Agents