Landmark dialysis study findings could greatly simplify treatment of kidney disease with peritonea...( Montreal Canada June 28 2001 ...),Health

Montreal, Canada, June 28, 2001 - Data presented from the largest randomized controlled clinical trial ever completed in dialysis patients suggest that peritoneal dialysis (PD), a flexible home-based dialysis treatment for people with chronic kidney failure, might have far broader applicability than current practice patterns suggest. This study, led by researchers in Mexico and conducted under the auspices of the Mexican healthcare authorities , and supported by Baxter Healthcare Corporation and its Mexico affiliate, was presented this week at an invited scientific session at the IX Congress of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) in Montreal.

According to Peter G. Blake, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and member of the National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) Peritoneal Dialysis Adequacy Workgroup, "This is a pivotal study for the nephrology community worldwide because it is a high quality, multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial with a large number of patients, which gives us highly credible results. The study provides us with statistically sound evidence for simplifying our PD treatment practices-without sacrificing patient outcomes. The findings, which challenge existing treatment recommendations for peritoneal dialysis, should make it significantly easier for physicians to prescribe peritoneal dialysis and may also make it possible for many more patients to benefit from the therapy."

Declining kidney function results in higher levels of toxins and waste products in the blood. When the kidneys no longer adequately eliminate toxins from the bloodstream, peritoneal dialysis helps to clear these unwanted substances through the peritoneal membrane, commonly measured in terms of small solute clearances like urea and creatinine. This membrane, located in the abdominal region, serves as the therapy's natural waste filter and
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Contact: Stephanie Lazor
stephanie.lazor@mslpr.com
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Manning Selvage & Lee
28-Jun-2001