Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a flexible and effective way for you to manage kidney failure. Unlike hemodialysis, which requires a machine to filter your blood, PD allows you to use your body’s own peritoneal membrane to remove waste and excess fluid. With PD, you can take an active role in your treatment by adjusting your dialysis plan to meet your body’s changing needs. Here’s what you need to know to manage your fluid levels safely and effectively during PD.*

How Peritoneal Dialysis Helps You

PD works by moving a special fluid into your abdomen through a catheter. This fluid absorbs waste and extra fluid from your blood, similar to how your kidneys work when you urinate. As your kidneys lose function, you’ll urinate less, and PD becomes more important to keep you balanced.

You can actually control how much fluid is removed during each treatment by adjusting the type and strength of the dialysis solution you use.

Think of the Solution as a “Magnet”

The dialysis solution used in PD contains a sugar called dextrose, which pulls waste and water out of your body. 

“Think of the dialysis solution as a magnet,” the video by DaVita Kidney Care suggests. “It pulls water and toxins out of your body. A strong magnet will pull out more water than a weaker magnet.”

This means you can adjust how much fluid is removed by choosing a stronger or weaker “magnet,” depending on how you’re feeling and what your body needs.

Choosing the Right Strength for Your Needs

You’ll have three strength options when selecting your PD solution:

• 1.5% (low strength)
• 2.5% (regular strength)
• 4.25% (high strength)
  

These solutions are color-coded to help you choose the right one easily. According to DaVita, if you’re experiencing symptoms of fluid overload—like swelling or shortness of breath—you may want to use a higher-strength solution. On the other hand, if you’re feeling well and don’t need to remove much fluid, a lower-strength option may be best.

“Using too strong a dextrose solution can take away too much fluid,” the narrator says. Using too weak a dextrose solution may not remove enough fluid. It’s all about balance.”

By understanding your options and how each one works, you can feel more confident and in control of your treatment.

*DaVita Kidney Care. (2020, May 4). Peritoneal Dialysis: Choosing the Right Strength of Dialysate [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iFebGsw1aE 

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