Icodextrin

Icodextrin is a colloid osmotic agent used in the form of an aqueous solution for peritoneal dialysis. It is a glucose polymer derived from maltodextrin.

Chemistry

Icodextrin is a glucose polymer, which is a type of complex carbohydrate. It is derived from maltodextrin, a food additive, through a process of hydrogenation. The resulting product is a white, odorless powder that is soluble in water.

Medical uses

Icodextrin is used in peritoneal dialysis, a treatment for patients with severe chronic kidney disease. The solution is introduced into the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, where it helps to remove waste products from the blood. Icodextrin works by drawing fluid and waste products into the peritoneal cavity, which are then drained out.

Advantages

Compared to other solutions used for peritoneal dialysis, icodextrin has several advantages. It allows for longer dwell times, which is the period during which the dialysis solution is in the peritoneum. This makes it particularly useful for the long overnight dwell during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Icodextrin also reduces the risk of hyperglycemia, a common side effect of glucose-based dialysis solutions.

Side effects

The most common side effects of icodextrin are related to its use in peritoneal dialysis and include infection at the site of the catheter, abdominal pain, and changes in blood pressure. Rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to icodextrin.

See also

• Peritoneal dialysis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hyperglycemia