The relationship between peritoneal membrane permeability and dyspepsia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between peritoneal membrane permeability and dyspepsia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Patients and methods: This study included 95 peritoneal dialysis patients aged 18 and older. The presence of dyspepsia in patients was recorded according to the 2016 ROME-IV Functional Dyspepsia Diagnostic Criteria. Subsequently, the Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score questionnaire was administered to assess the severity of dyspepsia. Endoscopy was performed for those who agreed to exclude organic pathology, or the results of endoscopy conducted within the last 2 years were recorded. Furthermore, stool samples were examined for H. pylori to exclude organic causes of dyspepsia. PET (peritoneal equilibration test) and Kt/V values of patients were calculated using the "PD Adequest" computer software. PET values were categorized as low and low-normal for low permeability and high and high-normal for high permeability.

Results: Dyspepsia was detected in 51.6% of all peritoneal dialysis patients. H. pylori was found positive in 11.6% of all patients and 12.2% of those with dyspeptic symptoms. There was no significant difference in the rate of H. pylori occurrence between low and high permeability groups. The Glasgow Dyspepsia Severity Score did not differ significantly between H. pylori-positive and -negative patients. Dyspepsia was more frequent and severe in the low permeability group. Dyspepsia in the low permeability group was mostly considered as functional dyspepsia due to the predominance of normal endoscopic findings.

Conclusion: Dyspepsia is a common health problem in approximately half of peritoneal dialysis patients. Dyspepsia observed in those with low peritoneal membrane permeability is generally of functional origin. Furthermore, the frequency and severity of dyspepsia are higher in individuals with low permeability. When planning peritoneal dialysis for these patients, the current status should be taken into consideration, and patients should be informed about necessary precautions and recommendations.