The interaction of fluid status and residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis patients

Introduction It has been documented that preservation of residual renal function (RRF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients could improve the quality of life as well as survival. To preserve RRF, different protective methods have been put into practice, such as sodium restriction, avoidance of nephrotoxic agents, use of reninangiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition, and use of biocompatible solutions and so on. And well-protected RRF will contribute to a better control of fluid status. Fluid status of PD patients has been proved to play a role in the protection of RRF. Some clinicians proposed to keep PD patients overhydration in order to slow down the decline of RRF, while others hold different opinions. This article will review the evidence linking RRF and fluid status in PD patients, and discuss which kind of fluid status is more profitable to the preservation of RRF. Conclusion Optimal fluid status may lead to a better protection of RRF and achieve appropriate hydration management in return. Also the preserved RRF is helpful to maintain the optimal fluid status.