Calcium Chloride / Dextrose / Magnesium Chloride / Sodium Chloride / Sodium Lactate

peritoneal dialysis: A type of kidney replacement therapy where a dialysis solution is infused into the abdomen, allowing waste and excess fluid to be filtered out through the abdominal lining, then drained away.

peritoneal membrane: The thin tissue that lines the inside of the abdominal cavity and surrounds the organs; it acts as the filter in peritoneal dialysis.

intraperitoneal: Administered directly into the abdominal cavity — not into a vein or by mouth.

ultrafiltration: The process by which excess fluid is drawn across the peritoneal membrane from the blood into the dialysis solution.

osmotic gradient: A difference in concentration between two solutions separated by a membrane, which causes fluid to move from the less concentrated side to the more concentrated side.

osmolarity: A measure of the concentration of dissolved particles in a solution; higher osmolarity draws more fluid across the peritoneal membrane.

dextrose: A form of glucose (sugar) used in these solutions as the main agent to draw fluid out of the blood during dialysis.

electrolytes: Minerals dissolved in the blood — such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium — that are essential for many body functions.

lactate: A compound used in these solutions as a buffer to help normalize the acid-base balance of the blood; it is converted to bicarbonate in the liver.

buffer: A substance that helps keep the blood's acid-base balance (pH) within a normal, healthy range.

acid-base balance: The body's regulation of acidity and alkalinity in the blood, measured by pH, which must stay within a narrow range for the body to function properly.

lactic acidosis: A dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the blood, which makes the blood too acidic; symptoms include rapid breathing, muscle pain, and weakness.

peritonitis: Inflammation or infection inside the abdominal cavity, often signaled by cloudy drained dialysis fluid, abdominal pain, or fever.

encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS): A rare, serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis in which scar tissue forms around the bowel inside the abdomen, which can be life-threatening.

hypervolemia: Too much fluid in the body, which can cause swelling, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath.

hypovolemia: Too little fluid in the body, which can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, and dizziness.

hypokalemia: Abnormally low potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart and muscle function.

hyponatremia: Abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, which can cause symptoms ranging from nausea to confusion.

hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels, which can occur when dextrose from the dialysis solution is absorbed into the bloodstream.

metabolic alkalosis: A condition in which the blood becomes too alkaline (not acidic enough), often due to loss of acid or excess base in the body.

respiratory alkalosis: A condition in which the blood becomes too alkaline due to abnormally fast or deep breathing, which removes too much carbon dioxide.

aseptic technique: A set of practices used to prevent contamination by germs — such as washing hands, wearing masks, and using sterile equipment — especially important during dialysis procedures.

dwell: The period of time the dialysis solution stays inside the abdominal cavity before being drained; during this time, waste and fluid move into the solution.

CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis): A form of peritoneal dialysis done manually several times a day, without a machine, allowing the patient to be mobile.

APD (Automated Peritoneal Dialysis): A form of peritoneal dialysis that uses a machine (cycler) to perform exchanges automatically, usually overnight.

catheter: A thin, flexible tube placed in the abdomen that allows dialysis solution to flow in and out of the peritoneal cavity.

dialyzable: Able to be removed from the blood by dialysis; medications that are dialyzable may need dose adjustments during treatment.

aminoglycosides: A class of antibiotics — including gentamicin and tobramycin — that should not be mixed with penicillin-type antibiotics in the dialysis bag due to chemical incompatibility.

NRTIs (nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors): A class of HIV medications that, in some patients, can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome: A rare, severe reaction of the skin and mucous membranes that causes blistering and peeling; a medical emergency requiring immediate care.

fibrin: A protein involved in clotting; stringy or clumpy material in drained dialysis fluid can indicate peritonitis.

glycolysis: The normal cellular process by which glucose (including absorbed dextrose) is broken down to produce energy.

sepsis: A life-threatening condition in which the body's response to a severe infection causes widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction.

hepatic insufficiency: Reduced ability of the liver to perform its normal functions, including processing lactate.

contraindicated: Should not be used — meaning the risks clearly outweigh any potential benefit in a specific situation or patient group.

exchange: One complete cycle of peritoneal dialysis: infusing the solution, allowing it to dwell, and then draining it.

osmotic agent: A substance — in this case, dextrose — that creates the concentration difference needed to draw fluid across the peritoneal membrane.

bicarbonate: A natural compound in the blood that acts as a buffer to keep the blood from becoming too acidic; lactate in these solutions is converted to bicarbonate in the liver.

peritoneal equilibration test (PET): A test that measures how well a patient's peritoneal membrane transports fluid and solutes, which helps determine the best dialysis prescription for that person.

abdominal pain: Pain, cramping, or discomfort felt anywhere in the belly area.

Absorption: How a medicine moves from where it is taken, such as the stomach or gut, into the bloodstream.

Adverse Reactions: Unwanted or harmful effects that people experienced while taking a medicine, listed on its official label.

constipation: Having bowel movements less often than usual, or passing stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to move.

diarrhea: Loose, watery bowel movements that happen more often than normal.

Dosage and Administration: The label section explaining how much of a medicine to use and how to take or give it.

electrolyte: A mineral in the blood and body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium, that carries a small electric charge and helps the body work.

Indications and Usage: The label section stating which medical conditions the FDA has officially approved the medicine to treat, prevent, or manage.

infusion: Slowly delivering fluid or medicine into a vein over a period of time, usually through a drip.

intravenous: Given directly into a vein through a needle or thin tube; often written as IV.

Metabolism: How the body chemically changes a medicine, usually in the liver, into other substances.

NDC: A unique number that identifies a specific medicine, its maker, strength, and package size.

nursing infant: A baby who is being fed breast milk.

Warnings and Precautions: The label section describing serious risks to know about and safety steps to follow while using a medicine.