Colloid osmotic pressure mediated by glucose polymers

Colloid osmotic pressure via glucose polymers is a biomedical process used primarily in peritoneal dialysis. Solutions containing large glucose polymers (most commonly icodextrin) act as colloid osmotic agents: due to their size, these polymers are retained in the peritoneal cavity and generate osmotic pressure by attracting water through the peritoneal membrane. Unlike crystalloid osmotic agents (such as glucose), which are rapidly absorbed, glucose polymers sustain water removal over a longer period and are particularly useful for long dwell periods in dialysis therapy. This process enables improved control of fluid balance in patients with kidney failure but is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or gene.

Other names

Colloid osmosis by glucose polymersIcodextrin-induced colloid osmotic pressure

Generates osmotic pressure across the peritoneal membrane due to large, near-impermeable glucose polymers, which draw water into the dialysis cavity