Peritoneal membrane (PM) (PM)

The peritoneal membrane acts as a biological semi-permeable barrier utilized in peritoneal dialysis to remove metabolic waste and excess fluid from the blood of patients with renal failure [StatPearls, 2023]. Transport across this membrane is governed by the 'three-pore model,' which includes large pores for proteins, small pores for solutes like urea and creatinine, and ultra-small pores (Aquaporin-1) for water transport [Rippe, 1996; Ni, 2006]. The efficiency of this process is determined by the membrane's surface area and permeability, which can be assessed clinically using the Peritoneal Equilibration Test (PET) [Twardowski, 1987]. Chronic exposure to conventional dialysis solutions, particularly those with high glucose concentrations and glucose degradation products, can lead to structural changes such as mesothelial cell loss and fibrosis [Morelle, 2015]. These changes often result in ultrafiltration failure, a significant complication that may necessitate a transition to hemodialysis [Davies, 2001]. Therapeutic strategies focus on using biocompatible solutions to preserve the membrane's functional integrity over time [Cho, 2014].

Other names

Peritoneal barrierPeritoneal dialysis interfacePeritoneal surfacePeritoneal transport system

Facilitation of passive diffusion and osmotic ultrafiltration across a semi-permeable biological barrier to remove uremic toxins and excess fluid [StatPearls, 2023].