Adipose Tissue and Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract This chapter describes the special features of adipose tissue in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Patients in peritoneal dialysis gain weight, mainly fat mass, but present decreased lean mass. Due to changes in both fat and lean mass, body mass index should not be used as the only anthropometric parameter in the evolution of PD patients. Peritoneal glucose absorption may be the main determinant of fat mass increase. Other tests to better assess body composition have been developed. Study results concerning obesity-related mortality are controversial. Adipose tissue in PD patients is related to a proinflammatory state, alteration in adipokine profile, and insulin resistance; all of them are related to cardiovascular mortality.