Comparison of peritoneal equilibration test with 99mTc-DTPA excretion in the assessment of peritoneal permeability.

Assessment of peritoneal permeability is necessary for successful management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The objective of this study was to develop an alternative method of assessing the peritoneal permeability and to compare this method with the conventional method, the peritoneal equilibrium test, first described by Twardowski in 1987. Twenty patients undergoing regular CAPD were included in this study.

Use of Doppler ultrasound in performing percutaneous cannulation of the radial artery.

Doppler ultrasound has been used extensively in assessing adequacy of circulation. We have found it to be convenient in the identification of blood flow, particularly in hypotensive states where percutaneous radial artery cannulation of the vessel is tedious and difficult to perform. The technique is simple, atraumatic, and usually successful.