Reduction of Vital Capacity Due to Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure during Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

While they were in the semirecumbent (45°) position, vital capacity and intra-abdominal pressure were measured in four patients on intermittent peritoneal dialysis, using various exchange volumes. Intra-abdominal pressure showed a significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation with vital capacity. The latter decreased up to 62% of the basal value with intra-abdominal pressures higher than 7 cm of water.