Peritoneal Dialysis for the Support of Respiratory Insufficiency in Rabbits

1. This study tests the feasibility of peritoneal dialysis for the delivery of O₂ and removal of CO₂ during experimental hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidaemia in rabbits.

2. Immediately after peritoneal infusion of a bolus of oxygenated dialysate, dialysate O₂ content decreased, CO₂ content increased and pH decreased. However, arterial Po₂, Pco₂ and pH did not change significantly.

3. During active dialysis at a flow of 70–120 ml/min, O₂ and CO₂ content difference between dialysate inflow and outflow was 0·87 and 1·32 ml 100 ml⁻¹min⁻¹, respectively. After 60 min of active dialysis, arterial Po₂ increased from 50 to 63 mmHg, Pco₂ decreased from 49 to 43 mmHg, and pH was maintained.