Background
The impact of protein-bound uremic toxins, specifically indoxyl sulfate (IS) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) complications remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the link between serum total IS (tIS) levels, proinflammatory cytokines in serum and peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE), and PD techniques survival.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, 84 patients were followed up for three years and analyzed. Stratification into Low tIS (< 22.6 µmol/L) and High tIS (≥ 22.6 µmol/L) groups was based on the median serum tIS concentration. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, receiving operation characteristic, and Cox regression analyses assessed associations between tIS levels, cytokine concentrations (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α), and PD technique failure.
Results
The High tIS group exhibited poor clinical characteristics compared with the Low-tIS group. Elevated tIS levels significantly correlated with higher PDE cytokine levels, without a corresponding rise in serum cytokine levels. Serum tIS levels ≥ 50 µmol/L predicted PD technique failure with 70.4% sensitivity and 87.9% specificity (p < 0.0001). The association between high tIS levels and PD technique failure persisted after adjusting for relevant factors (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.13; 8.72), but the inclusion of PDE cytokines in the model diminished this association (HR 2.18, 95% CI 0.93; 5.14).
Conclusion
Our findings underscore the link between elevated tIS levels, peritoneal inflammation, and an increased risk of PD technique failure. Monitoring tIS levels in PD patients may be clinically relevant for risk assessment and personalized management, potentially enhancing long-term PD outcomes. Future research could explore interventions targeting tIS reduction to alleviate peritoneal inflammation and improve PD prognosis.