This editorial discusses the findings in two papers that explore residual renal function (RRF) in patients on peritoneal dialysis. One is an observational study by Liao et al which suggests that the rate of decline of RRF was a more powerful prognostic factor than baseline RRF associated with all-cause mortality and technique failure in patients on long-term PD. The editorial also critically analyzes a randomized controlled trial by Kim et al which looks at the impact of biocompatible solutions on endpoints such as RRF.

See related article by C.-T. Liao et al. Rate of decline of residual renal function is associated with all-cause mortality and technique failure in patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 24: 2909–2914.
http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/9/2909

See related article by S. Kim et al. Benefits of biocompatible PD fluid for preservation of residual renal function in incident CAPD patients: a 1-year study. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 24: 2899–2908.
http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/9/2899

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This review highlights the evidence to support maintaining residual renal function and its impact on survival and quality of life of dialysis patients.

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