Appeal No. 1999-0342
Application 08/184,813
Background
The claimed invention is directed to a peritoneal dialysis solution containing
maltodextrins of a specific molecular weight and amino acids, each in specific amounts.
The specification acknowledges that one of the difficulties of peritoneal dialysis is
providing a suitable osmotic agent. Specification, page 2. One of the problems
associated with the use of dextrose as an osmotic agent is that it is rapidly taken up by the
blood from the dialysate. Because dextrose crosses the peritoneum so rapidly, the
osmotic gradient is dissipated within two to three hours of infusion. This can cause
reversal of the direction of ultrafiltration, causing water to be reabsorbed from the dialysate
toward the end of the time allowed for exchange. Specification pages 2-3.
According to the specification, appellants' invention provides an improved dialysis
solution, including a mixture of amino acids and maltodextrins as the osmotic agent. The
addition of amino acids to glucose polymers, such as maltodextrins, resulted in a 46%
reduction in the quantity of glucose polymers required to produce an equivalent net
ultrafiltration at 8 hours. Specification page 22. Moreover the percent adsorption of
glucose polymers used in combination with amino acids was significantly lower than that of
glucose or maltodextrin alone at the end of 8 hours. Specification, pages 13 and 23.
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