Heat sterilization of fluids for peritoneal dialysis gives rise to aldehydes

Abstract

Objective: To chemically identify and quantify glucose degradation products in heat sterilized fluids for peritoneal dialysis. Design: Three different brands of commercial PD-fluids and one laboratory made fluid, sterilized either by heat or filtration, were investigated for the presence of aldehydes. Measurements: Aldehydes were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Results: The tested brands of heat sterilized PD-fluids were found to contain several different aldehydes while the sterile filtered PD-fluid contained none. The highest concentrations in commercial PD-fluids of these aldehydes were: acetaldehyde (420 μm), glyoxal (14 μm), methylglyoxal (12 μm) and formaldehyde (11 μm). Valeraldehyde was also identified but not quantified. The presence of 5-HMF (15 μm) and 2-furaldehyde (2 μm), which has been identified by others, was confirmed. Conclusions: The heat sterilization of commercial PD-fluids gives rise to several aldehydes which may contribute to adverse effects of PD-fluids on patients.