Fibrin in peritoneal dialysis drain fluid

[Marbella17]

Hi all! I’m back again with a concern regarding my dad who started PD in July.

Recently he is having some fibrin (white chunky strands) in his drain fluid. I did some research on it and it’s associated with elevated fibrinogen in the plasma which is furthermore associated with bad outcomes in all of the literature , therefore this is a new worry for me.

The PD nurse is saying it happens sometimes with some patients and they can add heparin to the solution to see if that helps. Has anyone had experience with fibrin in their drain bag? Any experiences/knowledge shared about this would be much appreciated!!!

[Porter20]

I had a small amount and my nurse told me it was normal.

[Marbella17 in reply to Porter20]

Did it go away on its own? Was it only one time or a duration of time, and if so, approximately how long would you say it lasted? Thank you.

[Beachgirl32]

I seen to have lots of fibrin in my. I used heparin every day . I’m sent it every month and they send the syringes too. It real easy to put in . Your pd nurse will tell you how much you need . I put in 600 on the syringe it goes in the little white thing that has like a round sponge on the dialysis bag. It really help me . I only use a drain bag now and then I drain in the toilet every night. But sometimes I will do a bag to check it every so often my pd nurse told me I would be able to see the fibrin in the toilet too if it is a lot .

[Marbella17 in reply to Beachgirl32]

Do you use the heparin regularly/ongoing or this was only for a certain duration of time and then it resolved? Thank you for sharing about your experience.

[Beachgirl32 in reply to Marbella17]

I use it every night because my body makes a lot of fibrin my doctor said

[Marbella17 in reply to Beachgirl32]

Ah I see! I’m just so glad there’s something that can be done about it. This is hopeful to hear that it’s not such a bad thing even when needed ongoing since you’ve been using it a while.

[Porter20]

Only a few times and the nurse was very matter of fact that it was common and most have it. Never said anything else to me.

[Marbella17 in reply to Porter20]

It seems it’s when the fibrin persists that they decide to address it. I’m so glad that yours was resolved easily!

[rabbit01]

In some people it just forms quite often and in others rarely. I get it occasionally and the nurse injects the bag with the heparin but I know some people who have to add the heparin everyday. It might calm down and just go away on its own for your dad who only started a couple of months back.

[Porter20 in reply to rabbit01]

It seems it was early on for me I did pd at home 16 months.

[Marbella17 in reply to Porter20]

This is so helpful to hear that it has the potential to resolve and doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an ongoing issue or worsen.

It seems from your profile your PD journey is behind you now, hope you’re doing wonderful with your transplant!

[Porter20 in reply to Marbella17]

Thank you! I am thankful everyday! All good so far…

Two year anniversary in December 14, 2021 my new birthday!

[Marbella17 in reply to Porter20]

That’s awesome, so happy to hear! The attitude of gratitude goes a long way!

[Porter20 in reply to Marbella17]

Yes… ♥️ try to stay as positive as possible. 🥰 Hard walk…Remember don’t look for trouble. Replace worry with pray!🙏🏻 Best to you & your dad!!

[Marbella17 in reply to Porter20]

Aww thank you so much for your thoughtful wishes 🥰🙏🏼

Yes, prayer and positivity truly make all the difference… we are going through all the difficulty by default anyway due to the disease so why add additional pain and suffering to it. Faith over fear always! Sending my best to you as well for continued light and blessings😊💖

[Miss-guineapig in reply to Porter20]

You’re doing great, extra birthdays too xx

[Marbella17 in reply to Miss-guineapig]

Aww thank you so much, sending you my best wishes for stable health & safety!🙏🤗💗

[Marbella17 in reply to rabbit01]

Thank you for sharing about the varying frequencies the fibrin can occur. I’m glad yours isn’t too frequent. Yes, I’m hoping it resolves soon but of course open to us administering the heparin as well if needed.

I would like to do some further exploring to see if the heparin is absorbed into the blood stream as it traditionally is or in this case since it’s applied to the solution bag if it only remains in the peritoneum.

[Pte82]

Fibrinoglytic enzymes control of fibrin is worth a study. I use a supplement of lumbrokinase enzymes , there are others such as nattokinase and serrapeptase, for clearing the kidney and clotting. As we age the body's ability to supply them decreases so it becomes vital to be aware of this to offset this loss. Always consult your health care professional before using any supplement.

[Marbella17 in reply to Pte82]

I’m sorry for the delay, just seeing your reply. Thank you for your input! I agree, it appears there could definitely be more research in this area. Interestingly, I personally have used serrapeptase in the past, for a completely different reason but I am familiar and will look into it for this purpose as well.

Did you have fiber in your fluid as well and then it cleared after your use of the lumbrokinase? Thank you!

[Pte82]

Fortunately I'm not on dialysis. I began using lumbrokinase after I got a 52 on a eGFR and was told to retest in three months. I addition to the enzyme I cut out sugar and exercised more in addition to cooking from scratch. At the end of the three months the eGFR was 74. A subsequent test was also 74 so at my age of 78 I was told that is considered normal. Can't say the enzyme alone made a difference but I'm glad to have included it.

[Marbella17 in reply to Pte82]

That’s incredible, I’m so happy to hear that you had such amazing results! Bravo to you for also incorporating additional healthy habits. Absolutely, your GFR is considered normal. I’ve ordered both the kind you take and the serra/natto combo, but will likely ease in with one or the other versus concurrent combo. I know they have varying benefits and glad to hear you have proven successful outcomes with long term use. Wishing continued health and blessings!