Peritoneal dialysis represents an internal technique for membrane are becoming apparent. Studies of peritoneal blood purification. In this dialyzer the blood path, the dialysis increase understanding of the anatomy and phy­ membrane and the dialysate compartment are provided by siology of biological membranes and the factors influencing nature. The developments of chronic peritoneal catheters, the passive movement of solutes across the microcirculation and related structures. Peritoneal dialysis provides a 'win­ automated cycling equipment, solution preparation by reversed osmosis, manipulations of transport with drugs dow' to the visceral microcirculation in animals and hu­ and the experiences with continuous ambulatory peritoneal mans. dialysis and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis have Peritoneal dialysis may be useful to treat problems other increased the interest in peritoneal dialysis. Publications than renal failure. Beneficial effects in the treatment of related to peritoneal dialysis probably exceed 400 annually. dysproteinemias, psoriasis, hypothermia, and many meta­ Peritoneal Dialysis International (formally Peritoneal Dialy­ bolic problems have been reported. The intraperitoneal sis Bulletin) the official journal of the International Society administration of chemotherapeutic agents draws upon and for Peritoneal Dialysis is a journal solely devoted to contributes to our understanding of peritoneal dialysis.