Fibrin?

[rookiegirl]

I've been on PD for 8 months now.  For the first time, I had to use Heparin in my solution because I noticed Fibrin in my catheter.  It's been 30 days since the incident.  This morning I noticed litte strip of Fibrin in my catheter again.  I feel this is occuring too often and afraid of the outcome.

My questions are:

How often does Fibrin occur?

How can I avoid Fibrin?

Is there a special diet for prevention?

Can Fibrin cause peritonitis?

Please help! 

[KT0930]

I would get fibrin, complete the three days of heparin treatment recommended and have it again within a month. Almost without fail for the 15 months I was on PD. I started PD in early November, and the only time I had peritonitis was Christmas eve that same year, so I really don't think the peritonitis was caused by fibrin, or I would have had infections a whole lot more often.

The way my nurse explained it to me is that fibrin is just something that's always there, in everyone. We just get to be aware of it because of PD. Because of that, I don't think there's a diet to prevent it. Bottom line is that fibrin doesn't seem to be a problem in the long-run.

[KICKSTART]

I have been doing PD for 4 years and never had fibrin ! I do believe its harmless unless it blocks the catheter . It is in all of us so ,i dont think you would find diet would help and its not related to peritonitus .

[Red from Canada]

In my unit they have us inject heparin into our bags each night to prevent fibrin.  I am on a Baxter cycler.

[kimcanada]

I agree with kickstart, what my nurses told me about fibrin is that its no big deal

Kim

[MyRenalRomance]

I am using a Baxter nighttime cycler, also, like Red from Canada.  My instructions from my dialysis center are to inject my primary bag with heparin once a week.

When I was on manual PD, last year, I was told that ocassional fibrin floating in my drain bag might occur.  As long as I only saw small strands - all was well.  Also, that small strands of fibrin were ok as long as it was NOT affecting inflow and outflow.  I never saw fibrin in my drain bag, nor my tubing.  I was told larger than normal strands and/or fibrin blocking inflow and outflow would require "action".  I recall that my instructions from my dialysis center were to add heparin to my bag once a week to prevent fibrin formation and treat existing fibrin.

My patient training manual says that some people are "fibrin formers" more than others.  Fibrin formation is normal.  Just be aware of the amount and if it is affecting your inflow/outflow.

 

[Kini]

I use haprin in my daughter's bags weekly, the first 4 yrs of PD ( she is on the cycler also ) were ok but lately there is fibrin more often so I just use it on a weekly basis.

[MiSSis]

In my case, the appearance of fibrin is usually a sign of possible infection.  Normally I don't ever see fibrin in my drain bags unless I'm having a problem.  I asked my PD nurse about it and she said everyone is different.  She said she has 1 paitient that has to add heparin to their dialysate every night but others, like me, who only have to use it occassionally.  Fibrin is normal and not necessarily a sign of a problem so discuss this with your nurse or doctor.  They might just start having you add heparin on a regular basis, whether it be every night, once a week or month just to keep it under control.