After the subject had rested in the supine position for at least 15 minutes blood pressure was measured with a standard mercury sphyngomanometer for the three times with the half of a cuff around the right arm. Patients' blood pressure measurements were performed on a regular basis every month. The mean values were calculated. All patients received standard 35-cal/kg/day carbohydrate, 1-2 g/kg/day protein, and salt restricted diet. Patients did not use essential amino acid and peritoneal dialysis solutions containing amino acids. Serum urea, creatinine, and albumin levels were assessed by enzymatic colorimetric assay. Dialysate adequacy (Kt/V urea: dialysis and residual), and peritoneal transport (4-hour D/PCr) were measured using standard procedures (PD Adequest 1.4, 1994: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.). Dialysate albumin loss was measured with the Bromo Cresol Green (BCG) method. Dialysate total protein loss was measured by the Biuret method. Urine protein concentration was determined by an immunoturbidimetric method.