CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS - 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE AT THE MAYO-CLINIC

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (10) , 633-639
Abstract
From Jan. 1979-Jan. 1982, 69 patients with end-stage renal failure of various causes were treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The dialysis was adequate and stable in all except 4 patients; 2 of these 4 became irreversibly uremic and the other 2 had inadequate ultrafiltration. Hemoglobin levels increased initially and remained stable in all but 2 patients. Metabolic problems included control of secondary hyperparathyroidism, adequate protein nutrition, progressive neuropathy, abnormal lipoprotein profiles, and excessive weight gain. Technical problems included recurrent peritonitis, maintenance of adequate peritoneal access, and development of abdominal hernias. In general, all but 2 patients remained enthusiastic about this type of therapy despite inherent problems. The long-term potential of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis remains uncertain at this point, but for most patients, adequate short-term treatment by this method is a reasonable alternative to hemodialysis.