The Treatment of Diabetic Renal Failure by Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

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Abstract
During the 6‐year period 1981–1987, 309 patients started chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), of whom 75 (24%) had diabetes. Despite severe peripheral vascular problems (20%), ischaemic heart disease (90%), and complete blindness (21%) the 1‐year patient survival on CAPD was 88%. The actuarial patient survival for diabetic patients was similar to that of the non‐diabetic cohort over the first 18 months but fell to 48% (compared to 70% in non‐diabetic patients) at 3 years. Complications associated with CAPD, including the incidence of peritonitis, were no different between the diabetic and non‐diabetic patient populations. Successful treatment for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients can be achieved and justified in a liberal selection programme for the treatment of diabetic ESRD.