Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

A Retrograde Implantation Approach for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement in Mice
Published on: July 20, 2022
Prevalence of constipation in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients and comparison with hemodialysis
Gen Yasuda1, Kazuhiko Shibata, Toshikazu Takizawa
1Division of Nephrology, Second Department of Internal Medicine and Hygiene, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan. y911429@urahp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp
Insights
Constipation is less common in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients compared to hemodialysis patients. CAPD patients reported better bowel function, likely due to higher dietary fiber and potassium intake.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent issue among hemodialysis patients.
- The prevalence of constipation in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients remains under-evaluated.
- Understanding constipation in different dialysis modalities is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of constipation in CAPD patients.
- To compare constipation rates between CAPD and hemodialysis patients.
- To identify factors contributing to constipation differences in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 204 CAPD and 268 hemodialysis patients.
- Data collected included bowel habits, laxative use, and dietary intake (fiber, potassium).
- Statistical analysis compared constipation prevalence and risk between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Constipation occurred in 28.9% of CAPD patients versus 63.1% of hemodialysis patients.
- Hemodialysis patients had a 3.14 times higher relative risk of constipation.
- CAPD patients consumed significantly higher daily dietary fiber (11.0g vs 5.9g) and potassium (1.8g vs 1.3g).
Conclusions:
- Constipation is significantly less frequent in CAPD patients compared to hemodialysis patients.
- Higher dietary fiber intake and potentially lifestyle differences in CAPD may contribute to lower constipation rates.
- These findings highlight the importance of dietary management in dialysis-related constipation.
Abstract:
Many hemodialysis patients suffer from constipation. The frequency of constipation has not been rigorously evaluated in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, however. We conducted a survey on constipation in CAPD patients and compared the findings with those in hemodialysis patients through a questionnaire. Daily dietary fiber and potassium intake were calculated from the patients' dietary records. In the questionnaire, patients were asked about bowel frequency, stool consistency, straining, and use of laxatives and resins. The frequency of constipation was 28.9% in 204 CAPD patients and 63.1% in 268 hemodialysis patients. The hemodialysis patients had a 3.14 times higher relative risk of constipation than the CAPD patients. Only 3.4% of CAPD patients needed resin to avoid hyperkalemia. Of hemodialysis patients, 49% needed resin. Among the 261 hemodialysis patients, 205 (78.5%) suppressed an urge to defecate during hemodialysis therapy. Potassium and total dietary fiber intake per day were 1.8 +/- 0.5 g and 11.0 +/- 4.0 g in CAPD patients, which were higher (P < 0.01) than the values in hemodialysis patients--1.3 +/- 0.5 g and 5.9 +/- 2.7 g. The results suggest that constipation occurs less frequently in CAPD patients than in hemodialysis patients. The low rate of constipating drug administration, dialysis modality-based lifestyle, and higher total dietary fiber intake may cause the lower prevalence of constipation in CAPD patients.
Related Concept Videos
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications