[Sclerosing peritonitis without reduced ultrafiltration as complication of peritoneal dialysis]

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred method of renal replacement therapy in childhood and adolescence while waiting for a kidney transplant. As major complication, encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), sometimes also referred to as "sclerosing peritonitis", may develop after prolonged periods of PD and lead to severe therapeutical problems.

A 20-year-old patient with a history of three unsuccessful kidney transplants due to recurrence of his focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presented after 9 years of PD with acute abdominal pain and reduced bowel movements. Infectious peritonitis was excluded, ultrafiltration with 800-1 000 ml per day with low (1,36 %) glucose dialysate was not impaired. Plain abdominal X-ray, ultrasound and CT-scan illustrated characteristic peritoneal calcifications. Diagnosis of EPS was confirmed by peritoneal biopsy. The patients was switched to hemodialysis, enteral nutrition was continued, and the follow-up (now 16 months) was uncomplicated with the exception of a sterile ascites, which was twice relieved. Diagnostic and therapeutic options are discussed.

In contrast to most reports, EPS may develop with unchanged ultrafiltration after prolonged periods of PD. We recommend regular functional and imaging studies in patients at risk.