Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute and Chronic Renal Failure

Clinical experience with peritoneal dialysis in eight cases of acute and four cases of chronic renal failure is presented. Seven of the acute cases survived but in some of these hemodialysis was also employed. The relatively simple technique of peritoneal dialysis was found to be effective, although slower than hemodialysis. In three of the cases it was selected in preference to hemodialysis. Its main advantages are that it does not require elaborate arrangements, or the use of blood or anticoagulants. The authors conclude that when the peritoneum is intact the method can be employed whenever the use of a temporary kidney substitute is indicated.