Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Retrograde Implantation Approach for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement in Mice
Published on: July 20, 2022
Neurological development in 21 children on peritoneal dialysis in infancy
Hanne Laakkonen1, Tuula Lönnqvist, Leena Valanne
1Department of Pediatrics, Hyvinkää Hospital, Hyvinkää, Finland. hanne.laakkonen@hus.fi
Insights
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is safe for infants with end-stage renal failure. While some infants developed neurological issues, especially those with pre-existing risk factors, PD did not worsen their conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Infants on peritoneal dialysis (PD) are a vulnerable population.
- Limited research exists on neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants undergoing PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD).
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PD in managing end-stage renal failure in infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 21 infants (<2 years) starting PD.
- Multidisciplinary team evaluation (neurology, audiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy).
- Neuropsychological testing (≥5 years) and brain imaging review.
Main Results:
- 52% had pre-existing risk factors for developmental issues.
- 71% showed some neurological abnormality by study end; 29% had major impairment (linked to risk factors).
- Brain infarcts (19%) and hearing defects (14%) were observed; PD was well-tolerated with 5% mortality.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal dialysis is a safe treatment for infants with end-stage renal failure.
- Neurological issues in PD patients were often associated with pre-dialysis risk factors and did not progress during treatment.
- Infants without risk factors tolerated PD well with minimal neurological sequelae.
Abstract:
Few studies have focused on the neurodevelopment of infants on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Infants are the most demanding patient group on PD and thus are vulnerable to neurological sequelae. We studied 21 patients <2 years of age (mean 0.59 years) at onset of PD. They were evaluated by a neurologist, otologist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist during PD. Neuropsychological tests were collected from all patients at least 5 years old, and the brain images were reviewed. Eleven patients (52%) had a pre- or neonatal problem or comorbidity as risk factor for their development at onset of PD. All infants tolerated PD well. At the end of the study, 71% had some neurological abnormality, 29% a major impairment (all with predialysis risk factors), and 43% a minor one. Brain infarcts were detected in four patients (19%) and other ischemic lesions in three (14%). Three patients (14%) developed hearing defect. Mortality rate was 5%. PD is a safe treatment modality for end-stage renal failure in infants. Some patients had risk factors for development, but their neurological problems did not progress during PD. Patients without risk factors tolerated PD well without major neurological sequelae.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
01:30Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
01:15Dialysis
01:27Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction