Combined peritoneal and haemodialysis therapy for chronic renal insufficiency

Twenty-three patients with chronic uraemia were treated for an average of 8.5 months with intermittent peritoneal dialysis. When hypervolaemia developed and/or the volume of low-molecular weight substances increased, the therapy was complemented by one or two sessions of haemodialysis per week. The combined treatment was carried on for 4.1 months on average, in consequence of which the general condition improved, body weight reached the optimum, blood pressure diminished, turned normal and could be controlled by drugs. In the wake of the therapy carbamide nitrogen and creatinine levels dropped significantly, serum total protein and albumin values increased. At the close of the observation period 3 patients remained under combined therapy, 2 had undergone cadaveric kidney transplantation, 18 were transferred to chronic haemodialysis. Thoughts are evolved about the advisability of intermittent peritoneal dialysis and combined therapy in the care for uraemic patients.