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Surgical outcomes analysis of pediatric peritoneal dialysis catheter function in a rural region
Matthew L Stone1, Damien J LaPar, John P Barcia
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0709, USA.
Insights
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is effective for pediatric renal failure in rural areas. However, high primary catheter failure rates (24.6%) necessitate close infant surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Renal Replacement Therapy
- Dialysis Management
Background:
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a critical renal replacement therapy for pediatric patients.
- High-volume centers serving rural populations face unique challenges in PD delivery.
- Understanding PD outcomes and complications is essential for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the experience and outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a high-volume pediatric center.
- To analyze the incidence and risk factors for primary PD catheter failure.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of PD for children with renal failure in a rural setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 134 PD catheter placements in 88 children (2 days to 20.2 years) from 2000-2010.
- Primary outcome: incidence of PD catheter failure (replacement/revision within 60 days).
- Evaluation of operative technique, longitudinal outcomes, and time to transplantation.
Main Results:
- Primary PD catheter failure occurred in 24.6% of cases.
- Infants under 6 months had a significantly higher incidence of primary catheter failure (p=0.02).
- Common complications included peritonitis (22.7%), omental plugging (11.9%), and pericatheter drainage (9.0%).
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal dialysis is a safe and effective renal replacement therapy for pediatric centers in rural areas.
- High primary catheter failure rates (24.6%) require attention, particularly in infants.
- Surgical technique did not impact failure rates; infants <6 months need intensive monitoring.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the experience with peritoneal dialysis (PD) at a high-volume, single center institution that supports a rural population.
Methods:
From 2000 to 2010, 88 children (median age: 1.98 years, [range: 2 days-20.2 years]) received 134 PD catheters for the management of acute and chronic renal failure. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of primary PD catheter failure (replacement or revision within 60 days). Operative technique, longitudinal outcomes, and time intervals to transplantation were analyzed.
Results:
Median time to transplant from the institution of dialysis was 1.4 years [range: 0.3-6.4 years]. Primary catheter failure occurred in 24.6% of cases. Infants less than 6 months of age demonstrated an increased incidence of primary catheter failure (p = 0.02). The operative technique for catheter placement was not associated with the incidence of primary failure. Postoperative complications included peritonitis (22.7%), omental plugging (11.9%), pericatheter drainage (9.0%), and exit site infection (3.0%).
Conclusion:
Peritoneal dialysis provides a safe and effective renal replacement therapy for regional pediatric centers that serve a rural population. However, primary catheter failure rates remain high at 24.6%. The surgical technique for placement had no effect on this failure rate in our patient population. Infants less than 6 months of age are at increased risk for primary catheter failure and warrant intensive surveillance.
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