Experience Managing Adult Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in Bangladesh

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is becoming increasingly known to the patients of Bangladesh, and patient numbers are increasing. Here, we report our experience and clinical outcomes in this field.Our analysis included all CAPD patients managed in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh between 2003 and 2015. All patients received a Tenckhoff double-cuff catheter by mini-laparotomy, and twin bags were used in most patients. In acute cases, regular exchanges were started manually with small-volume dwells the same or the next day.During the study period, 500 patients (mean age: 62 ± 18 years; 62% men; 86% percent with diabetes) were managed. Selection of CAPD was made by choice (47%) or for hemodynamic instability (32%), remote residence (17%), or poor vascular access (4%). Total duration of follow-up was 9364 patient-months (range: 1 - 78 months). The peritonitis rate was 1 episode in 30 patient-months. Fewer than 5% of patients required catheter removal. Similarly, the percentages of catheter tip migration and fluid leak were at the lower end. Patient survival was 68%, 48%, 38%, 22%, and 8% at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years. Deaths were mostly attributable to vascular events.In a population with predominantly diabetic patients, CAPD was shown to be a viable mode of renal replacement therapy. The rates of peritonitis and catheter-related complications were low. Survival in the initial years can be considered acceptable.