Home peritoneal dialysis (two year's experience)

Twenty patients on home peritoneal dialysis were studied during two years. The patients dialysed 4--5 times a week, using an average of 78 l dialysis fluid. The dialysis equipment used was either a simplified delivery system or a fully automatic dialysis machine. Despite clinical improvement, serum urea and serum creatinine levels were the same after 12 months of therapy as before. The patients' weight and serum albumin levels remained constant. Only 1 patient developed hyperparathyroidism, otherwise serum calcium levels ranged from normal to subnormal. Fifteen patients did not require blood transfusions. Twenty episodes of peritonitis occurred, an incidence of 0.58%. All patients carried out dialysis themselves without assistance. Three were working full-time, and 5 were able to look after their homes. The rest were able to take care of themselves. Four patients died from causes unrelated to peritoneal dialysis. In selected patients this mode of treatment provides an acceptable alternative to haemodialysis.