Continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD)--an alternative to hemodialysis in acute renal failure after cardiovascular...

In our experience hemodialysis proved to be unsatisfactory in the treatment of acute renal failure after cardiovascular surgical intervention because of its negative influence on the often critical hemodynamic situation of the patients. In 21 cases we performed a continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) for 1 to 29 (mean 9.2) days by using a Tenckhoff catheter (16). Treatment was started when anuria occurred or when serum nonprotein nitrogen increased. Satisfactory volume equilibration was established by this treatment. A pathological increase of serum electrolytes could be prevented; serum potassium, in particular, did not exceed 5.6 mVal/l. No dysfunctions in acid-base balance occurred. The serum levels of nonprotein nitrogen decreased: Serum carbamid was diminished from 229 +/- 14 mg% to 160 +/- 10 mg% and serum creatinine from 7.7 +/- 0.6 mg% to 6.0 +/- 0.8 mg% (p < 0.05). Disturbances of hemodynamic and respiratory functions could be avoided by CPD. Peritoneal reactions were noted in 5 cases. In our opinion continuous peritoneal dialysis seems to be a suitable alternative to hemodialysis in the treatment of acute renal failure after open heart surgery.