Intermittent peritoneal dialysis--21/2 years experience in IPGMR

Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) has been used extensively over the years for temporary management of end stage renal failure. There is no long-term report of IPD in the management of these patients. We, however, managed successfully patients with Chronic renal failure (CRF) with IPD for over 6 months to 2 1/2 years. One hundred and ninety-six patients with CRF were admitted in one of the Nephrology Unit of the Institute of Postgraduate Medicine Research over a period of 2 1/2 years; 61 of these patients were end stage renal failure and were managed successfully with IPD. The mean age of these patients was 35 (range 20-70 years; male 48; female 13). Forty-five of the patients were below 50 and 16 were above 51 years. Seventeen patients has been on dialysis for 6 months to 2 1/2 years, another 17 of 3-6 months and 27 has 1 to 3 months of dialysis. Control of urea, creatinine and electrolytes were good among the dialysed patient. Haemoglobin level and serum calcium, however, did not rise after dialysis. Blood pressure control, was easier among the dialysis patients and peritonitis was infrequent during dialysis. 23 of the patients died. Ten of these patients were on dialysis for more than 6 months. The causes of death were acute left ventricular failure, myocardial infarction congestive cardiac failure and carcinoma of cervix.