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Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in pediatric patients: a 20-month experience

Insights

Continuous, ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a viable treatment for pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While it effectively manages hypertension and reduces transfusion needs, growth velocity remains a concern, necessitating further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Renal Replacement Therapy

Background:

  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD) poses significant challenges for pediatric patients.
  • Continuous, ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) offers a potential treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of CAPD in children with ESRD.
  • To assess key clinical parameters including biochemical markers, hypertension control, transfusion needs, growth, and peritonitis incidence.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 36 pediatric patients with ESRD underwent CAPD between August 1980 and May 1982.
  • Dialysis involved four to five exchanges daily.
  • Clinical data including serum urea, creatinine, blood pressure, transfusion requirements, growth velocity, and peritonitis episodes were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • CAPD effectively controlled hypertension in 34 of 36 patients without medication.
  • Transfusion requirements were minimal (0.20 U/month) in nephric patients.
  • Mean serum urea and creatinine levels were 75 +/- 24 mg/dl and 9.2 +/- 3.1 mg/dl, respectively.
  • Despite dialysate glucose, total energy intake was suboptimal in most patients, leading to a mean growth velocity of 0.35 cm/month, with only 4 of 17 patients showing normal growth.
  • The peritonitis incidence was one episode per 12.5 patient months.
  • Patient rehabilitation and engagement in age-appropriate activities were excellent.

Conclusions:

  • CAPD is an acceptable therapeutic option for children suffering from end-stage renal disease.
  • While CAPD demonstrates success in managing hypertension and improving rehabilitation, suboptimal energy intake and impaired growth velocity require attention and further investigation.

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