[Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). 3 years' therapeutic experience in 100 patients]

The pros and cons of CAPD are weighed up on the basis of a 3-year study on 100 patients with renal insufficiency (61 men, 36 women and 3 children). If equal groups are compared, the survival rate corresponds to that of haemodialysis. Continuous detoxication and dehydration lead to a good uraemic metabolic situation (creatinine 960 mumol/l, urea 24 mmol/l, haemoglobin 98 g/l, albumin 31 g/l. The serum electrolytes are well-balanced, anorganic phosphate is normal. The rise in cholesterol and triglycerides observed is a possible negative influence with regard to arterial sclerosis. The functioning of the kidneys is not affected by CAPD. The main risks of this method of therapy are peritonitis and loss of protein via the peritoneal dialysate, which can be favourably influenced by strictly antiseptic handling when changing the dialysate bag and a sufficient protein supply in the diet. In France 10-15% of all patients with terminal renal insufficiency will be treated with CAPD in future.