[Chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal failure was first described in 1976. The purpose of the present study was to establish the value of this method in a group of eight patients with various renal diseases who were controlled monthly for one year. Main benefit was correction of anemia, better control of calcium and phosphate, and excellent blood pressure control. Hyperlipoproteinemia was observed in all patients, as was an increase in plasma renin activity and aldosterone. Thyroid values were in the low normal range. A low incidence of peritonitis was observed and cases of peritonitis were treated on an ambulatory basis. The results suggest that more patients could be included in this new treatment for end-stage renal disease.