[Chronic peritoneal dialysis in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Technology

Context:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was first used in 1923 for acute renal failure but faced challenges due to infectious complications.
• The development of hemodialysis in the 1940s led to the adoption of peritoneal catheters, enabling PD for chronic uremia.
• Early PD involved intermittent hospital-based treatments managed by medical staff.

Purpose:

• To review the historical development and evolution of peritoneal dialysis.
• To highlight the transition from intermittent to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
• To assess the rehabilitation potential of PD, particularly CAPD, in pediatric uremia.

Summary:

• Peritoneal dialysis, initially hindered by infections, became viable for chronic uremia with improved catheter technology.
• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) involves patients performing 4-5 daily exchanges, reducing costs and improving patient autonomy.
• While peritonitis remains a risk, technical advancements have decreased its incidence.

Impact:

• CAPD offers significant rehabilitation potential for children suffering from uremia.
• Improvements in PD technology have made it a more accessible and effective treatment option.
• PD management has shifted towards patient-centered care, enhancing quality of life.