Peritoneal dialysis for acute renal failure: the safe, effective, and low-cost modality

With the emphasis on acute renal failure and the popularity of continuous renal replacement therapy, peritoneal dialysis is a frequently overlooked and undervalued method of dialytic support. This review is purposefully set in a "continuous" format and addresses the frequently encountered problems that arise with these systems. Continuous peritoneal dialysis delivery in the intensive care unit and other forms of continuous therapies are compared using the following criteria: access, efficiency, biocompatibility, and hemodynamic stability. Specific study results are reviewed comparing the outcome of patients supported with peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis in the intensive care setting, and extrapolations from the chronic support areas are also drawn. Specific advantages and shortcomings are listed for each therapy.