Pregnancy and birth control in CAPD patients

This report summarizes the experience with 17 pregnancies in 16 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Early experience suggests that the outcome of pregnancy in CAPD patients may be better than in hemodialysis patients. Catheter placement can be undertaken during pregnancy with little increased risk. Peritonitis can precipitate premature labor. Blood-tinged dialysate may herald serious obstetric problems. Hypertension, anemia, and prematurity are serious problems in CAPD patients. Cesarean section can be done, with only a brief interruption in CAPD. The major modification of the usual regimen is the need for smaller exchange volumes and increased frequency.