Abstract
CAPD is being considered frequently as an alternative method to more traditional modes of pediatric dialysis. We have dialyzed 5 children ages 6 wks. - 12 yrs. for 1 - 10 months over the past 2 yrs. Our initial enthusiasm has been tempered by the development of complications in 3 major areas: technical, medical and interpersonal. Technical difficulties include Tenckoff tube blockage, leaking, dislodging and inguinal hernias. The prime medical problem is peritonitis characterized by fever, abdominal pain and cloudy drainage. Recurrent peritonitis is generally secondary to tubing disconnection, tube sleeve infection or non-bacterial (reactive) peritonitis. Volume overload and hypertension become problems usually when pts. are switched to intermittent peritoneal dialysis for treatment of peritonitis and an unrestricted diet is maintained. Interpersonal problems include unreasonably high expectations of the patient during the training period, maintenance of a sense of independence from hospital and the inability of staff to adequately convey the gravity of the complications. We still consider CAPD a viable treatment choice. However, when embarking on this route one must seriously consider the above problems and develop appropriate management strategies.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hurley, R., Richardson, M. COMPLICATIONS OF LONG TERM CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (CAPD). Pediatr Res 14, 994 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00127
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00127