Recent developments in peritoneal dialysis.
Significant developments over the past 10 years have established continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis as a successful kidney-replacement treatment. Peritonitis rates have fallen, and investigators are attempting to establish objective criteria for adequacy of dialysis. Malnutrition is a serious concern, but short-term experience with intraperitoneal amino acids promises success in the management of this complication. A significant improvement in the well-being of patients with end-stage renal disease was produced by recombinant human erythropoietin, and use of recombinant human growth hormone promises catch-up growth for children receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis treatment. As increasing numbers of patients are maintained on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis over longer periods, we will begin to encounter beta 2-microglobulin-related amyloidosis possibly at the same rate in these patients as in those receiving long-term hemodialysis treatment.
Digenis
G E
GE
Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Dombros
N V
NV
Oreopoulos
D G
DG
D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000639:trends*