Sonographic determination of the thickness of the peritoneum in healthy children and paediatric patients on CAPD.
BACKGROUND
Prolonged peritoneal dialysis and frequent episodes of peritonitis lead to structural changes and thickening of the peritoneum. Ultrasonography investigations may provide the opportunity to detect morphological changes early, but no systematic investigations have been performed yet.


METHODS
Normal values of peritoneal thickness were obtained by systematically examining 131 healthy children (0-15 years) by ultrasound. Parietal peritoneal thickness was best measured at the sternal-umbical line distal from the xiphoid. Growth charts with 95% intervals were prepared. The data of 26 patients with end-stage renal failure (5-18 years) were compared to those of the normal children.


RESULTS
The variation coefficient for the consecutive measurements was only 5%, interobserver error was approximately 7%. Whereas gender did not have any influence, peritoneal thickness was significantly correlated to age, weight and most obviously to height (r = 0.81; P<0.001). Children treated only by haemodialysis had normal values, while an increased thickness, loss of movement, and adhesion of the two peritoneal layers were found in children on CAPD. These changes were only noted in patients who had a history of peritonitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound examination is a simple, noninvasive and precise method to measure the peritoneal changes in children on CAPD.
Faller
U
U
Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Children's Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany.
Stegen
P
P
Klaus
G
G
Mehls
O
O
Tröger
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001062:Appendectomy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012016:Reference Values; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D014463:Ultrasonography