CAPD THERAPY FOR PATIENTS OVER 80 YEARS OF AGE

Objective: The purpose of the study is to review our experience with p atients over 80 years of age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treat ed with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Design: The records of all patients over 80 years of age treated in our unit with CAPD since 1979 were reviewed. Setting: Out-patient CAPD facility. Pat ients: Eighteen patients over 80 years of age were identified and stud ied. Main Outcome Measures: The duration of CAPD therapy, duration of CAPD training, mortality rate, hospitalization rate, peritonitis rate, and family assessment were reviewed and analyzed. Results: The mean+/ -SD duration of therapy was 20+/-17 months. Nine patients expired, 3 t ransferred to hemodialysis, 1 recovered renal function, and 5 remained on CAPD therapy. Peritonitis rates were 1.7 episodes/patient year. Of the organisms causing peritonitis, 56% were gram-positive bacteria. T he average hospitalization rate was 13.9 days/patient year. The most f requent causes of hospitalization were peritonitis and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: CAPD therapy is a reasonable therapeutic option f or patients with end-stage renal disease over 80 years of age.