Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (Reprinted from Ann. Intern. Med., vol 88, pg 449-456, 1978)

The technique of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was evaluated in nine patients during 136 patient weeks, The major objectives were to see i f continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis would provide [1] acceptable co ntrol of serum chemistries by usual criteria, [2] adequate removal of sodiu m and water, [3] tolerable protein losses, and [4] a low prevalence of peri tonitis with episodes responsive to therapy with continuing continuous ambu latory peritoneal dialysis, Preliminary findings suggest continuous ambulat ory peritoneal dialysis represents an effective ambulatory, portable, inter nal dialysis technique. Larger-solute clearances per week may approach valu es six times greater than with most hemodialysis techniques. Small solute c learances approach dialysate flow rate (8.3 ml/min) and are comparable to o ther dialysis techniques on a weekly basis. Edema is readily controlled and protein losses should be tolerable with adequate protein intake. Peritonit is occurs on the average every 10 weeks but responds to therapy promptly wi th continuing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, If the prevalence of peritonitis can be reduced, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis ap pears to represent a very attractive dialysis technique.