Genital edema in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Genital edema is a recognized complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in adults. Two children who developed genital edema while on CAPD are reported. The edema developed in both children as a consequence of a peritoneal leak in the inguinal region. A computerized tomogram (CT) scan of the abdomen is an excellent method to identify the site of the peritoneal leak. The literature is reviewed and the pathophysiology of the development of genital swelling and edema is discussed.