[Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: efficient treatment for children with terminal uremia].

We have reviewed records of 12 children underwent CAPD between January 84 and May 88, ranging in age from 7 month to 16 years (mean age 8.9 +/- 4.9 years). CAPD treatment lasted from 3 to 24 months (average 10.3 months). Exchanges of dialysis fluid were performed by parents (8 cases) or children (3); mean volume was 41.7 +/- 8.7 ml/kg/exchange (range 32-58 ml/kg). During 132 patient months of treatment laboratory data showed a good metabolic control expect a tendency to hypoalbuminemia. There were 3 catheter changes. Complications were: peritonitis (15 episodes or one infection every 8.8 patient/treatment/months), hypertension (5 cases), hypervolemia (2), cuff extrusion (4), local exit site (5) and tunnel (2) infections and hernias (2). CAPD has been continued in 3 children; 6 other received renal transplantation, one was switched to hemodialysis and 2 died. This study has demonstrated that CAPD was an effective treatment for renal failure in children waiting renal transplant. Cuff extrusion and hypoalbuminemia were common complications in our children.