Unilateral hydrothorax in small children on chronic continuous peritoneal dialysis.

Three small children whose weights were under 15 kg and who were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis developed massive unilateral hydrothorax. The occurrence of hydrothorax was late, 3-22 months after the initiation of dialysis. Two of the three fluid collections were left-sided. Each episode was preceded by retention of dialysate. After drainage of the hydrothorax a modified peritoneal dialysis regimen was successful in sustaining patients for a few weeks until further therapy for end-stage renal disease could be pursued.