Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in a pediatric population.

Seven children aged from 6 weeks to 14 years were treated for end-stage renal disease by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 60 patient months. Satisfactory control of their uremia was achieved. Peritonitis was diagnosed on seven occasions (one case per 8.6 patient months) and did not interfere with continuation of dialysis or decrease peritoneal membrane permeability. Patients older than 5 years grew at rates comparable with those of patients receiving hemodialysis. Two infants receiving CAPD exhibited normal growth rates. Families demonstrated good psychosocial adjustment to the technique. Thus, CAPD seems to be a satisfactory alternative to hemodialysis for long-term therapy .