Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Experience in a single renal unit in the UK.

The outcome of 106 patients started on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in a single renal unit over a 3-year period was reviewed in order to compare our experience with that of other centres. The incidence of peritonitis was not different in diabetics compared with non-diabetics, in the elderly compared with younger patients, and in non-compliant compared with compliant patients. The patients' level of education had a significant effect on the number of days required to train for CAPD. Diabetics and non-compliant patients required more hospitalization. The need for community support increased the incidence of peritonitis.