Clinical Review : Peritoneal Dialysis in Children

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis is no longer experimental; it has become a routine procedure which can be easily performed at home when desirable. It can be used in poison ings, acute renal failure, other metabolic derangements, and in the terminal uremic patient as a "holding action" while he waits for kidney homotransplant. The simplicity, economy, and efficiency of the procedure, together with recent advances in instrumentation and in our understanding of fluid and electrolytes, are helping to broaden the clinical usefulness of peritoneal dialysis. This com munication surveys current clinical applications of peritoneal dialysis, its techni cal aspects and hazards, and its promising potential for therapy and research.