Survey of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in the United Kingdom, 1982

Abstract

Forty -one adult renal units undertaking continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in the United Kingdom answered a questionnaire about available facilities and their own practices. The responses suggest that many units are struggling with unsatisfactory environmental facilities and inadequate staff. Working methods, diagnostic facilities and therapeutic policies varied considerably from unit to unit. We need more information about the influence of such variables on the results of CAPD and its complications, particularly peritonitis. The use of CAPO for the management of end-stage renal failure in the United Kingdom has increased dramatically since its introduction in 1978 (I, 2). Although statistics from the European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EDT A) revealed a high technique failure rate and considerable morbidity from catheter and peritonitis problems (2, 3), individual units have reported better results (4, 5, 6). Discussion with nephrologists in the United Kingdom suggested that there were marked differences between renal units in the techniques used and the facilities available for the practice of CAPD, and that these might be reflected in the results of treatment. Therefore, we circulated a questionnaire to the 59 dialysis units in the United Kingdom requesting information concerning their facilities, practices, and the ways in which they diagnosed and managed CAPD-related infection in 1982. Replies were received from 52 units; of these six were not using CAPD and five others were pediatric centres. The questionnaires from the remaining 41 adult renal units were analysed for this report.