Capd Therapy for Patients over 80 Years of Age

Abstract

Objective The purpose of the study is to review our experience with patients over 80 years of age with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Design The records of all patients over 80 years of age treated in our unit with CAPD since 1979 were reviewed. Setting Outpatient CAPD facility. Patients Eighteen patients over 80 years of age were identified and studied. Main Outcome Measures The duration of CAPD therapy, duration of CAPD training, mortality rate, hospitalization rate, peritonitis rate, and family assessment were reviewed and analyzed. Results The mean ± SD duration of therapy was 20±17 months. Nine patients expired, 3 transferred to hemodialysis, 1 recovered renal function, and 5 remained on CAPD therapy. Peritonitis rates were 1.7 episodes/patient year. Of the organisms causing peritonitis, 56% were gram-positive bacteria. The average hospitalization rate was 13.9 days/patient year. The most frequent causes of hospitalization were peritonitis and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion CAPD therapy is a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with end-stage renal disease over 80 years of age.