Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): Experience with the first 100 patients in a Hong Kong Centre

We treated 100 Chinese patients age 16 to 83 years by CAPD, using three 2-litre exchanges per day. The treatment was self-financed in 69 patients, by charitable organisations in 25 patients, and by government funds in 6 patients. Satisfactory biochemistry was maintained and there was no gross hyperlipidaemia, renal osteodystrophy, or loss of ultrafiltration capacity of the peritoneum. Rehabilitation was good and 62% of patients returned to full-time employment. The average duration of hospitalization was 11.3 days per patient year. Peritonitis usually due to Staphylococcus pyogenes occurred at a frequency of one episode per 12.3 patient-months. Sixteen patients were transplanted and had a 2-year graft survival of 78.5%. The cumulative patient survival was 97% at 1 year and 84% at 2 years. The corresponding technique survival rates were 87% and 76% respectively. </jats:p

Lupus Nephritis Patients on Maintenance Dialysis in Hong Kong

Eleven patients with lupus nephritis required maintenance dialysis. Two were on haemodialysis (HD), 9 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). One was subsequently transplanted and recurrence of lupus nephritis occurred at 9 months post-transplant. One discontinued CAPD after 6 months; 4 died and the remaining 7 were fully rehabilitated. There was marked regression of extra-renal lupus activity post-dialysis </jats:p

Climatic Factors and Peritonitis in CAPD Patients

From March 1983 to December 1987 the relation of the occurrence of all episodes of peritonitis in CAPD patients to climatic factors, such as temperature and relative humidity was examined. Altogether 389 episodes were recorded in 239 patients. Peritonitis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis, Gram-negative organisms and culture-negative episodes was most frequent during the hot months of the year, June to October. The occurrence of peritonitis due to Staphylococcus aureus was uniformly distributed throughout the year. Relative humidity did not seem to affect the frequency of peritonitis. </jats:p