Long-term outcome of peritoneal dialysis in infants

J Pediatr. 2000 Jan;136(1):24-9. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(00)90044-1.

Abstract

Debate continues concerning the treatment of infants with end-stage renal disease. We evaluated progress and outcome of 20 infants with a mean age of 0.34 year (range, 0.02-1 year) in a long-term peritoneal dialysis program at a single center. Mean weight at the start of dialysis was 4.8 kg (range, 1.7-11.4 kg), and the duration of dialysis was 17.3 months (range, 1-59 months). Eleven infants received renal transplants, 4 were switched to hemodialysis and then received transplants, 4 died, and 1 continues to receive peritoneal dialysis. There was significant co-morbidity in 6 infants who died or required hemodialysis. Catheter interventions were frequent, with 12 infants requiring at least one replacement. There were 1.1 episodes of peritonitis per patient-year; 70% of infants had 0 to 1 episode. Mean weight standard deviation score (SDS) was -1.6 at the start, -0.3 at 1 year (P =.0008), and 0.3 at 2 years (P =.0008). Height SDSs were -1.8 at the start, -1.1 at 1 year (P =.046), and -0. 8 at 2 years (P =.06). Head circumference SDSs were -1.9 at the start, -1.3 at 6 months (P =.003), and -0.9 at 1 year (P =.015). Fourteen of 16 survivors are achieving normal developmental milestones or attend mainstream school. Peritoneal dialysis in infancy is a demanding treatment, but outcome for growth, development, and transplantation justifies this intensive approach. When parents are counseled, the importance of non-renal co-morbidity must be emphasized.

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight
  • Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Cause of Death
  • Cephalometry
  • Child Development
  • Counseling
  • Disease
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Peritoneal Dialysis* / adverse effects
  • Peritoneal Dialysis* / instrumentation
  • Peritonitis / etiology
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome