The 1997 Report of the Japanese National Registry data on pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE

We have collected data on pediatric patients less than 16 years of age from the National Registry of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). We present our experience with this population.

DESIGN

The database details the patient numbers, age, outcome, cause of death, reason for terminating PD therapy, type of PD therapy, peritonitis, and catheter survival.

PATIENTS

Of 807 patients, 70 patients (8.7%) were under 1 year of age, and 268 patients (33.2%) were under 6 years of age, clearly indicating that PD was the treatment of choice in young children. The duration on PD was 5 years or more in 200 patients (24.8%), which showed an increase in long-term PD patients from 11% in 1991. Patients on automated PD (APD) increased to 75% in 1997 from 9% in 1991.

RESULTS

The outcomes for the total patient population of 807 as of the end of 1997 is: 253 patients (31.4%) were being successfully treated with PD, 87 patients (10.8%) died, 238 patients (29.5%) received a kidney transplant, and 121 (15.0%) were transferred to hemodialysis. The patient survival rate was 91% in 3 years and 86% in 5 years. The technique survival rate was 83% in 3 years and 71% in 5 years. The rate of peritonitis was 1 episode per 30 patient-months. The mean catheter duration was 2.25 years.

CONCLUSION

The patient and technique survival rates, the peritonitis rate, and the catheter survival improved recently. However, these data were worse in younger children (less than 6 years of age), indicating that extra-careful management is needed for this young age group.