The treatment of diabetic renal failure by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

During the 6-year period 1981-1987, 309 patients started chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), of whom 75 (24%) had diabetes. Despite severe peripheral vascular problems (20%), ischaemic heart disease (90%), and complete blindness (21%) the 1-year patient survival on CAPD was 88%. The actuarial patient survival for diabetic patients was similar to that of the non-diabetic cohort over the first 18 months but fell to 48% (compared to 70% in non-diabetic patients) at 3 years. Complications associated with CAPD, including the incidence of peritonitis, were no different between the diabetic and non-diabetic patient populations. Successful treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients can be achieved and justified in a liberal selection programme for the treatment of diabetic ESRD.