Peritoneal dialysis in chronic renal failure in children: a six year study.

A six year study was conducted to evaluate the long-term use of chronic peritoneal dialysis in children with end-stage renal failure at a single center. All patients maintained satisfactory clinical status and achieved good biochemical control. No significant changes in developmental continuum as measured by weight and length/height were observed in these patients upon institution and maintenance on peritoneal dialysis. The incidence of peritonitis was one episode every 12.3 patient-months. The overall incidence of catheter replacement was one change every 15 patient-months. Our results serve to underscore the effectiveness of long-term peritoneal dialysis in children.