A comparative study of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and center hemodialysis. Efficacy, complications, and outcome in the treatment of end-stage renal disease.

We retrospectively compared 92 patients treated with center hemodialysis (CHD) and 72 patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) over a 26-month period. The groups were comparable with respect to underlying disease and demographic characteristics. Biochemical control was also similar, with higher bicarbonate levels and hematocrits in patients receiving CAPD, despite fewer transfusions and minimal administration of anabolic steroid and iron therapy. Hospitalization rates were also similar (1.58 +/- 2.89 vs 1.43 +/- 3.35 days per patient month for patients receiving center hemodialysis vs CAPD, respectively). Access complications were the most frequent cause of hospitalization in both groups, but cardiovascular causes were more frequent among patients receiving CHD. Diabetic patients had significantly higher hospitalization rates, which were similar in both groups. Twenty-nine percent of the peritonitis episodes necessitated hospitalization. Mortality and dropout rates were virtually identical in the two groups, with a 70% retention rate during the 26-month study. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is comparable with CHD with regard to biochemical results, complications, hospitalization rates, and outcome. It is widely applicable, as 44% of our new patients with end-stage renal disease are being sent home receiving this treatment.