Preliminary experience with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was employed in seven patients of endstage renal failure (ESRF). All the patients had symptom-free ambulant life during CAPD. Blood pressure was well controlled and the haemoglobin level improved significantly. Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were maintained near normal levels. Metabolic acidosis was corrected. Recurrent peritonitis, heavy protein loss and catheter failure were the main complications of CAPD. It appears from these observations that CAPD may be helpful in patients with ESRF.