[Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, advantages and disadvantages].

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) represents a new method for the treatment of end-stage renal disease. It offers the advantages of greater clearance of higher molecular-weight substances than during haemodialysis, good control of blood pressure, marked improvement of anemia, and unrestricted diet. In contrast, the risks of peritonitis, hypoproteinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia are major disadvantages. Furthermore, CAPD is a time-consuming procedure. In spite of the need for technical improvements, CAPD is even now, for selected patients, a valuable alternative treatment to intermittent dialysis methods.