CAPD in Canada in 1982

This study examined the role of CAPD in the treatment of end stage renal failure in Canada in 1982, using data obtained from the Canadian Renal Failure Registry. In comparison to 1981, there was an increase in the number of patients on peritoneal dialysis. As of December 31, 1982, equal proportions of patients had started on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The average patient age was slightly lower for the hemodialysis. The most common reason for discontinuing CAPD was transplantation, followed by peritonitis and other abdominal complications. Over one-half of CAPD patients had no peritonitis; most of the episodes occurred in a minority of patients. In the initial treatment of children, CAPD and hemodialysis were used with equal frequency. At two years the survival of non-diabetic patients on CAPD was similar to that of hemodialysis patients.

The Canadian Renal Failure Registry, which was established in 1981, receives data from all 68 dialysis units in Canada (1–2). The Registry has two parts: the first receives data from each centre, and the second concerns data only on patients who were started on treatment after the Registry came into existence, that is, 1981. This report examines the place of CAPD in the overall management of all patients in Canada with end-stage renal failure, and the use and complications of CAPD in patients who started therapy in 1981 and 1982.