OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical results of our patient population on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) in relation to treatment modality systems, compliance, rehabilitation characteristics, complications, and survivals. DESIGN: The medical records of all patients trained on CAPD or CCPD between 1985 and 1992 were reviewed for the above-mentioned outcome objectives. SETTING: Outpatient CAPD facility affiliated to a tertiary care community hospital. PATIENTS: The total of 305 patients trained during the study period were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were studied for age, sex, primary renal disease, peritoneal dialysis modality, need of assistance from a partner during the dialysis procedure, causes of transfer and hospitalization, peritonitis, rehabilitation, patient compliance, and outcome including mortality. RESULTS: Patient population: 179 (58.7%) males and 126 (41.3%) females, aged 1-80 years (mean 47.2 +/- 15.09) with a total observation time of 15,753 patient-months. The most common diagnosis of the renal disease was diabetic nephropathy (41%). Peritonitis was the main cause of hospitalizations (36.7%) and of transfers (69.5%). Patient survival at one, two, and three years was 87.9%, 76.6%, and 67.0%, respectively. Likewise, technique survival was 65.5%, 45.5%, and 30.6%. Peritonitis rate for CAPD has improved from 1.9 episodes per patient-year to 1.2 episodes per patient-year and an overall rate of 1.5 episodes per patient-year. CONCLUSIONS: The experience in a large Hispanic program shows a good patient survival rate. Although there is a trend to a lower peritonitis rate, this continues to be the main cause of transfer, hospitalization, and one of the main causes of death.

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