OBJECTIVE: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is recognized as a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical features, and variation in mortality rates for EPS. DESIGN: A prospective multicenter design was used, in which peritoneal dialysis patients were pre-registered by facilities across Japan and the incidence of EPS was observed in the registrants. The registrants were followed for a total of 4 years to accurately observe the onset of EPS. RESULTS: As of April 1999, 2216 peritoneal dialysis patients from 64 facilities were registered. By the end of March 2001, 332 patients had dropped out, and 17 of the dropouts had developed SEP. The incidence was 0.77%. After excluding 110 patients who died, the incidence in 2106 patients was 0.81%. The incidence of EPS increased with the duration of peritoneal dialysis. Of the 17 patients with EPS, 12 developed the condition after discontinuing peritoneal dialysis and changing to hemodialysis. During the 2-year survey period, 6 of the 17 EPS patients died. The interval from onset to death was 10.8 +/- 5.8 months (range: 3-19.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: From this prospective multicenter study, the current incidence of EPS is 0.77% (0.81% when dropout owing to death is censored). After a follow-up of 2 years, we conjecture that the incidence of EPS will increase. The incidence, etiology, and prognosis of EPS will be further clarified by periodic observation of dropouts until the end of March 2003.

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