After five years of treating diabetics by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), we analyzed the factors involved in prognosis. Forty-one patients were included in the study, with a cumulative experience of 784 months. Good control of blood glucose was obtained with intraperitoneal (i.p.) insulin and the blood pressure was controlled in 87% of patients without medication, which probably favored the stabilization of visual acuity in 60% of 15 patients evaluated after two years. The follow-up of patients was longer in those who began CAPD with a higher residual creatinine clearance. In spite of large number of patients who were blind or had very poor vision, 83% of all patients were self-sufficient and well-trained for CAPD, and 39% were able to work full time. The incidence of peritonitis declined to 1 episode per 17.5 patient months associated with the introduction of new preventive measures. Patients over 50 years old had the highest mortality rate and myocardial infarction was the main cause of death. Patient survival at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 42 months was 100, 90, 80, 62, and 62%, respectively. Age and cardiac problems are important factors in survival. Self-sufficiency, rehabilitation, and low incidence of peritonitis are also important factors in the life quality of diabetic patients on CAPD.

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