Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in patients with diabetes mellitus

Aim. To analyse the results of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, to specify complications, to evaluate transport characteristics of peritoneal membrane. Material and methods. The ability of peritoneal membrane to eliminate low-molecular substances (creatinine, urea), electrolytes and to evaluate treatment efficacy by residual renal function (peritoneal equilibration, total urine and creatinine clearance). Results. DM patients on CAPD developed vascular complications typical for DM:gangrene (n=2), diabetic foot (n=4), acute disorder of cerebral circulation (n=3), acute myocardial infarction (n=3). Diabetics' residual renal function deteriorated faster than in patients with non-diabetic uremia, though transport characteristics of the peritoneum in diabetics and non-diabetics were the same. Peritonitis in diabetics was observed much less frequently than in non-diabetics. Conclusion. CAPD is an adequate replacement therapy inpatients with uremia of different origin in; eluding diabetes. In the course of the treatment DM patients develop complications typical for basic disease but their frequency is unrelated to CAPD.