EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY PROFILE OF MECHANICAL COMPLICATIONS IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims The success of peritoneal dialysis (PD) depends on a functional and sustainable peritoneal access. The mechanical complications of PD (MCPD) are a major cause of technique failure. The aim of the study was to determine the different types of these complications and to define their prevalence. Method It’s a retrospective study conducted in our PD unit in December 2019. We collected all data concerning clinical characteristics of all patients currently in PD, as well as incidence, type, outcome of MCPD. Results There were 90 patients with an average age of 45 years (extremes: 20.5 years and 80.6 years). The sex ratio is 1.25. Fourteen were diabetic (15.5%). All patients were on Automated PD (APD) except one on Continuous Ambulatory PD (CAPD). The average duration of PD was 40.5 months. The average body mass index (BMI) was 23,8 kg/m? All patients had a Tenckhoff 2 cuff catheter placed by a mini laparotomy. Twenty six episodes of MCPD were noted in 17 patients (18,8%).The complications noted were early dialysate leakage in 2 patients(2,2%) spontaneously resolving before the beginning of the training, catheter obstruction in 8 patients(3 patients presented 3 episodes of obstruction each) (8,8%), umbilical hernia in 3 patients (3,3%), 2 patients had displaced repositioned catheter (2,2%). Five patients (5,5%) presented continued inflammation in the exit-site of the catheter: the outermost of the two Dacron cuffs spontaneously extruded in 2 patients, and was surgically extracted in 3 patients. Cuff externalization resolved the inflammation in all patients. Conclusion Successful access for PD placed by a trained operator is crucial in purpose to avoid MCPD. These complications must be treated on time to avoid technique failure.