| [ Summary ] |
Incidence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), which is one of the most serious complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD), has been reported to be from 0.8% to 2.8% in Japan. Since mortality rates with EPS are extremely high, it is urgent to establish preventive measures and therapies for EPS. Although the therapeutic approaches for EPS are mainly composed of conventional therapies, such as peritoneal rest and total parenteral nutrition (TPN), these treatments can not suppress disease activity, per se. However, steroid administration has, recently, been recognized as an effective therapy. Furthermore, surgical therapy is strongly recommended for cases with persistent ileus. The dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio (D/P Cr), using a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET), as well as mesothelial cytology, has been widely adopted to evaluate patients at high risk for EPS. The clinical significance of peritoneal lavage after PD withdrawal warrants further study at present. |