Symptomatic peritoneal calcification in a child: treatment with tidal peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the ability of tidal peritoneal dialysis to decrease the pain and frequency of hemoperitoneum associated with peritoneal calcification.

Design: Prospective case evaluation.

Setting: The Home Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, Children's Mercy Hospital.

Patient: Seven-year old male with diffuse peritoneal calcifications, daily abdominal pain, and recurrent hemoperitoneum.

Intervention: Tidal peritoneal dialysis was conducted with an initial fill volume of 45 mL/kg and a tidal inflow volume of 23 mL/kg. The patient also maintained a daytime pass volume of 45 mL/kg. Duration of treatment was 7 months.

Results: The patient's abdominal pain resolved 2 days after initiating tidal peritoneal dialysis. No episodes of hemoperitoneum or abdominal pain have occurred for 7 months.

Conclusion: Tidal peritoneal dialysis is a unique approach to the achievement of symptomatic relief in the patient with peritoneal calcification.