Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is becoming a more popular type of dialysis treatment, not only in the United States, but all over the world. Continuous PD (CPD) is a dialysis therapy that requires a peritoneal catheter placed into the patient's peritoneum for access. Access is not via the blood stream. A sugar based solution is infused by the patient through the peritoneal catheter. After a few hours the fluid is drained from the patient, carrying excess water and waste products with it. Patients must perform this around the clock therapy each day. For convenience, continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis uses an instrument called the automated cycler. The cycler is pre-programmed to provide the necessary dialysis each night as the patient sleeps.
 
Some issues to consider regarding PD include:

• Patient compliance - this treatment must be done daily.
• Training to learn how to administer your own treatment.
• Adequate storage space for dialysis supplies.

For more information about peritoneal dialysis, check out AAKP's brochure, Understanding Your Peritoneal Dialysis Options. You may also read articles about PD on the AAKP Web site.

This article originally appeared in the May 2009 issue of Renal Flash.