Noninfectious complications of peritoneal dialysis: implications for patient and technique survival.

Abstract

Noninfectious complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD) are increasing in relative importance due to success in decreasing the rate of PD peritonitis. Mechanical catheter complications are emerging as an important cause of technique failure at the same time as experience with PD is declining in North America. There is also increasing interest in metabolic complications of PD and in glucose-sparing strategies to reduce the risk for hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia. This clinical commentary focuses on these noninfectious complications of PD.