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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people who require dialysis face a variety of serious health problems, including diseases that cause kidney failure as well as kidney failure itself. Dialysis prolongs life for many people, but life expectancy for those who need the procedure is still much lower than that of the general population.
The main complications of peritoneal dialysis are:
- Infections. The most common problem for people receiving peritoneal dialysis is peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). An infection can also develop at the site where the tube (catheter) is inserted to carry the cleansing fluid into and out of your abdomen.
- Weight gain. The fluid used to clean your blood in peritoneal dialysis contains sugar (dextrose). You may take in several hundred calories each day by absorbing some of this fluid, known as dialysate. The extra calories can also lead to high blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Weakening of the abdominal muscles (hernia). Holding fluid in your abdomen for long periods may strain your belly muscles.
Other complications that can stem from dialysis or the underlying kidney disease include:
- Anemia. Anemia — not having enough red blood cells in your bloodstream — is a common complication of kidney failure. Failing kidneys reduce their production of a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates formation of red blood cells.
- Bone diseases. If your damaged kidneys are no longer able to use vitamin D to absorb calcium, your bones may weaken. Overproduction of parathyroid hormone — a common complication of kidney failure — can strip calcium from your bones.
- High blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure. If you eat too much salt or drink too much fluid while being treated for kidney failure, your high blood pressure may get worse — which takes a toll on your remaining kidney function. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Fluid overload. While holding the dialysis fluid in your abdomen for long periods, your body may absorb too much fluid. This can cause life-threatening complications, such as heart failure or fluid accumulation and swelling in your lungs (pulmonary edema).
- Amyloidosis. Dialysis-related amyloidosis develops when proteins in blood are deposited on joints and tendons, causing pain, stiffness and fluid in the joints. The condition is common in people who have been on dialysis for more than five years.
References
- Dialysis in the treatment of renal failure. In: Fauci AS, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States of America: The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2881062&print=yes. Accessed Aug. 24, 2008.
- Peritoneal dialysis: What you need to know. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=197. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
- Treatment methods for kidney failure: Peritoneal dialysis. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritoneal/. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
- Berns JS. Patient information: Renal replacement therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
- Mailloux LU. Dialysis modality and patient outcome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
- Peritoneal dialysis dose and adequacy. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/peritonealdose/. Accessed Sep. 10, 2008.
- Berns JS. Patient information: Chronic kidney disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html.
- Gajjar AH. Peritoneal dialysis catheters: Laparoscopic versus traditional placement techniques and outcomes. The American Journal of Surgery. 2007;194:872.
