Non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis in children

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains a cornerstone treatment for children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, offering significant benefits in terms of quality of life and patient autonomy compared to hemodialysis. Recent advances in care protocols, particularly in infection prevention, have led to a substantial reduction in peritonitis and other infectious complications in pediatric patients on PD. Despite these improvements, non-infectious complications continue to pose significant challenges to the long-term efficacy of PD. Mechanical issues, such as catheter malposition and dysfunction, are common and can lead to discomfort and diminished dialysis efficiency. A more serious concern is peritoneal membrane failure, which results from prolonged PD, particularly with glucose-based solutions, and recurrent peritonitis, leading to structural changes in the membrane. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), although rare, is a severe and often devastating complication that significantly impacts patient morbidity and mortality. Despite its low incidence, EPS underscores the importance of careful monitoring and management of long-term PD patients. Additional complications, including metabolic disturbances, pancreatitis, and hemoperitoneum, further complicate care. Looking ahead, improving catheter management, preserving peritoneal membrane function, and exploring new dialysis solutions are essential to reducing these complications and optimizing outcomes for pediatric patients on PD.