Abstract
Ten chronic renal failure patients were placed on CAPD therapy up to April 1984 in our institution.
An increase in hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) was a consistent observation in these patients. There was definite subjective and objective improvement in the general condition of the patients. The increase in Hct and Hb was thought to be due to a reduction in plasma volume in the early stage of CAPD therapy.
The following factors were considered to have resulted in real hematological improvement; 1) decrease in BUN and serum creatinine; 2) decrease in serum methyl guanidine and middle molecular substances responsible for hemolysis and inhibition of erythropoiesis; 3) qualitative improvement in diet followed from free water and salt intake; 4) beneficial consequences to both physical and mental condition because fairly common symptoms in each case during hemodialysis were avoided; 5) improved iron metabolism.
It was considered that these factors brought a satisfactory result in ameliorating the anemia in patients undergoing CAPD.
One must keep in mind that catheter problems and peritonitis are still unavoidable complications in CAPD patients and in these situations Hb and Hct decrease.
