PERITONEAL LAVAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF ANURIA IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Three children with acute anuria treated by peritoneal lavage and two others from whom it was withheld are reported. Peritoneal lavage should be reserved for the treatment of a progressing uremic state associated with an acute yet probably reversible anuria of renal origin. The procedure, when suitably indicated, is effective for removal of nitrogenous waste products and may prove life-saving. Technical aspects of the method are discussed, and the use of variation of the glucose concentration in the lavage fluid as a means of controlling water retention is demonstrated. Peritoneal lavage is a complex, expensive, yet effective method of partially simulating the kidney glomerulus. The absence of tubular function in anuric patients who are receiving peritoneal lavage makes management of their acid-base balance a difficult problem.