Peritoneal sclerosis in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Peritoneal sclerosis, a disorder similar to that previously identified in nonuremic patients, is being noted in peritoneal dialysis patients with increasing frequency. The etiology in dialysis patients remains unknown. An association with previous or ongoing peritoneal inflammation or irritation suggests that the incidence of peritoneal sclerosis could be reduced by rapidly controlling peritonitis and by eliminating the irritant properties of catheters, dialysate, and other materials used in performing peritoneal dialysis. If peritoneal sclerosis does supervene, weight loss, abdominal pain, and intestinal obstruction may occur and further peritoneal dialysis may become impossible because of abdominal pain or poor fluid and solute transfer.