Gavin is on Continuous Cycler-Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) which first became practical and widely used for kidney failure since the 1980’s.

Gavin’s peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment (which requires sterile technique meaning there is a scrub in time and surgical mask worn during this procedure) is performed every day at home by his parents using a machine called an automated cycler, which performs his exchanges (each cycle of draining and refilling is called an exchange) for ten hours during the night while he sleeps. PD must be performed everyday because fluid must be in his abdomen at all times to clean his blood adequately. Monitoring of his weight and vital signs is also done.

Gavin has a soft tube called a catheter, surgically placed in his abdomen (in the peritoneal cavity) that is used to fill his abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution, and also used to carry the dialysis solution out of his abdomen. (Gavin’s catheter has merged with scar tissue created by this surgery and that is how it is kept in place.)

The walls of his abdominal cavity (and yours) are lined with a membrane called the peritoneum which allows waste products, (waste products, such as urea and creatinine, build up in the blood when kidneys fail) and extra fluid to pass from his blood into the dialysis solution the solution contains a sugar called dextrose, salt and other minerals dissolved in water, that pulls wastes and extra fluids from his blood into his abdominal cavity). These wastes and fluids then leave his body when the dialysis is drained, and the used solution, containing these extra fluids and wastes is thrown away.

The period his dialysis solution is in his abdomen is called the dwell time.

Currently, Gavin has ten exchanges a night, for ten hours, with a dwell time of one hour, using the 1.5 and 2.5 liter or combinations of the two, solutions. In the morning his last exchange uses the2.5L solution and his dwell contains 80 cc’s because it must last the entire day.

Sensors will trigger an alarm and shut off his machine if there’s a problem with his inflow or outflow. Because Gavin is drained by gravity, if the alarm goes off (which has happened, sometimes hourly, all night long) Gavin’s parents must come in and wake him up to fix the problem.

Some Complications of Peritoneal Dialysis:

Sometimes CCPD patients may have a solution absorption problem with the daytime exchange because of the long dwell time to remedy this an additional exchange is needed in the mid-afternoon to increase the amount of waste removed and to prevent excessive absorption of fluid (this hasn’t happened to Gavin yet – knock on wood.)

Infection of the peritoneum (peritonitis) abdominal infection – is the most common problem for people like Gavin who are on PD so Gavin’s mom and dad have to wash their hands every time they need to handle his catheter. They must also clean his exit site with antiseptic every day.

Developing diabetes mellitus (requires blood sugar monitoring) or obesity – this develops because of the large glucose (sugar) content of the peritoneal dialysis.

Anemia (low red blood cells) is common to people with kidney disease – Red blood cells (RBC’s) carry oxygen to cells throughout your body. Without oxygen, cells can’t use the energy from food –so- someone with anemia may tire easily and look pale. Anemia also contributes to heart problems.

Anemia is common because failed kidneys cannot produce the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the bone marrow to produce RBC’s. Fewer RBC’s means less oxygen =’s Anemia.

Gavin is anemic and receives EPO injections.

Renal Osteodystrophy (bone disease) affects up to 90% of dialysis patients. It causes bones to become thin, weak or malformed.

Itching (Pruritus) Itching can be made worse by uremic toxins (poisons) in the blood that dialysis doesn’t adequately remove.

Restless Leg Syndrome aching, uncomfortable, jittery or restless legs make kidney patients feel a strong impulse to kick or thrash their legs (theories about this include nerve damage and chemical imbalances.)

Sleeplessness which can lead to “day-night reversal” headache, depression and decreased alertness.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency – Gavin has this and receives supplements.

Hernias of the abdomen or groin – Gavin has this.

Hyperkalemia – high blood concentrations of potassium that can cause irregular heart beat and cardiac arrest – this makes diet especially important.

Pericarditis – inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

High Acidity of the Blood.

Heart Failure.

Uremic Encephalopathy – abnormal functioning of the brain.

Bleeding from the site where the catheter is inserted or within the abdomen.

Fluid Flow Blockage caused by blood clots.

Abscess formation caused by infections at the catheter site.

Abnormally low blood albumin.

Partial Intestinal Obstruction – caused by development of too much scar tissue within the peritoneum.

Very low thyroid hormone levels.

Hyperlipidemia – (excessive levels of certain fatty compounds in the blood.)