Difference Between Automated PD and CAPD

The kidneys are responsible for removing waste, toxins and excess water from the blood. If these organs are not functioning properly, waste would contaminate the bloodstream and ultimately lead to death. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions more are at risk because of diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney disease. CKD can lead to kidney failure, or end-stage renal failure, which will call for either a transplant or dialysis treatment. Peritoneal dialysis (PD), one of the types of dialysis treatment, comes in two forms.

About PD

• This daily, home-based type of dialysis involves the stomach's peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum, a thin lining inside the stomach, can substitute for the kidneys as it can also filter toxic matter and water. A dialysis fluid known as dialysate is put inside the cavity to move waste and water through the peritoneum. The old dialysate is later exchanged for new dialysate so this process can be repeated.

CAPD

• Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is completed without the aid of a machine. The patient will empty a fresh bag of dialysate into the stomach through a catheter, where the solution will remain for a period of time, usually four to six hours, to complete the removal process. Upon reaching the recommended elapsed time, the now contaminated solution is removed from the stomach. At this point, another new dialysate bag will be used to repeat the process.

APD

• Automated peritoneal dialysis indicates the usage of a machine, called a cycler, to aid in the exchange of dialysate solution. This form of treatment can be done during the night while the patient is asleep, as it is typically planned to run three to five dialysate exchanges in an eight- to 10-hour time frame. APD employs larger solution bags, which are connected to the cycler and a catheter. Upon completion, the patient has the option of whether to keep fluid in the stomach until it is time for the removal process again. However, some patients may have to physically remove solution in addition to completing the cycler procedure. In any case, APD is considered a convenient way to free up time for other activities.

Considerations

• For any form of PD to work, the patient must have a permanent catheter placed inside the stomach so that fluid exchanges can occur. Once the area of catheter insertion heals, the patient can commence home treatment. The patient will have instructional material and the help of a nurse until the patient becomes comfortable doing the treatments on her own.

  Furthermore, a doctor must be consulted because not all people are eligible for PD. Other disadvantages include the possibility of weight gain, issues with blood sugar management and infection at the catheter location or in the abdomen.