Serial studies of pulmonary function in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. A prospective study.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) produces a nearly continuous state of iatrogenic ascites which may interfere with respiratory excursions of the diaphragm and compromise ventilatory function. Sitting and supine studies of pulmonary function and arterial blood gas analyses done serially in 13 patients undergoing CAPD showed a significant decline in pulmonary volumes immediately after the institution of CAPD; however, the decline was not accompanied by abnormalities in gas transfer. Pulmonary volumes returned to baseline values within two weeks in all patients, including those with preexisting mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is concluded that CAPD does not compromise pulmonary function in patients with normal pulmonary function or in those with mild COPD.