CAPD FLUID FOR CELL COUNT

Any Other Information

1. How is CAPD procedure carried out?

A simple operation is done to place a catheter into the abdomen. Dialysis solution is inserted via this catheter. When you have this solution inside your abdomen, dialysis is taking place. Tubing with 2 bags is attached to this inserted catheter. One bag contains dialysis fluid and other is an empty bag to drain the dialysate or effluent after the dialysis is over. The old fluid containing waste and toxins is drained out and new dialysis solution is refilled.

2. What are the advantages of CAPD procedure over hemodialysis?

CAPD is a relatively painless procedure and can be done by patient at home or workplace. As opposed to this, hemodialysis will require the patient to visit a nearby dialysis center on regular basis depending upon the severity of chronic kidney failure. Also each CAPD cycle will be done in 20-40 minutes as compared to hemodialysis which will require 2-3 hours.

3. What are the complications of CAPD?

Peritonitis is the major and leading complication and one of the important as well as avoidable causes of death in CAPD patients. Peritoneal cavity is an area in the abdominal region which is covered by peritoneum. Peritoneum is a sac which contains and protects all abdominal and pelvic area organs. Infection of this peritoneum is called peritonitis. This occurs when poor unsterile techniques are used for carrying out CAPD. Infection commonly occurs at catheter exit-site.

4. Is it important to check the drained fluid on regular basis?

Yes. Careful inspection of the drained fluid is very important to look for any kind of deviation from normal appearance in the fluid.

5. How should the drained fluid look?

Drained fluid should be clear and appear like diluted urine. It should be sterile and odourless. Cloudy effluent with pain in abdomen should raise the suspicion of ongoing peritonitis. In such cases, immediate testing of CAPD fluid needs to be done.

6. In peritonitis, why does fluid have cloudy in appearance?

When the fluid is cellular, it appears cloudy. Large numbers of cells in CAPD fluid make it look cloudy. However, at times, fluid may appear normal due to dilution effects, so even this should be tested in laboratory in symptomatic cases.

7. What is tested in CAPD fluid microscopic examination?

Microscopic examination is done to study the cells. Total and differential WBC count is given. High total count with neutrophilic predominance favors diagnosis of peritonitis. Normally peritoneum has very few neutrophils, so even >50% neutrophils in absence of high total count points towards peritonitis. Presence of absence of RBCs is reported. We also need to see the packed cell volume (PCV) of the fluid. PCV of >5% indicates hemorrhage. Serial fluid examination with increasing PCV will help to assess hemorrhage more accurately and clearly.

8. Do I need to add any other tests?

In case, routine fluid examination shows infection, microbiological tests like Gram stain and culture examination is required to see for the causative organism. We have 2 possibilities:

1. fluids with elevated cell count will show no growth on culture – culture negative peritonitis OR
2. culture may be positive with low cell counts.

Also, gram stain may show yeast cells due to fungal infection. Based upon microbiology reports, antibiotic or anti-fungal treatment can be started.

9. Can peritonitis affect future CAPD procedure?

Yes. There can be relapse of peritonitis episodes. Severe and long standing peritonitis leads to peritoneal membrane failure. Catheter will have to be removed and patient will be switched from peritoneal dialysis to hemo-dialysis.

10. How can this type of peritonitis be treated?

Cloudy and hazy CAPD effluent should be treated as peritonitis until proved otherwise and immediate antibiotic treatment is started. You need to discuss with your treating physician regarding what treatment is required based upon severity of your symptoms.

11. How can peritonitis be prevented?

Prevention of peritonitis is the key thing in CAPD patients. General hygiene is very important. ‘Exit site’ refers to where the catheter comes out from the body. To prevent infections, this area around the catheter should be keep clean and dry at all times.

12. What can be other causes of pain in abdomen in CAPD patients?

CAPD patients with clear drained effluent having pain in abdomen should be investigated for constipation, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, renal colic, biliary colic and perforation of intestines.

FAQs about CAPD FLUID FOR CELL COUNT

CAPD FLUID FOR CELL COUNT Near Me

Find a CAPD FLUID FOR CELL COUNT Lab Near You in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai