Hemoperitoneum: Bloody peritoneal dialysate in ESRD patients receiving peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Hemoperitoneum is seen in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) because the PD catheter provides a window to the peritoneum. Gynecological associated phenomena account for the majority of cases. Intra-abdominal pathology of solid organs such as the kidney, liver, and spleen as well as the gastrointestinal tract is recognized. Unique to PD patients, hemoperitoneum may be associated with the catheter itself, uremic bleeding, or peritonitis. A successful PD program requires nephrologists, PD nurses, and patients assess and manage hemoperitoneum in a systematic fashion. This paper reviews hemoperitoneum in adult PD patients. Copyright © 2007 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.