Constipation in peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract

Constipations in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are
relatively understudied in literature. This gastrointestinal
disorder can lead to a catheter dysfunction
or peritonitis and/or PD failure. The pathogenesis of
constipation is not only associated with intestinal
dysfunction caused by uremic toxins and intestinal
microbiome disorders but also with the presence of
comorbidities and medicines taken. Standard accepted
Rome Criteria and Bristol stool scale allow to
establish the correct diagnosis. Therapy should be
graded starting with lifestyle modifications by using
osmotic and then contact laxatives. Unfortunately,
information available in the literature usually concerns
one center short time observational studies and
doesn’t allow the safe procedure to be established.