Peritoneal Dialysis in Children with Spina Bifida and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: One Center'S Experience and Review of the Literature

(1) Having a VPS is not an absolute contraindication to PD; the available data support the viability of PD in patients with spina bifida and/or a VPS. (2) If cerebrospinal fluid diversion is needed simultaneously or after starting PD, an extraperitoneal site should be a better choice than VPS. This should avoid the risk of intra- and postoperative infection in the PD catheter secondary to surgical intervention for VPS insertion. (3) Loss of peritoneal function is a potential late risk related to cerebrospinal fluid and PD. (4) Spina bifida patients on PD present specific diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms (e.g., vomiting, abdominal tenderness, fever) secondary to PD- or VPS-related complications (e.g., peritonitis, visceral injury by devices) or primary disease (e.g., neurogenic bladder, pyelonephritis), with inherent risks of delaying adequate treatment. Cloudy peritoneal effluent is an early indication of peritonitis, although it is not specific. (5) Early evaluation by a pediatric surgeon and a neurosurgeon is required for effective management of complications and selection of more efficient individualized therapeutic alternatives. Prompt treatment of complications is crucial. A registry of children with spina bifida on PD and the accumulation of a large population followed up for longer periods will provide an objective assessment of their problems and management.