RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of peritoneal dialysis on fluid balance and outcome in children who receive cardiac operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July to Dec. 2000, 12 (2.08%) patients of 576 consecutive children who underwent heart operation required peritoneal dialysis because of acute renal failure. The mean age of these 12 patients was (2.9+/-2.0) years (range, 5 months-7 years) and the mean body weight was (12+/-3) kg (range, 7.4-18.5 kg).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The interval between the operation and the initiation of peritoneal dialysis was (21.2+/-11.4) hours (4.4-42 hours). The duration of peritoneal dialysis was (6.3+/-4.8) days (0.47-15 days). Mortality in these 12 patients was 25%. Fluid removed by peritoneal dialysis was (34.7+/-17.8) ml x kg(-1) x day(-1). Asymoptomatic hypokalemia, thrombocytopenia and hyperglycemia were frequent complications, which were easily managed. Hemodynamics and pulmonary function improved during the study period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The early initiation of peritoneal dialysis is an effective and safe method to treat acute renal failure after cardiac operation in children.</p>