Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication that occurs in patients with long-term
peritoneal dialysis (PD). Investigation of risk factors that contribute to EPS in patients on long-term PD
therapy is needed. In a retrospective, observational study, data were collected for 107 patients treated with PD
therapy for more than 5 years. Fifty cases of EPS were compared with 57 cases of non-EPS. To evaluate the impact of PD-associated
peritonitis in EPS, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Episodes of
peritonitis, number of
peritonitis episodes and the duration of
peritonitis were included as explanatory variables in addition to previously reported risk factors. D/P Cr and serum β2MG levels in the EPS and non-EPS groups were: 0.82 ± 0.10 and 0.67 ± 0.12 (P < 0.01), and 33.8 ± 8.54 and 29.2 ± 8.18 mg/L (P < 0.01), respectively. Episodes of
peritonitis, number of
peritonitis episodes and the duration of
peritonitis was 68% and 42% (P < 0.01), 1.80 ± 2.19 and 0.75 ± 1.07 times (P < 0.01), and 18.1 ± 15.3 and 10.2 ± 4.90 days (P < 0.01), in the EPS and non-EPS groups, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that both D/P Cr and the duration of
peritonitis were independently associated with EPS (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In patients on long-term PD
therapy, D/P Cr and the duration of
peritonitis are independently associated with EPS. Earlier treatment to promote an early recovery from PD-associated
peritonitis could be critical in preventing EPS.