CAPD is not a Contraindication for Swimming in Children

Abstract

Sir: Frequently, we are asked if children in our CAPD program are permitted to swim. This question arises because of concern for infection at the catheter site and because the spikecontainer connection (Travenol) is not watertight. Last summer at a dialysis camp in Ontario, five children on CAPD swam daily in a lake using the following routine. I) The empty dialysis bag was folded so that the spike-container connection was on the inside of the fold and the bag was then inserted into a plastic freezer bag. The neck of the bag was sealed around the tubing with regular , freezer-bag, twist ties. This proved to be water tight and the bag was then tucked under the swimsuit during swimming. 2) After swimming each patient cleaned his catheter in a shower using a Betadine sponge, followed by a peroxide rinse. Some of the children then preferred covering the catheter with a dry dressing while others left it exposed. No other changes to their routine were made. Then or subsequently, we have seen no episodes of peritonitis or exit-site infections, associated with swimming and the routine has been well accepted by the children. Swim periods, up to one hour in duration, in both public and private pools so far have been successful. We believe that this form of exercise is beneficial, both physically and psychologically, to our patients and we continue to recommend it.