Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment for kidney failure. EPS causes the lining of the abdomen to become thicker and scarred, leading to bowel obstruction and a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Diagnosis of EPS typically involves imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan to allow the doctor to see the thickened abdomen lining and look for bowel obstruction.
Treating EPS requires a multidisciplinary team approach comprising of dieticians, nephrologists, general surgeons and other healthcare professionals. This is because managing EPS involves treating the underlying kidney failure, stopping factors that make EPS worse and surgery if appropriate.
EPS treatment is an inpatient process, with patients requiring admission for at least 8 weeks. Non-surgical management may involve nutritional support, pain management and close monitoring for complications. If the patient is eligible for surgical management this would involve removing the scarred tissue from the bowel to stop the bowel obstruction and reduce symptoms. This service is available for adults.
Credits:
Ines Djedje – University of Mancheser 5th year medical student
Sources:
- Moinuddin, Zia et al. “Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis-a rare but devastating peritoneal disease.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 5 470. 5 Jan. 2015, doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00470
- Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis Treatment Service (england.nhs.uk)