Classification of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is important but must encapsulate the entire spectrum of the disease

摘要

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), associated with prolonged PD duration and repeated or severe episodes ofperitonealinfection.Variationsin the physicalappearance of the disease and in interpretations of the underlying pathology have, overtheyears, clouded the terminology used. The first published report of the condition in 1980 highlighted the underlying peritoneal sclerosis and described encapsulation as 'loops of bowel... bound together and shortened by a dense casing" (1). The condition was subsequently designated "sclerosing peritonitis" (2), reflecting some similarities with practolol-induced sclerosing peritonitis (3-5); however, there is now general agreement that the condition should be termed EPS, although encapsulating fibrosis with peritoneaL sclerosis would be more accurate.