Abstract: 【Abstract】Because of the advantages of convenience and flexibility, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is becoming the choice for many end- stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, especially for those of young adults, infants, elderly, and peritoneal dialysis patients with inadequate clearance of solutes and recurrent peritonitis. APD has the advantages of labor- saving and prevention of peritoneal dialysis associated complications, and can be used in urgent start dialysis. APD has less hemodynamic disturbance and does not need anticoagulant and extracorporeal circulation, with lower medical risks and expenses. Recently, APD has been successfully used in the treatment of many acute and severe diseases, such as congestive heart failure, acute cardio-cerebrovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. Percutaneous catheterization at bedside facilitates the application of APD in acute kidney injury patients, but the efficacy and safety need to be further studied by comprehensive comparisons of APD and hemodialysis. As a new dialysis modality, APD in peritonitis diagnosis and treatment, water clearance and nutritional influence remain unknown and more investigations are required.

Key words: Automated peritoneal dialysis, Intensive medicine, Urgent start dialysis, End-stage renal disease, Acute kidney injury