Hiroshi Tamura
Kumamoto University, Japan
: J Kidney
Peritoneal dialysis (PD), which requires sanitary care by the family, is frequently selected as a treatment option for pediatric patients with chronic renal failure. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the provision of electricity, water, and a hygienic environment. In this study, we investigated the effect of the Kumamoto earthquake on seven patients treated with PD by pediatricians in Kumamoto prefecture in 2016. Power and water outages occurred at the homes of five patients; two patients were hospitalized, two patients underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in a car or in an infirmary at evacuation shelters, and one patient was evacuated outside the prefecture. Peritonitis or exit-site infection subsequently occurred in two patients. Notably, regular administration of dialysate fluids and fixtures for 2 weeks of stock caused no problems. After explaining the emergency response to patients, it was possible to contact them and obtain an immediate response. Upon examining the after-effects of the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is crucial to establish a mode of communication and provide a list of available hospitals that can administer PD to pediatric patients, a disaster manual, and a backward support network system in the event of a disaster. There are several aspects regarding the disaster management after the Kumamoto earthquake that were common with those of previous earthquakes and require utmost attention.Furthermore, we compared the positive and negative aspects of the disaster managements of the great earthquakes with those of the Kumamoto earthquake. The following instructional points were noted: 1) be prepared to perform CAPD at home at any time and 2) maintain cooperation with local hospitals to ensure access to water and a hygienic environment during disasters. We hope that the results of our study will provide useful information on the management of pediatric patients with PD.
Hiroshi Tamura is working in Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
E-mail: bohm1905HT@kuh.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
