[Pregnancy in patients treated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: review of the literature and management guidelines].

Pregnancy in patients suffering from chronic renal disease is still a rare phenomenon due to a number of factors that impair fertility in such patients, in spite of a number of new treatment techniques that have been introduced recently, e.g. renal replacement therapy with biocompatible dialysis membranes, highflux dialyzers, erythropoietins, and new types of peritoneal dialysis and higher level of care for such patients. Yet, when pregnancy occurs, it is possible to provide a safe outcome for both the mother and fetus. However, optimal conditions for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis should be provided. The data on pregnancy in patients suffereing from chronic renal disease are rather scarce, and have been derived from registers of dialyzed patients from few countries. Unfortunately, no such data are known for the patients in Croatia. This review deals with the specific approach to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in patients with pregnancy and end-stage renal disease. Particular attention is paid to specific problems associated with gestation, delivery and care for patients, with special reference to prenatal and neonatal care.