Peritoneal dialysis in children with end-stage renal disease

Discontinuation of maintenance peritoneal dialysis in children-A 10-year review from a single center in a low resource setting

INTRODUCTION

In South Africa, only children considered eligible for transplantation are offered dialysis as bridge to kidney transplantation. Maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD) is preferred and has several advantages over hemodialysis (HD). While awaiting transplantation, PD may be discontinued due to permanent transfer to HD or death while on PD, of which the occurrence and burden is not known in our setting. We investigated the rate of discontinuation of maintenance PD, and associated factors among children awaiting a kidney transplant under challenging socio-economic circumstances in a low resource setting.

METHODS

Single center retrospective analysis of children receiving maintenance PD. Outcomes included the proportion of children who discontinued PD before transplantation, associated factors and timing of discontinuation, and the proportion transplanted. Time to discontinuation or transplantation was displayed using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven children who received maintenance automated PD as initial dialysis modality were identified from the kidney transplant waiting list between January 2009 and December 2018. Complete data was available for 52 of the 67 children. Four children had prior failed kidney transplants. The median age was 11 years (interquartile range 6.0, 13.1). Overall, 17/52 (32.7%) children discontinued PD, with 13 (25%) transfers to HD and 4 deaths (7.7%), whereas 29/52 (55.8%) received a kidney transplant. Three of the deaths were PD related. Six children remained on maintenance PD at the end of the study period. Over a half of our patients discontinued PD by 12 months, and 80% by 30 months. Most PD discontinuations were associated with peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion discontinuing PD was high, highlighting the need to optimize measures to improve retention rates, especially through prevention of peritonitis.

Outcomes of Maintenance Peritoneal Dialysis in Children: A State Hospital Experience from Southeastern Turkey

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, laboratory features, and outcomes of pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and compare the factors affecting mortality. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 50 patients on maintenance PD followed up for more than 3 months were retrospectively analyzed for non-survivors and survivors to evaluate all factors affecting mortality. The patients (26 boys and 24 girls) had a mean age of 85.4 ± 58.7 months (range: 1-194 months) at the initiation of PD. The mean duration of dialysis at follow-up was 27.8 ± 21.7 months (range: 3-115 months). The rate of peritonitis was one episode per 27.27 patient months. PD was discontinued because of transplantation in eight patients, death in eight patients, and shifting to hemodialysis in three patients. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 1-year patient survival rate at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years was 81.8%, 51.7%, and 12.3%, respectively. Non-survivors were significantly younger at the start of kidney replacement therapy, had a final younger age at dialysis, and had lower albumin levels than survivors. We excluded four patients with a follow-up period of <6 months. Cox regression analysis revealed a low albumin status (P = 0.014, hazard ratio: 0.230) and a high level of ferritin (P = 0.002, hazard ratio: 1.002) to be risk factors for mortality. This study showed a high mortality rate. Hypoalbuminemia, a younger age at the start of kidney replacement therapy, and a younger final age at dialysis had a significant association with mortality.

Epidemiology of peritoneal dialysis outcomes

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important home-based treatment for kidney failure and accounts for 11% of all dialysis and 9% of all kidney replacement therapy globally. Although PD is available in 81% of countries, this provision ranges from 96% in high-income countries to 32% in low-income countries. Compared with haemodialysis, PD has numerous potential advantages, including a simpler technique, greater feasibility of use in remote communities, generally lower cost, lesser need for trained staff, fewer management challenges during natural disasters, possibly better survival in the first few years, greater ability to travel, fewer dietary restrictions, better preservation of residual kidney function, greater treatment satisfaction, better quality of life, better outcomes following subsequent kidney transplantation, delayed need for vascular access (especially in small children), reduced need for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and lower risk of blood-borne virus infections and of SARS-CoV-2 infection. PD outcomes have been improving over time but with great variability, driven by individual and system-level inequities and by centre effects; this variation is exacerbated by a lack of standardized outcome definitions. Potential strategies for outcome improvement include enhanced standardization, monitoring and reporting of PD outcomes, and the implementation of continuous quality improvement programmes and of PD-specific interventions, such as incremental PD, the use of biocompatible PD solutions and remote PD monitoring.

The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be advantageous compared with haemodialysis treatment, although several barriers limit its broad implementation. This review examines the epidemiology of peritoneal dialysis (PD) outcomes, including clinical, patient-reported and surrogate PD outcomes.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has distinct advantages compared with haemodialysis, including the convenience of home treatment, improved quality of life, technical simplicity, lesser need for trained staff, greater cost-effectiveness in most countries, improved equity of access to dialysis in resource-limited settings, and improved survival, particularly in the first few years of initiating therapy.

Important barriers can hamper PD utilization in low-income settings, including the high costs of PD fluids (owing to the inability to manufacture them locally and the exorbitant costs of their import), limited workforce availability and a practice culture that limits optimal PD use, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.

PD outcomes are highly variable around the world owing in part to the use of variable outcome definitions, a heterogeneous practice culture, the lack of standardized monitoring and reporting of quality indicators, and kidney failure care gaps (including health care workforce shortages, inadequate health care financing, suboptimal governance and a lack of good health care information systems).

Key outcomes include not only clinical outcomes (typically defined as medical outcomes based on clinician assessment or diagnosis) — for example, PD-related infections, technique survival, mechanical complications, hospitalizations and PD-related mortality — but also patient-reported outcomes. These outcomes are directly reported by patients and focus on how they function or feel, typically in relation to quality of life or symptoms; patient-reported outcomes are used less frequently than clinical outcomes in day-to-day routine care.

Ultrasound-Guided Modified Seldinger Placement of Tenckhoff Catheters in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: Single Center Experience

Minimally invasive peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheterization is increasingly common, and percutaneous PD catheters may be placed using a trocar or the Seldinger technique. There are few reports of pediatric percutaneous PD catheter insertion. We retrospectively compared the outcomes from percutaneous placement of Tenckhoff catheters using a modified Seldinger technique with catheter placement by open surgery. This single-center retrospective study compared 14 pediatric patients who received percutaneous PD catheter insertion using an ultrasound-guided modified Seldinger technique (August 2018-February 2021) with 10 patients who received open-surgical PD catheter insertion (2015-2018). Complications and catheter survival were evaluated. The overall technical success rate was 100%, but the Seldinger technique required less time (30 vs. 45 min) and smaller incisions (1.1 vs. 4.4 cm). The early complications in the Seldinger and control groups were bleeding (1 vs. 0), catheter dysfunction (1 vs. 1), abdominal pain (3 vs. 7), and exit leakage (0 vs. 1). In the Seldinger group, the median time from insertion to first use was 3 days, and the minimum follow-up was 6 months. Catheter survival at 6 months was 93% (Seldinger group) and 90% (open surgery group). The adoption of this technique at our institution led to a significant increase in the percentage of new pediatric dialysis patients commencing PD rather than hemodialysis. Collectively, the modified Seldinger technique described here was safe and feasible in pediatric patients. This approach is simpler and more rapid than open surgery, and reduces early complications and increases PD uptake.

Unconventional T cells and kidney disease

Unconventional T cells are a diverse and underappreciated group of relatively rare lymphocytes that are distinct from conventional CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, and that mainly recognize antigens in the absence of classical restriction through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These non-MHC-restricted T cells include mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, γδ T cells and other, often poorly defined, subsets. Depending on the physiological context, unconventional T cells may assume either protective or pathogenic roles in a range of inflammatory and autoimmune responses in the kidney. Accordingly, experimental models and clinical studies have revealed that certain unconventional T cells are potential therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. The responsiveness of human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and MAIT cells to many microbial pathogens, for example, has implications for early diagnosis, risk stratification and targeted treatment of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. The expansion of non-Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cells during cytomegalovirus infection and their contribution to viral clearance suggest that these cells can be harnessed for immune monitoring and adoptive immunotherapy in kidney transplant recipients. In addition, populations of NKT, MAIT or γδ T cells are involved in the immunopathology of IgA nephropathy and in models of glomerulonephritis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and kidney transplantation.

The current status of kidney transplantation in Nigerian children: still awaiting light at the end of the tunnel

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the gold standard treatment for children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5). It is easily accessible in well-resourced countries, but not in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). We present, a multicentre experience of paediatric KT of children domiciled in Nigeria. We aim to highlight the challenges and ethical dilemmas that children, their parents or guardians and health care staff face on a daily basis.

METHODS

A multicentre survey of Nigerian children who received KTs within or outside Nigeria from 1986 to 2019 was undertaken using a questionnaire emailed to all paediatric and adult consultants who are responsible for the care of children with kidney diseases in Nigeria. Demographic data, causes of CKD5, sources of funding, donor organs and graft and patient outcome were analysed. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we compared graft and patient survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-two children, aged 4-18 years, received 23 KTs, of which 12 were performed in Nigeria. The male-to-female ratio was 3.4:1. Duration of pre-transplant haemodialysis was 4-48 months (median 7 months). Sixteen KTs were self-funded. State governments funded 3 philanthropists 4 KTs. Overall differences in graft and patient survival between the two groups, log rank test P = 0.68 and 0.40, respectively were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The transplant access rate for Nigerian children is dismal at < 0.2%. Poor funding is a major challenge. There is an urgent need for the federal government to fund health care and particularly KTs. Graphical Abstract.

Evaluation of non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis in children: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common kidney replacement therapy in children. Complications associated with PD affect treatment success and sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of PD-related non-infectious complications and the predisposing factors.

METHODS

Retrospective data from 11 centers in Turkey between 1998 and 2018 was collected. Non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis (NICPD), except metabolic ones, in pediatric patients with regular follow-up of at least 3 months were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients were included. The median age at onset of PD and median duration of PD were 9.1 (IQR, 2.5-13.2) and 7.6 (IQR, 2.8-11.9) years, respectively. A total of 159 (57.8%) patients encountered 302 NICPD within the observation period of 862 patient-years. The most common NIPCD was catheter dysfunction (n = 71, 23.5%). At least one catheter revision was performed in 77 patients (28.0%). Longer PD duration and presence of swan neck tunnel were associated with the development of NICPD (OR 1.191; 95% CI 1.079-1.315, p = 0.001 and OR 1.580; 95% CI 0.660-0.883, p = 0.048, respectively). Peritoneal dialysis was discontinued in 145 patients; 46 of whom (16.7%) switched to hemodialysis. The frequency of patients who were transferred to hemodialysis due to NICPD was 15.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal dialysis-related non-infectious complications may lead to discontinuation of therapy. Presence of swan neck tunnel and long duration of PD increased the rate of NICPD. Careful monitoring of patients is necessary to ensure that PD treatment can be maintained safely.

Long-term outcomes in children on chronic continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a retrospective cohort study from a developing country

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred modality of dialysis among children with end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

To study the incidence of technique failure and survival among children with end-stage renal disease on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), we included children younger than 18 years of age who commenced and continued PD for more than 3 months as their primary form of dialysis between 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2016. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to analyze the CAPD outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 68 Tenckhoff (58 double cuffs, and ten single cuffs) catheters were inserted in 66 patients (mean age 12.3 ± 3.91 years) during the study period. Of the 66 children, 31 (47%) experienced 45 episodes of peritonitis. The total duration on CAPD was 107.58 years with a peritonitis rate of 0.42 episodes per year. Overall, the mean patient survival was 41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 29-54) months, with mean patient survival of 72% at 12 months, declining to 30% at 36 months and then remaining stable until the end of follow-up (106 months). The overall mean technique survival was 55 (95% CI 40-69) months, with mean technique survival of 69% at 12 months, declining to 44% at 36 months and then remaining stable until the end of follow-up (106 months).

CONCLUSION

CAPD is a viable option for end-stage renal disease in children from developing countries with a lack of access to automated PD and pediatric hemodialysis centers.

Creating arteriovenous fistulas for children in Guatemala

OBJECTIVE

The Guatemalan Foundation for Children with Kidney Diseases was established in 2003 as the first and only comprehensive pediatric nephrology program and hemodialysis unit in Guatemala. Bridge of Life (BOL) is a not-for-profit charitable organization focused on chronic kidney disease and supplied equipment, training and support during formation of the hemodialysis unit. Pediatric permanent vascular access (VA) expertise had not been established and noncuffed dialysis catheters provided almost all VA, many through subclavian vein access sites. BOL assistance was requested for establishing a VA surgical program, resulting in recurring BOL surgical missions to create arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in these children. This study analyzes the BOL pediatric VA missions to Guatemala.

METHODS

Three surgical pediatric VA missions were conducted in Guatemala from 2015 to 2017. Each mission was led by two or three surgeons. All supplies and equipment (including ultrasound units) were taken as part of each mission. The BOL surgical VA mission teams work with local pediatric surgeons, pediatric nephrologists, and dialysis nurses to establish collegial relationships and foster teaching interactions. We retrospectively reviewed the patient demographic data, procedures, and outcomes for these missions.

RESULTS

AVFs were created in 54 new pediatric patients. Ages were 8 to 19 years (13.4 ± 2.8 years) and 29 patients (54%) were male. Patient weights were 28 to 50 kg (30.8 ± 8.3 kg) with body mass indexes of 12 to 25 kg/m² (17.9 ± 2.9 kg/m²). Radiocephalic AVFs were created in 21 children (39%), proximal radial artery AVFs in 12 (22%). and brachial artery inflow AVFs in 5 (9%). Sixteen patients (30%) required transpositions and one a translocation; two of these were femoral procedures. Primary and cumulative patency rates were 83% and 85% at 12 months and 62% and 85% at 36 months, respectively. The median follow-up was 17 months. Interventions with fistulagram and balloon angioplasty options were not available for AVF dysfunction or access salvage during the study period. However, six patients underwent an AVF revision and salvage during subsequent missions or by one of the Guatemalan surgeons (R.S.). Four individuals underwent successful transplantation during the study period. There were no operative deaths or major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric VA missions to Guatemala created safe and functional AVFs in concert with local pediatric surgeons and pediatric nephrologists. Three surgical missions included access operations in 54 new patients. Cumulative AVF patency was 85% at 36 months.

Peritoneal Dialysis for AKI in Cameroon: Commercial vs Locally-Made Solutions

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in low- and middle-income countries, and is associated with a high mortality. The high mortality rate is in large part due to the inability to perform dialysis in resource-limited settings. Due to significant cost advantages, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been used to treat AKI in these settings. The costs, however, remain high when commercial solutions are used.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of the outcome, and of the peritonitis rates, of patients with AKI treated with either commercially manufactured PD solutions or locally-made PD solutions. A program to treat AKI with PD was started at Mbingo Baptist Hospital in Cameroon. Between May 2013 and January 2015, solutions and connection sets were provided by the Saving Young Lives Program. From January 2015 through March 2017, solutions were locally produced and available tubing was used.

RESULTS

Mortality in hospitalized AKI patients was 28% during the period when commercial solutions and tubing were utilized, and 33% when locally produced solutions and available tubing were utilized. In both groups, peritonitis occurred in 16% of treatment courses.

CONCLUSIONS

Locally produced PD solutions, used with locally available tubing, were used to treat AKI with PD. The mortality and peritonitis rates were similar whether locally produced or commercial supplies were used.

Peritoneal Dialysis Access Revision in Children: Causes, Interventions, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Little published information is available about access failure in children undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis. Our objectives were to evaluate frequency, risk factors, interventions, and outcome of peritoneal dialysis access revision.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Data were derived from 824 incident and 1629 prevalent patients from 105 pediatric nephrology centers enrolled in the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network Registry between 2007 and 2015.

RESULTS

In total, 452 access revisions were recorded in 321 (13%) of 2453 patients over 3134 patient-years of follow-up, resulting in an overall access revision rate of 0.14 per treatment year. Among 824 incident patients, 186 (22.6%) underwent 188 access revisions over 1066 patient-years, yielding an access revision rate of 0.17 per treatment year; 83% of access revisions in incident patients were reported within the first year of peritoneal dialysis treatment. Catheter survival rates in incident patients were 84%, 80%, 77%, and 73% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, risk of access revision was associated with younger age (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 0.95; P<0.001), diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.59; P=0.02), coexisting ostomies (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.87; P=0.01), presence of swan neck tunnel with curled intraperitoneal portion (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.63; P=0.02), and high gross national income (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.19; P=0.01). Main reasons for access revisions included mechanical malfunction (60%), peritonitis (16%), exit site infection (12%), and leakage (6%). Need for access revision increased the risk of peritoneal dialysis technique failure or death (hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.65; P=0.003). Access dysfunction due to mechanical causes doubled the risk of technique failure compared with infectious causes (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 2.30; P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal dialysis catheter revisions are common in pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis and complicate provision of chronic peritoneal dialysis. Attention to potentially modifiable risk factors by pediatric nephrologists and pediatric surgeons should be encouraged.

[Peritoneal dialysis adequacy in pediatrics. From the peritoneal equilibration test to the aquaporins]

An evaluation of the characteristics of peritoneal solute and water transport is essential to assess the suitability of prescribing dialysis in patients suffering from chronic renal disease. There are currently a series of models to perform this evaluation. The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) evaluates the peritoneal transport capacity, classifying the patients into four transport categories: high, high-average, low-average, and low. The short PET enables the same evaluation to be made in only 2hours, and has been validated in paediatric patients. On the other hand, the MiniPET provides additional information by evaluating the free water transport capacity by the ultra-small pores, and the Accelerated Peritoneal Examination Time (APEX) evaluates the time when the glucose and urea equilibration curves cross, and has been proposed as the optimum dwell time to achieve adequate ultrafiltration. An analysis is presented on the current information on these diagnostic methods as regards free water transport via aquaporins, which could be an important tool in optimising solute and water transport in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis, particularly as regards the cardiovascular prognosis.

Sustaining life or prolonging dying? Appropriate choice of conservative care for children in end-stage renal disease: an ethical framework

Due to technological advances, an increasing number of infants and children are surviving with multi-organ system dysfunction, and some are reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Many have quite limited life expectancies and may not be eligible for kidney transplantation but families request dialysis as alternative. In developed countries where resources are available there is often uncertainty by the medical team as to what should be done. After encountering several of these scenarios, we developed an ethical decision-making framework for the appropriate choice of conservative care or renal replacement therapy in infants and children with ESRD. The framework is a practical tool to help determine if the burdens of dialysis would outweigh the benefits for a particular patient and family. It is based on the four topics approach of medical considerations, quality-of-life determinants, patient and family preferences and contextual features tailored to pediatric ESRD. In this article we discuss the basis of the criteria, provide a practical framework to guide these difficult conversations, and illustrate use of the framework with a case example. While further research is needed, through this approach we hope to reduce the moral distress of care providers and staff as well as potential conflict with the family in these complex decision-making situations.

Is peritoneal dialysis still an equal option? Results of the Berlin pediatric nocturnal dialysis program

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) or conventional hemodialysis (HD) are considered to be equally efficient dialysis methods in children and adolescents. The aim of our study was to analyze whether an intensified, nocturnal HD program (NHD) is superior to PD in an adolescent cohort.

METHODS

Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled in a NHD program. We measured uremia-associated parameters, parameters for nutrition, medication and blood pressure and analyzed the data. These data were compared to those of 13 PD controls, matched for gender, age and weight at the beginning the respective dialysis program and after 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Serum phosphate levels decreased significantly in the NHD group and remained unchanged in the PD group. Arterial blood pressure in the NHD was significantly lower despite the reduction of antihypertensive treatment, whereas blood pressure levels remained unchanged in the PD controls. Preexisting left ventricular hypertrophy resolved and albumin levels improved with NHD. Dietary restrictions could be lifted for those on NHD, whereas they remained in place for the patients on PD treatment. Residual diuresis remained unchanged after 6 months of either NHD or PD. NHD patients experienced fewer days of hospitalization than the PD controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, NHD results in significantly improved parameters of uremia and nutrition. If individually and logistically possible, NHD should be the treatment modality of preference for older children and adolescents.

A review of acute and chronic peritoneal dialysis in developing countries

Various modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT) are available for the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While developed countries mainly use hemodialysis as a form of RRT, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been increasingly utilized in developing countries. Chronic PD offers various benefits including lower cost, home-based therapy, single access, less requirement of highly trained personnel and major infrastructure, higher number of patients under a single nephrologist with probably improved quality of life and freedom of activities. PD has been found to be lifesaving in the management of AKI in patients in developing countries where facilities for other forms of RRT are not readily available. The International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis has published guidelines regarding the use of PD in AKI, which has helped in ensuring uniformity. PD has also been successfully used in certain special situations of AKI due to snake bite, malaria, febrile illness, following cardiac surgery and in poisoning. Hemodialysis is the most common form of RRT used in ESRD worldwide, but some countries have begun to adopt a 'PD first' policy to reduce healthcare costs of RRT and ensure that it reaches the underserved population.

Psychosocial aspects of children and families of children treated with automated peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze psychosocial aspects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children treated with automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

METHODS

The study assessed 41 children > 2 (range 2.1-18) years of age and their parents. Data concerning the illness and sociodemographic parameters were collected. Patients completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and their parents the PedsQL-proxy version, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and Caregiver's Burden Scale (CBS).

RESULTS

Parents rated their children's overall health-related quality of life (QoL) as well as their physical and emotional functioning lower than the patients themselves. The majority of primary caregivers had a medium level of the total burden index in the CBS and higher values in the scales need for support and perceived available support than in the received support (BSSS). In the GHQ-12, 51.2% of primary caregivers had scores >2 points, which indicated the possible occurrence of abnormal mental functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial support for patients' families is necessary. Parents who provide primary care to children on PD require, above all, emotional support and assistance in self-fulfilment. More than half of them may have impaired mental function. There is the strong need to provide continuous psychological care for caregivers. Differences in perception of the children's activity in varied areas by the patients themselves and their caregivers may contribute to further problems within families.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts in children on peritoneal dialysis: a survey of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to inform best evidence-based practice by collating and disseminating the experiences of members of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network with children having concurrent ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) and peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDC).

METHODS

An online questionnaire was created and distributed to all 135 centers participating in the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network; the overall response rate was 56 %.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients with a concurrent VPS and PDC were reported. The children were 0-12 (mean 6.8) years old at the time of placement of the second indwelling device (PDC or VPS). In 15 cases, the PDC was inserted post-VPS. On average, the two catheters were present concurrently for 23 (range 1-60) months. There were 20 episodes of peritonitis observed in 11 of the 18 patients during a period of 392 months at risk, which is a peritonitis rate of 1/19.6 months. Only one patient developed both a VPS infection and an episode of peritonitis, and these events were temporally unrelated. No episodes of an ascending shunt infection or meningitis occurred in association with any episode of peritonitis, and no other complications of catheter dysfunction were described.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of peritonitis, the absence of any documented ascending or descending infections and the lack of catheter dysfunction during the period of observation suggests that the presence of, or need for, a VPS should not preclude PD as a safe option for children requiring renal replacement therapy.

Pediatric renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is used in a wide variety of pediatric populations. In this article, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of the different RRT modalities and the technical aspects of providing pediatric RRT. In addition, we will review the use of RRT with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the use of continuous RRT in the critically ill child with acute kidney injury and fluid overload, and the use of RRT for the removal of toxins and treatment of inborn errors of metabolism.

Impact of global economic disparities on practices and outcomes of chronic peritoneal dialysis in children: insights from the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network Registry

BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND METHODS: The number of patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) is increasing rapidly on a global scale. We analyzed the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network (IPPN) registry, a global database active in 33 countries spanning a wide range in gross national income (GNI), to identify the impact of economic conditions on CPD practices and outcomes in children and adolescents.

RESULTS

We observed close associations of GNI with the fraction of very young patients on dialysis, the presence and number of comorbidities, the prevalence of patients with unexplained causes of end-stage kidney disease, and the rate of culture-negative peritonitis. The prevalence of automated PD increased with GNI, but was 46% even in the lowest GNI stratum. The GNI stratum also affected the use of biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluids, enteral tube feeding, calcium-free phosphate binders, active vitamin D analogs, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Patient mortality was strongly affected by GNI (hazard ratio per $10 000: 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 5.5) independently of young patient age and the number of comorbidities present. Patients from low-income countries tended to die more often from infections unrelated to CPD (5 of 9 vs 15 of 61, p = 0.1). The GNI was also a strong independent predictor of standardized height (p < 0.0001), adding to the impact of congenital renal disease, anuria, age at PD start, and dialysis vintage. Patients from the lower economic strata (GNI < $18 000) had higher serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and lower serum calcium, and achieved lower hemoglobin concentrations. No impact of GNI was observed with regard to CPD technique survival or peritonitis incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that CPD is practiced successfully, albeit with major regional variation related to economic differences, in children around the globe. The variations encompass the acceptance of very young patients and those with associated comorbidities to chronic dialysis programs, the use of automated PD and expensive drugs, and the diagnostic management of peritonitis. These variations in practice related to economic difference do not appear to affect PD technique survival; however, economic conditions seem to affect mortality on dialysis and standardized height, a marker of global child morbidity.