Peritoneal dialysis-related infections in elderly patients

This review outlines the epidemiology, characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis, PD catheter-related infections, and the effects of assisted PD in elderly patients from the Japanese perspective. Based on the literature, the incidence of peritonitis is likely to be higher in elderly patients than in younger patients. The most frequent causative bacteria in elderly patients are Gram-positive bacteria, as in adult PD patients, most commonly due to transcatheter infection. However, elderly patients may have difficulty recognizing cloudy drainage fluid due to decreased visual acuity. Hypokalemia, the use of gastric acid suppressants, prophylactic antibiotic use before endoscopy, biocompatible fluids and hypoalbuminemia considered modifiable risk factors for peritonitis. However, the mechanism by which treatment of hypokalemia prevents peritonitis is unknown. Currently, the relationship between gastric acid suppression therapy and peritonitis in elderly patients is debatable, with no evidence to strongly recommend uniform discontinuation of gastric acid suppression therapy. Exit-site infection (ESI) is a major risk factor for the development of peritonitis, and appropriate prevention and management of ESI may reduce infection-related hospitalizations in PD patients. Currently, no randomized, controlled trials have verified the effectiveness of antibiotic application for ESI in Japan, but results from other countries are awaited. In assisted PD, it is extremely important that family members, caregivers, and nurses who support the procedure receive sufficient education and training from medical professionals familiar with PD. Early detection and treatment of PD-related infections are required because the risk of death increases in elderly patients.

Assisted PD throughout Europe: advantages, inequities, and solution proposals

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis provides several benefits for patients and should be offered as first line kidney replacement therapy, particularly for fragile patients. Limitation to self-care drove assisted peritoneal dialysis to evolve from family-based care to institutional programs, with specialized care givers. Some European countries have mastered this, while others are still bound by the availability of a volunteer to become responsible for treatment.

METHODS

A group of leading nephrologists from 13 European countries integrated real-life application of such therapy, highlighting barriers, lessons learned and practical solutions. The objective of this work is to share and summarize several different approaches, with their intrinsic difficulties and solutions, which might helpperitoneal dialysis units to develop and offer assisted peritoneal dialysis.

RESULTS

Assisted peritoneal dialysis does not mean 4 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis exchanges, 7 days/week, nor does it exclude cycler. Many different prescriptions might work for our patients. Tailoring PD prescription to residual kidney function, thereby maintaining small solute clearance, reduces dialysis burden and is associated with higher technique survival. Assisted peritoneal dialysis does not mean assistance will be needed permanently, it can be a transitional stage towards individual or caregiver autonomy. Private care agencies can be used to provide assistance; other options may involve implementing PD training programs for the staff of nursing homes or convalescence units. Social partners may be interested in participating in smaller initiatives or for limited time periods.

CONCLUSION

Assisted peritoneal dialysis is a valid technique, which should be expanded. In countries without structural models of assisted peritoneal dialysis, active involvement by the nephrologist is needed in order for it to become a reality.

Outcomes of elderly peritoneal dialysis patients: 65-74 years old versus ≥ 75 years old

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical data of elderly patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and compare patient and technique survival rates between Group 1 (65-74 years old) and Group 2 (≥75 years old).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 296 elderly patients (≥65 years old) on maintenance PD who were admitted to the Peritoneal Dialysis Center of the Second Hospital of Soochow University. The patients were categorized by outcome into ongoing PD, changed to hemodialysis, renal recovery dialysis stopped, or death groups. The patients were divided into Group 1 (65-74 years old) and Group 2 (≥75 years old). Patient survival and technique survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors associated with patient survival were analyzed using the Cox regression model.

RESULTS

There were 176 (59.5%) subjects in Group 1 and 120 (40.5%) subjects in Group 2. The primary causes of death were cardiovascular events, peritonitis, and other infections. The patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91.2%, 68.0%, and 51.3% in Group 1 and 76.8%, 37.5%, and 17.6% in Group 2 (p < 0.001, HR 0.387, 95% CI 0.282-0.530). There was no statistically significant difference in the technique survival rate between the two groups (p = 0.54).

CONCLUSION

The elderly PD patients in this cohort mostly died from cardiovascular events, with a higher patient survival rate in Group 1 and similar technique survival in both groups. Older age, lower prealbumin, higher creatinine, not being on activated vitamin D, and high Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) score were independent risk factors for death.

Device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with impaired hand-eye function require helper assistance. Our centre developed a connection device that assists patients with impaired hand-eye function to perform PD exchange themselves, but the clinical outcomes in these patients have not been investigated.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who had device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) during 2007-2016 and compared their clinical outcomes with age- and sex-matched patients receiving helper-assisted CAPD.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-two patients (86 each in the device- and helper-assisted CAPD groups) were followed for 29.9 (19.4-43.3) months. The device- and helper-assisted groups had comparable peritonitis rates (0.489 and 0.504 episode per patient-year, respectively, p = 0.814), with no difference in the distribution of causative organisms and the organism-specific peritonitis rates. The device-assisted group showed similar peritonitis-free survival compared with the helper-assisted group (2.58 (1.85-3.31) vs. 1.78 (0.68-2.88) years, p = 0.363) and time-to-PD discontinuation (6.27 (3.65-8.90) vs. 4.35 (3.48-5.22) years, p = 0.677). The median patient survival was similar between the two groups (3.89 (2.22-5.55) vs. 3.81 (3.27-4.36) years in the device- and helper-assisted groups, respectively, p = 0.505).

CONCLUSION

Device-assisted CAPD confers comparable outcomes as helper-assisted CAPD and is a viable option in PD patients with impaired hand-eye function.

Exercise intolerance and malnutrition associated with all-cause mortality in elderly patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a single-center prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Low physical function and malnutrition in elderly patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are important issues that may be associated with prognosis. We aimed to determine the association between physical function and nutritional status and survival in elderly patients undergoing PD.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective cohort study included 45 stable, ambulatory patients undergoing PD. Physical function was measured using the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test, 10-m walk speed, handgrip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, and short physical performance battery. Nutritional status was assessed using albumin levels and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Patients were divided into two groups according to adverse events. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to predict mortality. The relationships between all-cause mortality and physical function and nutritional status were studied using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 75.3 ± 6.5 years. The median follow-up time was 32 (interquartile range 18-51) months, during which 11 deaths occurred. Death during follow-up was significantly associated with lower 6MWD (237.4 ± 120.2 vs. 355.2 ± 105.9 m), lower GNRI (77.3 ± 16.3 vs. 89.3 ± 8.1), and lower albumin levels (2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.4 mg/dL) at baseline (p < 0.05). The cut-off values were 338 m, 83.3, and 2.95 g/dL for the 6MWD, GNRI, and albumin levels, respectively. The 6MWD test, GNRI, and albumin levels were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.05). Additionally, the group with combined exercise intolerance and malnutrition had a lower survival rate (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lower 6MWD and malnutrition are predictors of mortality in elderly patients undergoing PD.

Assisted peritoneal dialysis performed by caregivers and its association with patient outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although caregivers allow peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with disabilities the opportunity to perform PD, it is crucial to clarify the safety and effectiveness of assisted PD performed by caregivers compared to self-PD.

METHODS

PD patients from 22 PD centres in Thailand were prospectively followed in the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study during 2016-2017. Patients receiving assisted PD performed by caregivers were matched 1:1 with self-PD patients using propensity scores calculated by logistic regression. The associations between assisted PD and risk of mortality, peritonitis and permanent transfer to haemodialysis (HD) were assessed by multivariable competing risk regression.

RESULTS

Of 778 eligible patients, 447 (57%) required assisted PD performed by caregivers. Most of the caregivers were family members (98%), while the rest were non-family paid caregivers (2%). Patient factors associated with assisted PD were older age, female gender, lower educational level, cardiovascular comorbidities, diabetes, automated PD modality, poorer functional status and lower blood chemistries (albumin, creatinine, sodium, potassium and phosphate). After 1:1 matching, the baseline characteristics were adequately matched, and 269 patients in each group were analysed. Compared with self-PD, assisted PD was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted sub-hazard ratio: 2.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-3.74). There were no differences in the occurrences of peritonitis and permanent HD transfer between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Assisted PD was required by more than half of Thai PD patients and was independently associated with a higher mortality risk. This may reflect causal effect or confounding by indication.

Peritoneal dialysis in the modern era

The practice and clinical outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) have demonstrated significant improvement over the past 20 years. The aim of this review is to increase awareness and update healthcare professionals on current PD practice, especially with respect to patient and technique survival, patient modality selection, pathways onto PD, understanding patient experience of care and use prior to kidney transplantation. These improvements have been impacted, at least in part, by greater emphasis on shared decision-making in dialysis modality selection, the use of advanced laparoscopic techniques for PD catheter implantation, developments in PD connecting systems, glucose-sparing strategies, and modernising technology in managing automated PD patients remotely. Evidence-based clinical guidelines such as those prepared by national and international societies such as the International Society of PD have contributed to improved PD practice underpinned by a recognition of the place of continuous quality improvement processes.

Availability of assisted peritoneal dialysis in Europe: call for increased and equal access

INTRODUCTION

Availability of assisted PD (asPD) increases access to dialysis at home, particularly for the increasing numbers of older and frail people with advanced kidney disease. Although asPD has been widely used in some European countries for many years, it remains unavailable or poorly utilised in others. A group of leading European nephrologists have therefore formed a group to drive increased availability of asPD in Europe and in their own countries.

METHODS

Members of the group filled in a proforma with the following headings: personal experience, country experience, who are the assistants, funding of asPD, barriers to growth, what is needed to grow, and their top 3 priorities.

RESULTS

Only 5 of the 13 countries surveyed provided publicly funded reimbursement for asPD. The use of asPD depends on overall attitudes to PD with all respondents mentioning need for nephrology team education and/or patient education and involvement in dialysis modality decision making.

CONCLUSION AND CALL TO ACTION

Many people with advanced kidney disease would prefer to have their dialysis at home, yet if the frail patient chooses PD most healthcare systems cannot provide their choice. AsPD should be available in all countries in Europe and for all renal centres. The top priorities to make this happen are education of renal healthcare teams about the advantages of PD, education of and discussion with patients and their families as they approach the need for dialysis, and engagement with policy makers and healthcare providers to develop and support assistance for PD.

Outcomes of peritoneal dialysis in elderly vs non-elderly patients: A systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have compared outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) between elderly and non-elderly patients but with variable results. We hereby designed this review to compare mortality, peritonitis, and technique survival between elderly and non-elderly patients on PD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for studies comparing outcomes of PD between elderly and non-elderly patients. The last search date was 14th July 2021.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included. 12 studies defined the elderly as ≥65 years of age and these were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of crude (RR: 2.45 95% CI: 1.36, 4.40 I2 = 97% p = 0.003) and adjusted data (HR: 2.80 95% CI: 2.45, 3.09 I2 = 0% p<0.00001) indicated a statistically significant increased risk of mortality amongst elderly patients as compared to non-elderly patients. Meta-analysis of four studies demonstrated a statistically significant increased risk of peritonitis in the elderly (RR: 1.56 95% CI: 1.18, 2.07 I2 = 76% p = 0.002). Pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in technique survival between the two groups (RR: 0.95 95% CI: 0.86, 1.05 I2 = 86% p = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients on PD have a significantly increased risk of mortality as compared to non-elderly patients. The risk of peritonitis is also significantly increased in older adults but the increased age has no impact on technique survival. Further studies are needed to strengthen our conclusions.

Evaluation of modifiable risk factors for peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis risk factors can be categorized as modifiable and uncorrectable. We aimed to identify modifiable risk factors for PD-related peritonitis in our facility to prevent PD-related peritonitis and continue quality improvement.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 90 patients who started receiving PD after 2008 and who were continued for over 1 year. Twenty-three patients experienced 40 episodes of peritonitis. Several clinical factors identified at peritonitis onset among patients with a peritonitis history were compared with those identified 1 year after PD initiation among patients without a peritonitis history, and a multivariate analysis was performed. Several serum parameter levels were evaluated as time-average concentrations (TACs; from PD initiation to 1 month before peritonitis onset or to 1 year later). The clinical factors to be investigated were selected based on previous studies.

Results

There were no significant between-group differences in baseline characteristics regarding uncorrectable factors and TAC values for serum parameters. Use of exchange devices was significantly higher (95.7% vs 71.6%; p = 0.054) whereas administration of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), or oral vitamin D was significantly lower (35.0% vs 65.7%, p = 0.002; 55.0% vs 74.6%, p = 0.036; and 55.0% vs 74.6%, p = 0.036, respectively) in the patients with history of peritonitis, although we did not find a factor independently associated with peritonitis in multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions

Although hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and exchange device use which are considered as risk factors did not affect peritonitis, administration of RAS blockers, CCBs, and oral vitamin D is significantly larger in patients without peritonitis.

Assisted peritoneal dialysis: a feasible KRT modality for frail older patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)

Assisted PD is used as an alternative option for the growing group of frail, older ESKD patients unable to perform their own PD. This study was undertaken to investigate the outcomes of assisted PD in older patients by comparing assisted PD patients with self-care PD patients. This study included all patients aged 70 and above who started on PD in our hospital from 2009 to 2018. Patients were followed up until death, PD cessation or to the end of the study (December 31, 2019). Risk factors associated with mortality, peritonitis and technique failure were evaluated using both cause-specific hazards and subdistribution hazards models. 180 patients were enrolled, including 106 (58.9%) males with a median age of 77.5 (77.2-81.2) years. Among the 180 patients, 62 patients (34.4%) were assisted. Patients on assisted PD group were older, more likely to be female, more prevalent in DM and CVD, with a higher Charlson score than patients undergoing self-care PD (P all < 0.05). In the multivariable analysis, assisted patients had a comparable patient survival and peritonitis-free survival compared to self-care PD patients either in the Cox or in the FG models. According to a Cox model, the use of assisted PD was associated with a lower risk of technique failure (cs-HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.76), but the association lost its statistical significance in the Fine and Gray model. Our results suggest that assisted PD could be a safe and effective KRT modality for older ESKD patients who need assistance.

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Cognitive Impairment in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in patients with CKD or diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the relevance between DM and CI in diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has not been clearly established. This study aimed to explore the role of DM in CI, the association of glycemic control with CI, and clinical outcomes of CI in diabetic PD patients.

METHODS

Continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) patients followed up in our PD center between 2014 and 2016 were enrolled. The participants were followed until an endpoint was reached or December 2017. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected, and laboratory parameters were measured. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate global cognitive function, and a score of <26 was considered to indicate CI. A propensity score matching according to age, gender, and mean arterial pressure was conducted between the DM and non-DM groups.

RESULTS

A total of 913 CAPD patients were enrolled, of whom 186 (20.4%) had diabetes. After appropriate matching, 175 patients in the DM group and 270 patients in the non-DM group were included. Patients with diabetes had a higher prevalence of CI and lower scores for visuospatial/executive function, naming, language, delayed recall, and orientation. Higher HbA1c (odds ratio [OR], 1.547; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.013-2.362) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; OR, 2.926; 95% CI, 1.139-7.516) significantly correlated with a risk of CI in diabetic patients. During a median of 26.0 (interquartile range 13.5-35.6) months of follow-up, diabetic patients with CI demonstrated a significantly lower survival rate than those without CI, and CI was an independent risk factor for mortality after adjustment (hazard ratio, 7.224; 95% CI, 1.694-30.806). However, they did not show worse technique survival or higher peritonitis rate than patients without CI.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c and CVD are independent risk factors for CI in diabetic patients undergoing CAPD, and CI is independently associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Patients undergoing assisted peritoneal dialysis to show a better technique survival: A competing risk analysis

AIMS

To compare patient mortality and technique survival between patients undergoing assisted peritoneal dialysis (aPD) and self-care peritoneal dialysis (sPD).

METHODS

Patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD) at the dialysis center of Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016, were included and followed to December 31, 2019. Subjects were divided into aPD and sPD groups according to whether the patient could independently complete the PD procedure. Differences in mortality and technique failure rates were compared using competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 384 patients were included in this study, with 274 patients in the sPD group and 110 patients in the aPD group. The multivariate competing risk regression analysis revealed that age (HR 1.03,95%CI 1.01-1.05, P < .001), aPD (HR 1.84,95%CI 1.10-3.08, P = .02), diabetes (HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.00-2.30, P = .05), residual renal function (HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.82-0.97, P = .005) and serum albumin level (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.96, P < .001) were the independent risk factors for mortality. Besides, technique failure in aPD patients was lower than in the sPD group (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.68-0.97, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

These results found that aPD patients had higher mortality rates but lower technique failure rates than sPD patients. Higher mortality in aPD is probably related to the negative selection of the more comorbid patients. ​ ​.

Two decades of analysis of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia: Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and progression aspects

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the main complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis. Its relevance derives from its high morbidity, the negative effect it has on the peritoneum as a dialysis membrane and its financial cost.

METHODS

Analytical, non-interventional, observational cohort study, whose main objective is the analysis of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2017, with a total of 2904 peritonitis cases. The database used is the Andalusian Autonomous Transplant Coordination Information System (SICATA).

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain how the rate of peritonitis is evolving in our community, analyse descriptive data pertaining to patients and peritonitis, ascertain the course of these infectious complications and analyse the factors that influence these cases of peritonitis and their outcomes: germ, hospitalisation and date.

RESULTS

The rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, from 0.7 peritonitis per patient in 1999 to 0.33 at the end of the period. Most infections were treated on an outpatient basis (72.5%). The most common germs were Gram-positive (55.9%), including coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.1%). Most cases of peritonitis progressed to healing (77.8%). The factors that significantly influence the need for hospitalisation and peritonitis progression were the causative germ and associated exit site infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, the rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, meeting guideline recommendations.

[An 89-year-old man who underwent percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter placement and had peritoneal dialysis introduced]

The number of elderly patients requiring dialysis is continuously increasing. In Japan, many patients undergo hemodialysis; however, it has been associated with huge stress-mainly on the cardiovascular system-and requires frequent hospital visits. Conversely, peritoneal dialysis is much less invasive with a much lower frequency of hospital visits than that of hemodialysis; therefore, it is suitable for elderly patients. In addition, peritoneal dialysis, which originally had a high affinity for home care, has become more useful for elderly patients with renal failure thanks to the recent introduction of a cloud-based remote monitoring system at home. We performed percutaneous placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter to reduce physical invasiveness and initiate peritoneal dialysis. The Barthel Index before hospitalization was 0 but increased to 65 at discharge. Further technology advancements in peritoneal dialysis are expected in the future. The cloud-based remote monitoring system is also expected to maintain or increase activities of daily living and the quality of life in elderly patients with renal failure with decreased activities of daily living.

Outcome measures for technique survival reported in peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique survival is an important outcome for patients, caregivers and health professionals, however, the definition and measures used for technique survival vary. We aimed to assess the scope and consistency of definitions and measures used for technique survival in studies of patients receiving PD.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) conducted in patients receiving PD reporting technique survival as an outcome between database inception and December 2019. The definition and measures used were extracted and independently assessed by two reviewers.

RESULTS

We included 25 RCTs with a total of 3645 participants (41-371 per trial) and follow up ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. Terminology used included 'technique survival' (10 studies), 'transfer to haemodialysis (HD)' (8 studies) and 'technique failure' (7 studies) with 17 different definitions. In seven studies, it was unclear whether the definition included transfer to HD, death or transplantation and eight studies reported 'transfer to HD' without further definition regarding duration or other events. Of those remaining, five studies included death in their definition of a technique event, whereas death was censored in the other five. The duration of HD necessary to qualify as an event was reported in only four (16%) studies. Of the 14 studies reporting causes of an event, all used a different list of causes.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial heterogeneity in how PD technique survival is defined and measured, likely contributing to considerable variability in reported rates. Standardised measures for reporting technique survival in PD studies are required to improve comparability.

Incidence and risk factors of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis in elderly patients: A retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

This study was to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of peritonitis in elderly continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

METHODS

Incident patients undergone CAPD from 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2015 in our center were enrolled and divided into aged < 65 years and ≥ 65 years groups. Risk factors were evaluated using a logistic regression model, and outcome comparison was evaluated using a Cox proportional model.

RESULTS

Among 1953 patients, 111(33.2%) in elderly (n = 334) and 470 (29.0%) in younger (n = 1619) developed at least one episode of peritonitis. Comparing with younger patients, elderly ones had a higher peritonitis rate (0.203 vs. 0.145 episodes/patient-year, p < 0.05). The multivariate Cox regression showed that advanced age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.11, p = 0.015), assistant-assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD; HR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.23-5.64, p = 0.012), higher body mass index (BMI; HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02-1.20, p = 0.010), and low serum albumin level (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90-0.98, p = 0.004) were associated with increased peritonitis risk in elderly patients. Compared with younger ones with peritonitis, elderly patients had an approximately fourfold increased risk of peritonitis-related mortality (odd ratio (OR) = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.38-9.28, p = 0.009). During the cohort, peritonitis was the risk factor associated with technique failure (HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 2.33-4.39, p < 0.001) in younger patient but not in the elderly population (HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.84-3.94, p = 0.132).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly PD patients had higher prevalence for peritonitis and peritonitis-related mortality. Advanced age, assistant-assisted PD, a higher BMI, and lower serum albumin level were independently associated with the first episode of peritonitis in elderly patients. However, peritonitis was not the predictor of death-censored technique failure in elderly ones.

Two decades of analysis of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia: Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and progression aspects

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on the main complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis. Its relevance derives from its high morbidity, the negative effect it has on the peritoneum as a dialysis membrane and its financial cost.

METHODS

Analytical, non-interventional, observational cohort study, whose main objective is the analysis of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2017, with a total of 2,904 peritonitis cases. The database used is the Andalusian Autonomous Transplant Coordination Information System (SICATA).

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain how the rate of peritonitis is evolving in our community, analyse descriptive data pertaining to patients and peritonitis, ascertain the course of these infectious complications and analyse the factors that influence these cases of peritonitis and their outcomes: germ, hospitalisation and date.

RESULTS

The rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, from 0.7 peritonitis per patient in 1999 to 0.33 at the end of the period. Most infections were treated on an outpatient basis (72.5%). The most common germs were Gram-positive (55.9%), including coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.1%). Most cases of peritonitis progressed to healing (77.8%). The factors that significantly influence the need for hospitalisation and peritonitis progression were the causative germ and associated exit site infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, the rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, meeting guideline recommendations.

Exercise Parameters Predict Technique Survival in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

OBJECTIVE

The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is an important marker of aerobic capacity in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to evaluate its predictive value for PD-related outcomes.

METHODS

This single-center cohort study recruited outpatients on maintenance PD from our hospital between March 2017 and March 2018. Exercise capacity was assessed using measurement of ISWT and handgrip and quadriceps strength. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median of exercise capacity and prospectively followed up until cessation of PD, death, or the study end (October 2019). The primary end point of this study was technique survival rate, and secondary outcomes were rates of peritonitis-free survival and PD-related hospitalization-free survival.

RESULTS

Among the 50 participants, age and PD vintage were [median (IQR)] 62.5 (58.3-70) and 3.5 (1.3-6.5) years, respectively. At the end of the study, 3 of the 28 participants (11%) in the long-ISWT group and 13 of the 22 participants (59%) in the short-ISWT group were transferred to hemodialysis. The short-ISWT group showed lower technique survival rate (p < 0.001), peritonitis-free survival rate (p = 0.01), and PD-related hospitalization-free survival rate (p < 0.01) than the long-ISWT group, whereas those survival rates did not differ when participants were divided by handgrip or quadriceps strength. Multivariate analysis revealed lower ISWT to be independently associated with technique failure (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The ISWT is an important predictor of technique survival for patients on PD. Monitoring and enhancing ISWT as a marker of aerobic capacity might improve PD-related outcomes.

Social Support in the Peritoneal Dialysis Experience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Background:

People with end-stage kidney disease can either pursue conservative (palliative) management or kidney replacement therapy. Although transplant is preferred, there is a limited number of organs available rendering the majority of patients treated with some form of dialysis. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are equivalent regarding clinical outcomes, but peritoneal dialysis is much less costly to provide. Peritoneal dialysis is most often done in the home by the patient or a support person and carries a self-care burden on patients and families. Social support is important for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and in sustaining peritoneal dialysis therapy. Few studies have comprehensively explored social support in the context of peritoneal dialysis.

Objective:

To explore how patients, family members, and nurses view social support.

Design:

Qualitative, descriptive study.

Setting:

An outpatient peritoneal dialysis clinic in Western Canada.

Participants:

Patients, family members, and nurses.

Methods:

Patients (n = 15), family members (n = 6), and nurses (n = 11) were interviewed between January and May 2018. Content analysis was undertaken using 4 attributes of social support (ie, emotional support, instrumental support, informational support, and appraisal support) as an analytic framework.

Results:

Themes related to the 4 attributes of social support were identified: addressing emotional needs and managing emotion (emotional support); peritoneal dialysis tasks and life tasks (instrumental support); accessing information, receiving information, and learning (informational support); and affirmation/external reassurance and self-confidence (appraisal support). The social support needs of both patients and family members varied and were dependent on their existing support networks and individual perspectives of support.

Limitations:

It is possible that some of the study findings were gender-bound as well as context-specific. The study findings could be different if the patient and caregiver sample were more balanced based on sex. There are also unique attributes of each peritoneal dialysis program that may impact the transferability of these findings to other practice settings.

Conclusion:

Home-based peritoneal dialysis has potential benefit to patients and health care systems. However, receiving peritoneal dialysis requires support. If health care providers wish to promote this treatment, they must also understand how to best support patients and their family members.

Trial Registration:

Not applicable.

A Systematic Review and Jurisdictional Scan of the Evidence Characterizing and Evaluating Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Models

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Compared with hemodialysis, home peritoneal dialysis alleviates the burden of travel, facilitates independence, and is less costly. Physical, cognitive, or psychosocial factors may preclude peritoneal dialysis in otherwise eligible patients. Assisted peritoneal dialysis, where trained personnel assist with home peritoneal dialysis, may be an option, but the optimal model is unknown. The objective of this work is to characterize existing assisted peritoneal dialysis models and synthesize clinical outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted (search dates: January 1995-September 2018). A focused gray literature search was also completed, limited to developed nations. Included studies focused on home-based assisted peritoneal dialysis; studies with the assist provided exclusively by unpaid family caregivers were excluded. All outcomes were narratively synthesized; quantitative outcomes were graphically depicted.

RESULTS

We included 34 studies, totaling 46,597 patients, with assisted peritoneal dialysis programs identified in 20 jurisdictions. Two categories emerged for models of assisted peritoneal dialysis on the basis of type of assistance: health care and non-health care professional assistance. Reported outcomes were heterogeneous, ranging from patient-level outcomes of survival, to resource use and transfer to hemodialysis; however, the comparative effect of assisted peritoneal dialysis was unclear. In two qualitative studies examining the patient experience, the maintenance of independence was identified as an important theme.

CONCLUSIONS

Reported outcomes and quality were heterogeneous, and relative efficacy of assisted peritoneal dialysis could not be determined from included studies. Although the patient voice was under-represented, suggestions to improve assisted peritoneal dialysis included using a person-centered model of care, ensuring continuity of nurses providing the peritoneal dialysis assist, and measures to support patient independence. Although attractive elements of assisted peritoneal dialysis are identified, further evidence is needed to connect assisted peritoneal dialysis outcomes with programmatic features and their associated funding models.

[A case of oldest-old patient with chronic renal failure successfully treated with peritoneal dialysis]

He was a 92-year-old male patient with mild cognitive impairment while preserved activity of daily life. His renal dysfunction gradually increased due to the nephrosclerosis accompanied by systemic edema and water retention. We eventually decided to initiate peritoneal dialysis instead of standard hemodialysis for his end-stage renal dysfunction refractory to optimal medical therapy, given his preserved cognitive function and family support. He underwent an established therapeutic program for the peritoneal dialysis at home with an Information and Communication Technology (ICT).Given the increase in age of the patients with renal dysfunction, peritoneal dialysis has been receiving great attention as a home care strategy. The recent improvement in the device technology and ICT that enables us remote monitoring would reduce patients' effort in the management of peritoneal dialysis. Collaboration with home nursing and care workers would also be warranted for successful home care.

The Iron Biology Status of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients May Be a Risk Factor for Development of Infectious Peritonitis

Background:Infectious peritonitis is a clinically important condition contributing to the significant mortality and morbidity rates observed in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Although some of the socioeconomic risk factors for PD-associated peritonitis have been identified, it is still unclear why certain patients are more susceptible than others to infection.Methods:We examined the molecular components of human peritoneal dialysate (HPD) in an attempt to identify factors that might increase patient susceptibility to infection. Characterization studies were performed on initial and follow-up dialysate samples collected from 9 renal failure patients on PD.Results:Our in vitro data showed that peritonitis-causing bacteria grew differently in the patient dialysates. Proteomic analysis identified an association between transferrin presence and infection risk, as peritoneal transferrin was discovered to be iron-saturated, which was in marked contrast to transferrin in blood. Further, use of radioactive iron-labeled transferrin showed peritoneal transferrin could act as a direct iron source for the growth of peritonitis-causing bacteria. We also found catecholamine stress hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline were present in the dialysates and were apparently involved in enhancing the growth of the bacteria via transferrin iron provision. This suggests the iron biology status of the PD patient may be a risk factor for development of infectious peritonitisConclusions:Collectively, our study suggests transferrin and catecholamines within peritoneal dialysate may be indicators of the potential for bacterial growth in HPD and, as infection risk factors, represent possible future targets for therapeutic manipulation.

Development of a risk prediction model for infection-related mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Background

Assessment of infection-related mortality remains inadequate in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This study was performed to develop a risk model for predicting the 2-year infection-related mortality risk in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 606 patients who started and continued peritoneal dialysis for 90 at least days and was drawn from the Fukuoka Peritoneal Dialysis Database Registry Study in Japan. The patients were registered from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2016 and followed up until 31 December 2017. To generate a prediction rule, the score for each variable was weighted by the regression coefficients calculated using a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted by risk factors for infection-related mortality, including patient characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory data.

Results

During the follow-up period (median, 2.2 years), 138 patients died; 58 of them of infectious disease. The final model for infection-related mortality comprises six factors: age, sex, serum albumin, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, and weekly renal Kt/V. The incidence of infection-related mortality increased linearly with increasing total risk score (P for trend <0.001). Furthermore, the prediction model showed adequate discrimination (c-statistic = 0.79 [0.72–0.86]) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, P = 0.47).

Conclusion

In this study, we developed a new model using clinical measures for predicting infection-related mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Longitudinal Trends in Quality of Life and Physical Function in Frail Older Dialysis Patients: A Comparison of Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis and In-Center Hemodialysis

Background

In-center hemodialysis (HD) has been the standard treatment for older dialysis patients, but reports suggest an associated decline in physical and cognitive function. Cross-sectional data suggest that assisted peritoneal dialysis (aPD), an alternative treatment, is associated with quality of life (QoL) outcomes that are comparable to in-center HD. We compared longitudinal changes in QoL between modalities.

Methods

We enrolled 106 aPD patients, matched with 100 HD patients from 20 renal centers in England and Northern Ireland. Patients were assessed quarterly for 2 years using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), SF-12 physical and mental scores, symptom score, Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (IIRS), Barthel's score, and the Renal Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RTSQ). Mixed model analysis was used to assess the impact of dialysis modality on these outcomes during follow-up. P values were adjusted for multiple significance testing.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed no difference in any of the outcome measures between aPD and HD. Longitudinal trends in outcomes were also not significantly different. Higher age at baseline was associated with lower IIRS and RTSQ scores during follow-up. One-hundred and twenty-five (60.6%) patients dropped out of the study: 59 (28.6%) died, 61 (29.6%) withdrew during follow-up, and 5 (2.5%) were transplanted.

Conclusions

Quality of life outcomes in frail older aPD patients were equivalent to those receiving in-center HD. Assisted PD is thus a valid alternative to HD for older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) wishing to dialyze at home.

The Association of Functional Status with Mortality and Dialysis Modality Change: Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS)

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence of functional impairment in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, its variation by country, and its association with mortality or transfer to hemodialysis.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in PD patients from 7 countries in the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) (2014 - 2017). Functional status (FS) was assessed by combining self-reports of 8 instrumental and 5 basic activities of daily living, using the Lawton-Brody and the Katz questionnaires. Summary FS scores, ranging from 1.25 (most dependent) to 13 (independent), were based on the patient's ability to perform each activity with or without assistance. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of a FS score < 11 comparing each country with the United States (US). Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) for the effect of a low FS score on mortality and transfer to hemodialysis, adjusting for case mix.

RESULTS

Of 2,593 patients with complete data on FS, 48% were fully independent (FS = 13), 32% had a FS score 11 to < 13, 14% had a FS score 8 to < 11, and 6% had a FS score < 8. Relative to the US, low FS scores (< 11; more dependent) were more frequent in Thailand (OR = 10.48, 5.90 - 18.60) and the United Kingdom (UK) (OR = 3.29, 1.77 - 6.08), but similar in other PDOPPS countries. The FS score was inversely and monotonically associated with mortality but not with transfer to hemodialysis; the HR, comparing a FS score < 8 vs 13, was 4.01 (2.44 - 6.61) for mortality and 0.91 (0.58 - 1.43) for transfer to hemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

Regional differences in FS scores observed across PDOPPS countries may have been partly due to differences in regional patient selection for PD. Functional impairment was associated with mortality but not with permanent transfer to hemodialysis.

Peritoneal Dialysis in Adult Patients with Permanent Suprapubic Catheter: A Single-Center Experience and Literature Review

Background

The aim of this paper was to review the feasibility of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the presence of a permanent supra-pubic catheter over a long follow-up period.

Methods

Twelve patients with automated PD and permanent suprapubic catheters were studied for complications over a period of 10 years.

Results

In all 12 patients, PD went smoothly. Two of our patients required removal of the PD catheter due to peritonitis. The overall rate of exit-site infection throughout the study was 41.7/patient-month and the difference between patients 60 years or older and those 25 years or younger was not significant ( p = 0.3673). The overall peritonitis rate for all patients was 38.3 episode/patient-month, and none of the patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) had peritonitis. All patients with episodes of infection responded well to the proper antibiotics.

Conclusions

The available data supported the feasibility of PD in patients with permanent suprapubic catheters; however, a greater number of patients with a longer follow-up period need to be studied to support our results.

Current Practice and Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis in the Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Various innovations for preventing complications and improving a patient's quality of life have been implemented for peritoneal dialysis (PD), which was established in Japan approximately 35 years ago and introduced at our hospital in 1999. Herein, we investigate the outcomes of patients undergoing PD to identify approaches for improving their long-term prognosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 114 patients who underwent PD between September 1999 and August 2017 and included various parameters such as patient survival rate, technical survival rate, cause (s) of PD withdrawal, incidence of peritonitis, dialysis duration, and change in residual renal function (RRF). Furthermore, factors associated with PD withdrawal and duration, as well as risk factors for peritonitis, were examined.

RESULTS

Mean (± standard deviation) PD duration was 35.62 (±29.88) months in all patients and 37.16 (±34.09) months in 58 patients who withdrew from treatment. Five-year continuance and survival rates were 40.41% and 55.74%, respectively (p=0.0061). However, in patients aged ≥65 years, the continuance and survival rates were not significantly different (p=0.1250). Furthermore, the continuance and survival rates in diabetic patients were not significantly different from those of non-diabetic patients (p=0.1334 and 0.7140, respectively). Comparison of changes in RRF in young and elderly patients revealed that it was not significantly sustained in elderly patients (p=0.0259). The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that age (p=0.0455) and total cholesterol levels (p=0.0494) were independent risk factors for PD withdrawal, and multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of peritonitis (p=0.0063) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (p=0.0087) were significant factors for PD duration. Peritonitis incidence was 0.077 times per patient per year, and multivariate analysis identified PD duration (p=0.0009) and LDL-C levels (p=0.0054) as independent risk factors for peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study revealed that assessment of the nutritional status of the patient and prevention of peritonitis are important for continuation of PD. PD is a safe treatment option that can maintain the quality of life in elderly patients. In a rapidly aging society, the need for PD-based medical care is expected to increase.

Factors associated with nurse assistance among peritoneal dialysis patients: a cohort study from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry

Background

No information is available regarding nurse-assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) in non-elderly subjects. This study was carried out to estimate the rate of nurse-assisted PD among non-elderly patients and to assess which individual and centre factors were associated with nurse-assisted PD. The other objective was to estimate the magnitude of the centre effect on the utilization of nurse-assisted PD using hierarchical modelling.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on data from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry. Patients incident on PD > 18 and < 65 years of age were included.

Results

There were 2269 incidents of PD initiation between January 2008 and December 2012 in 127 PD centres with 114 (5%) on family-assisted PD and 272 (12%) on nurse-assisted PD. At the individual level, compared with autonomous patients, nurse assistance was associated with age {odds ratio [OR] 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51-2.13]}, gender [OR 0.47 (95% CI 0.35-0.64)], comorbidities and underlying nephropathy. There was significant heterogeneity between centres in the nurse assistance utilization (variance of random effect 0.12). At the centre level, the type of centre, centre experience, centre organization and private nurse density were not associated with nurse-assisted PD.

Conclusions

The rate of nurse-assisted PD among non-elderly patients was 12%. There was a significant centre effect in the utilization of nurse assistance that was not explained by the centres' characteristics. Nurse-assisted PD utilization in non-elderly patients is associated with patient characteristics and also with centre practices.

Assessment of physical activity, capacity and nutritional status in elderly peritoneal dialysis patients

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sedentarism, and to assess physical capacity and nutritional status in a cohort of older patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), with respect to age-matched non-dialysis CKD population, using highly accessible, simple methods, namely the Rapid Assessment of Physical activity (RAPA) test and the 30″ Sit-to-stand (STS) test.

Methods

This cross-sectional multicenter study included 151 renal patients older than 60 years; 71 pts. (44 m, age 72 ± 7 yrs) were on PD and 80 pts. (63 m, age 74 ± 7 yrs) were affected by 3–4 stage CKD.

Results

The prevalence of sedentary/underactive patients was double of that of the active patients as assessed by RAPA test, both in the PD (65.3%) and in the CKD (67.5%) cohort.

The 30"STS test showed a reduced physical performance in both groups: 84.5% of PD patients and 87.5% of CKD patients did not reach the expected number of stands by age and gender. A malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) ≥ 6 occurred in 37 % of PD patients and in 2.5 % of CKD patients. In PD patients, an independent significant association was observed between 30”STS test and MIS (beta -0.510, p = 0.013), as well as between RAPA and MIS (beta -0.544, p = 003) and phase angle (beta -0.506, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of low- performance capacity and sedentarism has been detected among elderly patients on PD or with CKD stage 3–4. Apart from age, a condition of malnutrition-inflammation was the major determinant of poor physical activity and capacity in PD patients. Better body composition seems to be positively associated with physical activity in PD and with physical capacity in CKD patients. Routine clinical management should include a close evaluation of nutritional status and evaluation of physical activity and capacity which can be easily assessed by RAPA and 30″STS tests.

Evaluation of A 12-Month Pilot of Long-Term and Temporary Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is challenging for patients with functional limitations, and assisted PD can support these patients, but previous reports of assisted PD have not examined the role of temporary assisted PD and had difficulty identifying adequate comparator cohorts.

Methods

Peritoneal Dialysis Assist (PDA), a 12-month pilot of long-term and temporary assisted PD was completed in multiple PD centers in British Columbia, Canada. Continuous cycler PD (CCPD) patients were identified for PDA by standardized criteria, and service could be long-term or temporary/respite. The PDA program provided daily assistance with cycler dismantle and setup, but patients remained responsible for cycler connections and treatment decisions. Outcomes were compared against both the general CCPD population and patients who met PDA criteria but were not enrolled (PDA-eligible).

Results

Fifty-three PDA patients had an 88% 1-year death- and transplant-censored technique survival that was similar to the general CCPD cohort (84%) and PDA-eligible cohort (86%). The PDA cohort had lower peritonitis rates (0.18 episodes/patient-year vs 0.22 and 0.36, respectively), but higher hospitalization (55% vs 34% and 35%, respectively). Long-term PDA cost approximately CDN$15,000/year in addition to existing dialysis costs. A total of 8/11 respite PDA patients (73%) returned to self-care PD after a median PDA use of 29 days, which costs $1,250/patient.

Conclusions

Peritoneal Dialysis Assist provides effective support to functionally-limited CCPD patients and yields acceptable clinical outcomes. The program costs less than transfer to HD or long-term care, which represents cost minimization for failing self-care PD patients. Respite PDA provides effective temporary support; most patients returned to self-care PD and service was cost-effective compared with alternatives of hospitalization or transfer to HD.

Effect of center practices on the choice of the first dialysis modality for children and young adults

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains the modality of choice in children, but there is no clear evidence to support a better outcome in children treated with PD. We aimed to assess factors that have an impact on the choice of dialysis modality in children and young adults in France and sought to determine the roles of medical factors and center practices.

METHODS

We included all patients aged <20 years at the start of renal replacement therapy (RRT), recorded in the French RRT Registry between 2002 and 2013. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to study the association between the patient/center characteristics and the probability of receiving PD as the first dialysis modality.

RESULTS

We included 806 patients starting RRT in 177 centers, 23 of which were specialized pediatric centers. Six hundred and one patients (74.6 %) started with hemodialysis (HD), whereas 205 (25.4 %) started with PD. A greater probability of PD was found in younger children, whereas starting the treatment in an emergency setting was associated with a low use of PD. We found a significant variability among centers that accounted for 43 % of the total variability. The probability of PD was higher in adult centers and was proportional to the rate of PD in the center.

CONCLUSIONS

Center practices are a major factor in the choice of dialysis modality. This raises concerns about patient and family choices and to what extent doctors may influence the final decision. Further pediatric studies focusing on children's and parents' wishes are needed to provide care as close as possible to patients' and families' expectations.

Patient and Technique Survival of Older Adults with ESRD Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis

The number of older adults worldwide is increasing as societies gain success in improving the health and lifespan of their citizens. As a result, increasing numbers of older adults are presenting to the medical community with advanced kidney failure. Historically, dialysis treatments were withheld from older adults particularly those with severe co-existing illnesses. This has changed in most parts of the world, and there is now an increasing emphasis on shared decision-making to determine whether dialysis is appropriate and to determine which modality meets the needs, expectations, and desire of patients. Evidence examining the difference in risk for death of older adults treated with hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), and the probability of those treated with PD to transfer to HD among older compared to younger adults, is largely derived from prospective cohort studies or analyses of data from national registries. In such studies, it is difficult to distinguish whether differences in outcomes reflect the effect of dialysis modality or differences in health status of different groups of patients. Longevity and technique survival are important, albeit not the only or most important consideration in such decision-making. Given the risk for bias in observational studies and the profound effect of dialysis modality on patients' lifestyle, the selection of dialysis modality should remain a decision made by the patient, caregivers, and his/her physician after thorough education and review of the available data.

Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis for Older People with End-Stage Renal Disease: The French and Danish Experience

Older people are the largest and fastest growing group of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and, due to advanced age and a heavy burden of comorbidities, they are usually not candidates for renal transplantation or home-based dialysis treatment. Some of the barriers for home treatment are non-modifiable, but the majority of physical disabilities and psychosocial problems can be overcome provided that assistance is offered to the patients at home.In the present review, we describe the programs for assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) in France and Denmark, respectively. In both nations, assisted PD is totally publicly funded, and the cost of assisted PD is comparable to the cost of in-center HD. Assisted continuous ambulatory PD (aCAPD) is the preferred modality in France whereas assisted automated PD (aAPD) is the preferred modality in Denmark. Assistants are professional nurses or healthcare technicians briefly educated by expert PD nurses from the dialysis unit.The establishment of a program for assisted PD may increase the number of patients actually treated with PD and may reduce the risk of PD technique failure and prolong PD duration. Compared with autonomous PD patients, patients on assisted PD may have shorter patient survival and peritonitis-free survival indicating that, besides advanced age and the burden of comorbidities, dependency on help may be an independent risk factor for poorer outcome.Assisted PD is an evolving dialysis modality, and may in the future prove to be a feasible complementary alternative to in-center hemodialysis (HD) for the growing group of dependent older patients with ESRD.

Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Infection in the Older Population

With appropriate training and adequate support, it is possible to keep the peritonitis rate of elderly peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients at a highly respectable level. In general, the latest recommendations for the treatment and prevention of PD-related infections by the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) are applicable to older patients. However, there are minor differences in the spectrum of causative organisms amongst elderly patients, with coagulase-negative staphylococcal species (CNSS) and Enterobacteriaceae species being more common in elderly patients. Elderly PD patients who develop peritonitis have an excessive short-term mortality, and, amongst elderly patients, a high burden of comorbid load increases the risk of relapsing episodes. In addition, technical problems, social difficulties, and concomitant comorbid diseases often have profound effects on the risk of peritonitis as well as its management.

Spatial Analysis of Case-Mix and Dialysis Modality Associations

♦

BACKGROUND

Health-care systems must attempt to provide appropriate, high-quality, and economically sustainable care that meets the needs and choices of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). France offers 9 different modalities of dialysis, each characterized by dialysis technique, the extent of professional assistance, and the treatment site. The aim of this study was 1) to describe the various dialysis modalities in France and the patient characteristics associated with each of them, and 2) to analyze their regional patterns to identify possible unexpected associations between case-mixes and dialysis modalities. ♦

METHODS

The clinical characteristics of the 37,421 adult patients treated by dialysis were described according to their treatment modality. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was used to aggregate the regions into clusters according to their use of these modalities and the characteristics of their patients. ♦

RESULT

The gradient of patient characteristics was similar from home hemodialyis (HD) to in-center HD and from non-assisted automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) to assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Analyzing their spatial distribution, we found differences in the patient case-mix on dialysis across regions but also differences in the health-care provided for them. The classification of the regions into 6 different clusters allowed us to detect some unexpected associations between case-mixes and treatment modalities. ♦

CONCLUSIONS

The 9 modalities of treatment available make it theoretically possible to adapt treatment to patients' clinical characteristics and abilities. However, although we found an overall appropriate association of dialysis modalities to the case-mix, major inter-region heterogeneity and the low rate of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home HD suggest that factors besides patients' clinical conditions impact the choice of dialysis modality. The French organization should now be evaluated in terms of patients' quality of life, satisfaction, survival, and global efficiency.

Quality of Life and Physical Function in Older Patients on Dialysis: A Comparison of Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis with Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In-center hemodialysis (HD) is often the default dialysis modality for older patients. Few centers use assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD), which enables treatment at home. This observational study compared quality of life (QoL) and physical function between older patients on assisted PD and HD.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Patients on assisted PD who were >60 years old and on dialysis for >3 months were recruited and matched to patients on HD (needing hospital transport) by age, sex, diabetes, dialysis vintage, ethnicity, and index of deprivation. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale. QoL assessments included Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form-12, Palliative Outcomes Symptom Scale (renal), Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale, and Renal Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RTSQ). Physical function was evaluated by Barthel Score and timed up and go test.

RESULTS

In total, 251 patients (129 PD and 122 HD) were recruited. In unadjusted analysis, patients on assisted PD had a higher prevalence of possible depression (HADS>8; PD=38.8%; HD=23.8%; P=0.05) and higher HADS depression score (median: PD=6; HD=5; P=0.05) but higher RTSQ scores (median: PD=55; HD=51; P<0.01). In a generalized linear regression model adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity, dialysis vintage, and frailty, assisted PD continued to be associated with higher RTSQ scores (P=0.04) but not with other QoL measures.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no differences in measures of QoL and physical function between older patients on assisted PD and comparable patients on HD, except for treatment satisfaction, which is higher in patients on PD. Assisted PD should be considered as an alternative to HD for older patients, allowing them to make their preferred choices.

A systematic review of the impact of center volume in dialysis

BACKGROUND

A significant relationship exists between the volume of surgical procedures that a given center performs and subsequent outcomes. It seems plausible that such a volume-outcome relationship is also present in dialysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched in November 2014 for non-experimental studies evaluating the association between center volume and patient outcomes [mortality, morbidity, peritonitis, switch to hemodialysis (HD) or any other treatment], without language restrictions or other limits. Selection of relevant studies, data extraction and critical appraisal were performed by two independent reviewers. We did not perform meta-analysis due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity (e.g. different volume categories).

RESULTS

16 studies met out inclusion criteria. Most studies were performed in the US. The study quality ranged from fair to good. Only few items were judged to have a high risk of bias, while many items were judged to have an unclear risk of bias due to insufficient reporting. All 10 studies that analyzed peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique survival by modeling switch to HD or any other treatment as an outcome showed a statistical significant effect. The relative effect measures ranged from 0.25 to 0.94 (median 0.73) in favor of high volume centers. All nine studies indicated a lower mortality for PD in high volume centers, but only study was statistical significant.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review supports a volume-outcome relationship in peritoneal dialysis with respect to switch to HD or any other treatment. An effect on mortality is probably present in HD. Further research is needed to identify and understand the associations of center volume that are causally related to patient benefit.

Is Peritonitis Risk Increased in Elderly Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis? Report from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry (RDPLF)

♦

INTRODUCTION

This study was carried out to examine whether or not elderly patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) had an increased risk of peritonitis. ♦

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on data from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry. We analyzed 8,396 incident patients starting PD between January 2003 and December 2010. The end of the observation period was 31 December 2012. Patients were separated into 2 age groups: up to 75 and over of 75 years old. ♦

RESULTS

Among 8,396 patients starting dialysis there were 3,173 patients older than 75. When using a Cox model, no association was found between age greater than 75 years and increased risk of peritonitis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.97 [0.88 - 1.07]). Diabetes (HR: 1.14 [1.01 - 1.28] and continuous ambulatory PD (HR: 1.13 [1.04 - 1.23]) were significantly associated with a higher risk of peritoneal infection whereas nurse-assisted PD was associated with a lower risk of peritonitis (HR: 0.85 [0.78 - 0.94]. In the analysis restricted to the 3,840 self-care PD patients, there was no association between age older than 75 years and risk of peritonitis. ♦

CONCLUSION

The risk of peritonitis is not increased in elderly patients on PD in a country where assisted PD is available.

Overcoming the Underutilisation of Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is troubled with declining utilisation as a form of renal replacement therapy in developed countries. We review key aspects of therapy evidenced to have a potential to increase its utilisation. The best evidence to repopulate PD programmes is provided for the positive impact of timely referral and systematic and motivational predialysis education: average odds ratio for instituting peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis was 2.6 across several retrospective studies on the impact of predialysis education. Utilisation of PD for unplanned acute dialysis starts facilitated by implantation of peritoneal catheters by interventional nephrologists may diminish the vast predominance of haemodialysis done by central venous catheters for unplanned dialysis start. Assisted peritoneal dialysis can improve accessibility of home based dialysis to elderly, frail, and dependant patients, whose quality of life on replacement therapy may benefit most from dialysis performed at home. Peritoneal dialysis providers should perform close monitoring, preventing measures, and timely prophylactic therapy in patients judged to be prone to EPS development. Each peritoneal dialysis programme should regularly monitor, report, and act on key quality indicators to manifest its ability of constant quality improvement and elevate the confidence of interested patients and financing bodies in the programme.

Results in Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis: A Ten-Year Experience

Background/Aims. Peritoneal dialysis is a successful renal replacement therapy (RRT) for old and dependent patients. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of an assisted peritoneal dialysis (aPD) program developed in a Portuguese center. Methods. Retrospective study based on 200 adult incident patients admitted during ten years to a PD program. We included all 17 patients who were under aPD and analysed various parameters, including complications with the technique, hospitalizations, and patient and technique survival. Results. The global peritonitis rate was lower in helped than in nonhelped patients: 0.4 versus 0.59 episodes/patient/year. The global hospitalization rate was higher in helped than in nonhelped patients: 0.67 versus 0.45 episodes/patient/year (p = NS). Technique survival in helped patients versus nonhelped patients was 92.3%, 92.3%, 83.1%, and 72.7% versus 91.9%, 81.7%, and 72.1%, and 68.3%, at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively (p = NS), and patient survival in helped patients versus nonhelped patients was 93.3%, 93.3%, 93.3%, and 74.7% versus 95.9% 93.7%, 89%, and 82% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively (p = NS). Conclusions. aPD offers an opportune, reliable, and effective home care alternative for patients with no other RRT options.

Elderly Peritoneal Dialysis Compared with Elderly Hemodialysis Patients and Younger Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Competing Risk Analysis of a Korean Prospective Cohort Study

The outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in elderly patients have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes and risk factors associated with PD in elderly patients. We conducted a prospective observational nationwide adult end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cohort study in Korea from August 2008 to March 2013. Among incident patients (n = 830), patient and technical survival rate, quality of life, and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) scores of elderly PD patients (≥65 years, n = 95) were compared with those of PD patients aged ≤49 years (n = 205) and 50~64 years (n = 192); and elderly hemodialysis (HD) patients (n = 315). The patient death and technical failure were analyzed by cumulative incidence function. Competing risk regressions were used to assess the risk factors for survival. The patient survival rate of elderly PD patients was inferior to that of younger PD patients (P<0.001). However, the technical survival rate was similar (P = 0.097). Compared with elderly HD patients, the patient survival rate did not differ according to dialysis modality (P = 0.987). Elderly PD patients showed significant improvement in the BDI scores, as compared with the PD patients aged ≤49 years (P = 0.003). Low albumin, diabetes and low residual renal function were significant risk factors for the PD patient survival; and peritonitis was a significant risk factor for technical survival. Furthermore, low albumin and hospitalization were significant risk factors of patient survival among the elderly. The overall outcomes were similar between elderly PD and HD patients. PD showed the benefit in BDI and quality of life in the elderly. Additionally, the technical survival rate of elderly PD patients was similar to that of younger PD patients. Taken together, PD may be a comparable modality for elderly ESRD patients.

Risk score to predict mortality in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) have high all-cause mortality risk that varies extensively among different conditions. The objective of this study was to develop and validate risk models to predict the 2-year all-cause mortality risks of CAPD patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 1354 patients who received CAPD treatment > 3 months from a single dialysis centre were enrolled into the study from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011 and followed up until June 30, 2013. The dataset was randomly divided into the derivation dataset (2/3, n = 903) and the validation dataset (1/3, n = 451). Baseline information, including demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions and laboratory data, was recorded and included in the models. Risk models were developed using Cox proportional hazards regression. C-statistic, Akaike Information Criterion, Hosmer-Lemeshow χ(2) test and net reclassification improvement (NRI) were performed to evaluate model prediction and validation.

RESULTS

During the entire follow-up period, 175 (19·38%) and 85 (18·85%) patients died in the derivation and validation datasets respectively. A model that included age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin, serum creatinine, phosphate, haemoglobin and fasting blood glucose demonstrated good discrimination in the derivation and validation datasets to predict 2-year all-cause mortality (C-statistic, 0·790 and 0·759, respectively). In the validation dataset, the above model performed good calibration (χ(2) = 2·08, P = 0·98) and NRI (7·37% compared with model 2, P = 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk model can accurately predict 2-year all-cause mortality in Chinese CAPD patients and external validation is needed in future.