The best dialysis therapy? Results from an international survey among nephrology professionals

Towards a better uptake of home dialysis in Europe: understanding the present and looking to the future

Use of peritoneal dialysis and home haemodialysis remains low in Europe, with the highest use in Scandinavian countries and the lowest in Eastern and Central Europe despite the advantages for people on dialysis and economic advantages for healthcare systems. This is partly due to the impact of the haemodialysis industry resulting in proliferation of haemodialysis units and nephrologist reimbursement related to use of haemodialysis. Equally important is the bias against home dialysis at both clinician and healthcare system levels. The underlying causes of this bias are discussed in relation to a mechanistic view of the human body, lack of compassion, failure to adjust dialysis provision for older age and frailty, proliferation of small dialysis centres, and complexity of decision-making and clinical care. For home dialysis to flourish, we need to foster a change in attitude to and vision of the aims of healthcare so that enabling meaningful activities of people requiring dialysis, as explored in the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology initiative, rather than achieving biological numbers become the focus of care delivery.

Exploring Preconceptions as Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis Eligibility: A Global Scenario-Based Survey of Kidney Care Physicians

Introduction

Despite the growing number of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT), peritoneal dialysis (PD) is underutilized globally. A contributory factor may be clinician myths about its use. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions about PD initiation by clinicians according to various physical, social, and clinical characteristics of patients.

Methods

An online global survey (in English and Thai) was administered to ascertain nephrologists' and nephrology trainees' decisions on recommending PD as a treatment modality.

Results

A total of 645 participants (522 nephrologists and 123 trainees; 56% male) from 54 countries (66% from high-income countries [HICs], 22% from upper middle-income countries [UMICs], 12% from lower middle-income countries, and 1% from low-income countries [LICs]) completed the survey. Of the respondents, 81% identified as attending physicians or consultants, and 19% identified as trainees or other. PD was recommended for most scenarios, including repeated exposures to heavy lifting, swimming (especially in a private pool and ocean), among patients with cirrhosis or cognitive impairment with available support, and those living with a pet if a physical separation can be achieved during PD. Certain abdominal surgeries were more acceptable to proceed with PD (hysterectomy, 90%) compared to others (hemicolectomy, 45%). Similar variation was noted for different types of stomas (nephrostomies, 74%; suprapubic catheters, 53%; and ileostomies, 27%).

Conclusion

The probability of recommending PD in various scenarios was greater among clinicians from HICs, larger units, and consultants with more clinical experience. There is a disparity in recommending PD across various clinical scenarios driven by experience, unit-level characteristics, and region of practice. Globally, evidence-informed education is warranted to rectify misconceptions to enable greater PD uptake.

Advanced Image-Guided Percutaneous Technique Versus Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement

Rationale & Objective

Timely placement of a functional peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter is crucial to long-term PD success. Advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques both represent best practice catheter placement options. Advanced image-guided percutaneous is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anesthesia.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study comparing time from referral to procedure, complication rate, and 1-year catheter survival between placement techniques.

Setting & Participants

Patients who had advanced laparoscopic or advanced image-guided percutaneous PD catheter placement from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 in an integrated Northern California health care delivery system.

Exposure

PD catheter placement using advanced laparoscopic or advanced image-guided percutaneous techniques.

Outcomes

One-year PD catheter survival; major, minor, and infectious complications; time from referral to PD catheter placement; and procedure time.

Analytical Approach

Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare referral and procedure times; χ2/Fisher exact tests to compare complications; and modified least-squares regression to compare adjusted 1-year catheter survival between PD placement techniques.

Results

We identified 191 and 238 PD catheters placed through advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques, respectively. Adjusted 1-year PD catheter survival was 80% (95% CI, 74%-87%) using advanced image-guided percutaneous technique vs 91% (87%-96%) using advanced laparoscopic technique (P = 0.01). Major complications were <1% in both groups. Minor and infectious complications were 45.6% and 38.7% in advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques, respectively (P = 0.01). Median days from referral to procedure were 12 and 33 for patients undergoing advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques, respectively (P < 0.001). Median procedure time was 30 and 44.5 minutes for patients undergoing advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques, respectively (P < 0.001).

Limitations

Retrospective study with practice preference influenced by timing, local expertise, and resources.

Conclusions

Both advanced image-guided percutaneous and advanced laparoscopic techniques reported rare major complications and demonstrated excellent (advanced laparoscopic) and acceptable (advanced image-guided percutaneous) 1-year PD catheter survival. For patients referred for PD catheter placement at centers where advanced laparoscopic resources or expertise remain limited, the advanced image-guided percutaneous technique can provide a complementary and timely option to support the utilization of PD.

Plain-Language Summary

Peritoneal dialysis is a preferred dialysis modality for many patients. However, the lack of available skilled surgeons can limit the placement of the peritoneal dialysis catheter in a timely manner. In the past decade, interventional radiology has developed expertise in placing peritoneal dialysis catheters. Using data from an integrated health care system, we compared the outcome of peritoneal dialysis catheters placed using laparoscopic surgery and interventional radiology techniques. Our results showed excellent 1-year patency of peritoneal dialysis catheters placed using laparoscopic surgery, whereas interventional radiology placement of catheters had lower but acceptable 1-year patency survival, based on best practice guideline criteria. Hence, interventional radiology placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters may be a viable alternative when laparoscopic surgery is not available or feasible.

Do we practice what we preach? Dialysis modality choice among healthcare workers in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

In the United Kingdom, over 80% of end-stage kidney disease patients receive in-center hemodialysis. We conducted a survey of UK renal healthcare workers on their preferred dialysis modality if they needed dialysis themselves.

METHODS

An anonymized online survey was disseminated to all renal healthcare workers in the United Kingdom. We asked "Assume you are an otherwise well 40-year-old (and, separately, 75-year-old) person approaching end stage kidney disease, you have no living kidney donor options at present. There are no contraindications to any dialysis options. Which dialysis therapy would you choose?" We also asked about factors influencing their choice.

RESULTS

858 individuals with a median age of 44.3 years responded. 70.2% were female, 37.4% doctors, and 31.1% were senior nurses. There was a preference for peritoneal dialysis over in-center hemodialysis (50.47% v. 6.18%; p < 0.001 for 40-year-old and 49.18% v. 17.83%; p < 0.001 for 75-year-old assumption) and home hemodialysis (50.47% v. 39.28%; p < 0.001 for 40-year-old and 49.18% v. 18.41% for 75-year-old assumption). There was a preference for home hemodialysis over in-center hemodialysis for 40-year-old (39.28% v. 6.18%; p < 0.001) but not for 75-year-old. On logistic regression, senior doctors were more likely to opt for PD when compared to nurses. Nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and those of Asian/British Asian ethnicity were more likely to choose in-center hemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most healthcare workers in renal medicine would choose home-based treatment for themselves although the majority of end-stage kidney disease patients receive in-center hemodialysis in the United Kingdom; the reasons for the discrepancy need to be explored.

Main Barriers to the Introduction of a Home Haemodialysis Programme in Poland: A Review of the Challenges for Implementation and Criteria for a Successful Programme

Introduction: Home dialysis in Poland is restricted to the peritoneal dialysis (PD) modality, with the majority of dialysis patients treated using in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD). Home haemodialysis (HHD) is an additional home therapy to PD and provides an attractive alternative to ICHD that combines dialysis with social distancing; eliminates transportation needs; and offers clinical, economic, and quality of life benefits. However, HHD is not currently provided in Poland. This review was performed to provide an overview of the main barriers to the introduction of a HHD programme in Poland. Main findings: The main high-level barrier to introducing HHD in Poland is the absence of specific health legislation required for clinician prescribing of HHD. Other barriers to overcome include clear definition of reimbursement, patient training and education (including infrastructure and experienced personnel), organisation of logistics, and management of complications. Partnering with a large care network for HHD represents an alternative option to payers for the provision of a new HHD service. This may reduce some of the barriers which need to be overcome when compared with the creation of a new HHD service and its supporting network due to the pre-existing infrastructure, processes, and staff of a large care network. Conclusions: Provision of HHD is not solely about the provision of home treatment, but also the organisation and definition of a range of support services that are required to deliver the service. HHD should be viewed as an additional, complementary option to existing dialysis modalities which enables choice of modality best suited to a patient’s needs.

Manufacturing and Separation Characteristics of Hemodialysis Membranes to Improve Toxin Removal Rate

With the recently growing interest in health care, hemodialysis is being performed not only to treat patients with renal disease but also to improve blood circulation. At present, filters used for hemodialysis are manufactured only in certain countries, and all other countries must rely on imports. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES), which has excellent blood compatibility, was used as the main material to develop hemodialysis membranes for hemodialysis filters, and these hemodialysis membranes were prepared by adding a hydrophilic polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and varying the type of nonsolvent during the manufacturing process to improve the toxin removal rate and biocompatibility. The addition of PVP was confirmed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and the structure of the membranes depending on the nonsolvent was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. The contact angle results indicated that the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface was improved as the concentration of PVP increased. The results of the toxin filtration efficiency experiment using urea, creatinine, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) confirmed removal rates of 58.8% and 56.87%, respectively, and a protein loss of less than 8%. Also, cell viability was over 90% at the PVP concentration of 2% or higher. A preliminary study was conducted on the improvement of toxin filtration efficiency and the development potential of these hemodialysis membranes with excellent biocompatibility.

Design of therapeutic education workshops for home haemodialysis in a patient-centered chronic kidney diseases research: a qualitative study

Rationale & Objective

A quarter of patients do not receive any information on the modalities of renal remplacement therapy (RRT) before its initiation. In our facility, we provide therapeutic education workshops for all RRT except for home hemodialysis (HHD). The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the needs of CKD patients and caregivers for RRT with HHD and design therapeutic education workshops.

Setting & participants

Two sequential methods of qualitative data collection were conducted. Interviews with patients treated with HHD and doctors specialized in HHD were performed to define the interview guide followed by semi-structured interviews with the help of HHD patients from our center.

Analytic approach

Thematic analysis was conducted and were rooted in the principles of qualitative analysis for social scientists. Data were analyzed by two investigators. Transcribed interviews were entered into RQDA 3.6.1 software for data organization and coding purposes (Version 3.6.1).

Results

In total, five interviews were performed. We identified six themes related to the barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions to home dialysis therapy: (1) HHD allows autonomy and freedom with constraints, (2) safety of the care environment, (3) the caregiver and family environment, (4) patient’s experience and experiential knowledge, (5) self-care experience and impact on life, and (6) factors that impact the choice of treatment with HHD. We designed therapeutic education workshops in a group of patients and caregivers.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed previous results obtained in literature on the major barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions to HHD including the impact of HHD on the caregiver, the experiences of patients already treated with HHD, and the role of nurses and nephrologists in informing and educating patients. A program to develop patient-to-patient peer mentorship allowing patients to discuss their dialysis experience may be relevant.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02683-0.

Choice of dialysis modality among patients initiating dialysis: results of the Peridialysis study

Background

In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), home dialysis offers socio-economic and health benefits compared with in-centre dialysis but is generally underutilized. We hypothesized that the pre-dialysis course and institutional factors affect the choice of dialysis modality after dialysis initiation (DI).

Methods

The Peridialysis study is a multinational, multicentre prospective observational study assessing the causes and timing of DI and consequences of suboptimal DI. Clinical and biochemical data, details of the pre-dialytic course, reasons for DI and causes of the choice of dialysis modality were registered.

Results

Among 1587 included patients, 516 (32.5%) were judged unsuitable for home dialysis due to contraindications [384 ( 24.2%)] or no assessment [106 (6.7%); mainly due to late referral and/or suboptimal DI] or death [26 (1.6%)]. Older age, comorbidity, late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and rapid loss of renal function associated with unsuitability. Of the remaining 1071 patients, 700 (65.4%) chose peritoneal dialysis (61.7%) or home haemodialysis (HD; 3.6%), while 371 (34.6%) chose in-centre HD. Somatic differences between patients choosing home dialysis and in-centre dialysis were minor; factors linked to the choice of in-centre dialysis were late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and absence of a ‘home dialysis first’ institutional policy.

Conclusions

Given a personal choice with shared decision making, 65.4% of ESKD patients choose home dialysis. Our data indicate that the incidence of home dialysis potentially could be further increased to reduce the incidence of late referral and unplanned DI and, in acutely ill patients, by implementing an educational programme after improvement of their clinical condition.

Quality of Life of End Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Dialysis in Southern Part of Kerala, India: Financial Stability and Inter-dialysis Weight Gain as Key Determinants

Background: Quality of Life (QoL) reflects the quality and outcome of healthcare along with key indicators of performance such as mortality and morbidity.

Objective: The aim of the study was to measure the QoL among patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis and to understand various correlates of QoL.

Methods: A total of 95 ESRD patients from three dialysis centres in Southern districts of Kerala were interviewed. QoL was measured using vernacular version of World Health Organization Quality Of Life – Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.2 ± 13 years and 73.7% were males. Mean converted scores for overall QoL was 42.37 ± 21.3 and Health-related QoL (HRQoL) was 43.3 ± 18.3, indicating poor QoL. Males had significantly higher physical domain scores (p < 0.03). Occupation, income and Socio-economic Status (SES) influenced overall HRQoL while better income and higher SES predicted better scores in psychological and environmental domains.

Conclusion: Patients with better control over inter-dialysis weight gain (≤1600 g) had significantly higher scores. This study highlights the importance of using QoL tools in assessing the QoL of patients and the factors contributing to it.

Quality of Life and Social Support of People on Peritoneal Dialysis: Mixed Methods Research

Although some study has been made into quality of life in patients with peritoneal dialysis, little is known about how this relates to social support. The aim of this paper was to study health-related quality of life, perceived social support and the experiences of people receiving peritoneal dialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, between June 2015 and March 2017. Fifty-five patients receiving peritoneal dialysis were studied. The most affected quality of life dimensions were the effects of the disease, the burden of the disease, occupational status, sleep and satisfaction. The physical component of the quality of life questionnaire was negatively associated with the number of hospital admissions over the previous year (p = 0.027) and positively associated with social support (p = 0.002). With regard to the mental component, age (p = 0.010) and social support (p = 0.041) were associated with a better quality of life. Peritoneal dialysis, while not a panacea, is experienced as being less aggressive than hemodialysis, allowing greater autonomy and improved perceived health. Greater symptomology corresponded to worse quality of life and to perceiving the disease as a burden. Patients had to adapt to the new situation despite their expectations. Social support was observed to be a key factor in perceived quality of life.

A Global Overview of the Impact of Peritoneal Dialysis First or Favored Policies: An Opinion

Given the ever-increasing burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a global milieu of limited financial and health resources, interested parties continue to search for ways to optimize dialysis access. Government and payer initiatives to increase access to renal replacement therapies (RRTs), particularly peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), may have meaningful impacts from clinical and health-economic perspectives; and despite similar clinical and humanistic outcomes between the two dialysis modalities, PD may be the more convenient and resource-conscious option. This review assessed country-specific PD-First/Favored policies and their associated background, implementation, and outcomes. It was found that barriers to policy-implementation are broadly associated with government policy, economics, provider or healthcare professional education, modality-related factors, and patient-related factors. Notably, the success of a given country's PD-Favored policy was inversely associated with the extent of HD infrastructure. It is hoped that this review will provide a foundation across countries to share lessons learned during the development and implementation of PD-First/Favored policies.

An education initiative modifies opinions of hemodialysis nurses towards home dialysis

Background

It has been shown that in-center hemodialysis (HD) nurses prefer in-center HD for patients with certain characteristics; however it is not known if their opinions can be changed.

Objective

To determine if an education initiative modified the perceptions of in-center HD nurses towards home dialysis.

Design

Cross-sectional survey of in-center HD nurses before and after a three hour continuing nursing education (CNE) initiative. Content of the CNE initiative included a didactic review of benefits of home dialysis, common misconceptions about patient eligibility, cost comparisons of different modalities and a home dialysis patient testimonial video.

Setting

All in-center HD nurses (including those working in satellite dialysis units) affiliated with a single academic institution

Measurements

Survey themes included perceived barriers to home dialysis, preferred modality (home versus in-center HD), ideal modality distribution in the local program, awareness of home dialysis and patient education about home modalities.

Methods

Paired comparisons of responses before and after the CNE initiative.

Results

Of the 115 in-center HD nurses, 100 registered for the CNE initiative and 89 completed pre and post surveys (89% response rate). At baseline, in-center HD nurses perceived that impaired cognition, poor motor strength and poor visual acuity were barriers to peritoneal dialysis and home HD. In-center HD was preferred for availability of multidisciplinary care and medical personnel in case of catastrophic events. After the initiative, perceptions were more in favor of home dialysis for all patient characteristics, and most patient/system factors. Home dialysis was perceived to be underutilized both at baseline and after the initiative. Finally, in-center HD nurses were more aware of home dialysis, felt better informed about its benefits and were more comfortable teaching in-center HD patients about home modalities after the CNE session.

Limitations

Single-center study

Conclusions

CNE initiatives can modify the opinions of in-center HD nurses towards home modalities and should complement the multitude of strategies aimed at promoting home dialysis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40697-015-0051-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Attitudes and perceptions of nephrology nurses towards dialysis modality selection: a survey study

Background

There is a paucity of information about the views of dialysis nurses towards dialysis modality selection, yet nurses often have the most direct contact time with patients. We conducted a survey to better understand nurses’ attitudes and perceptions, and hypothesized that nurses with different areas of expertise would have differences in opinions.

Methods

We administered an electronic survey to all dialysis/predialysis nurses (n = 129) at a large, tertiary care center. The survey included questions about preferred therapy - in-center hemodialysis (CHD), versus home dialysis (home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and ideal modality mix. Responses were compared between nurses with home dialysis and CHD experience.

Results

The survey response rate was 69%. Both nursing groups ranked patient caregivers and dialysis nurses as having the least impact on patient modality selection. For most patient characteristics (including age > 70 years and presence of multiple chronic illnesses), CHD nurses felt that CHD was somewhat or strongly preferred, while home dialysis nurses preferred a home modality (p < 0.001 for all characteristics studied). Similar differences in responses were noted for patient/system factors such as patient survival, cost to patients and nursing job security. Compared to CHD nurses, a higher proportion of home dialysis nurses felt that CHD was over-utilized (85% versus 58%, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Dialysis nurses have prevailing views about modality selection that are strongly determined by their area of experience and expertise.

The role of peritoneal dialysis in modern renal replacement therapy

Most patients starting dialysis can choose between peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis. There is little evidence proving that one form of dialysis is better than the other; although there may be an early advantage to peritoneal dialysis (PD) in young patients with residual function this effect is short-lived. Technique failure develops after years on PD so dialysis modality will often change during a long dialysis career. Quality of life studies, which must be interpreted carefully, indicate that patients require information about the impact of dialysis on their lifestyle as well as health-related outcomes so that they can choose the most suitable dialysis modality. Increasing numbers of frail elderly patients are starting dialysis; support in the home by nursing staff may facilitate the use of PD in this group. In the UK guidelines prioritise the patient's choice of dialysis modality (where feasible) based on good quality predialysis education. Cost of treatment is generally lower on PD, which is particularly recommended for patients with residual renal function and few comorbidities.

Development of hemodiafiltration therapy--a historical perspective

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) was created in the late 1970s to combine the best of hemodialysis (HD) and hemofiltration, i.e. superior removal of both small and large solutes. Thus, optimal conditions for both diffusion and convection are required. The need for large volumes of sterile fluid has shaped the evolution of HDF, and regulatory issues around systems for on-line fluid preparation have delayed the clinical development of the therapy. Not until such systems became generally available in the mid-1990 s was it possible to increase the efficiency of HDF therapy to match and exceed the upgrade that had taken place for HD. Results from recent studies indicate that the potential for improving the outcome of dialysis lies in increasing the convective clearance of HDF above that of high-flux HD.

Effects of hemodiafiltration and high flux hemodialysis on nerve excitability in end-stage kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in end-stage kidney disease. While high flux hemodialysis (HFHD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF) have become the preferred options for extracorporeal dialysis therapy, the effects of these treatments on nerve excitability have not yet been examined.

METHODS

An observational proof-of-concept study of nerve excitability and neuropathy was undertaken in an incident dialysis population (n = 17) receiving either HFHD or HDF. Nerve excitability techniques were utilised to assess nerve ion channel function and membrane potential, in conjunction with clinical assessment and standard nerve conduction studies. A mathematical model of axonal excitability was used to investigate the underlying basis of the observed changes. Nerve excitability was recorded from the median nerve, before, during and after a single dialysis session and correlated with corresponding biochemical markers. Differences in nerve excitability were compared to normal controls with longitudinal follow-up over an 18 month period.

RESULTS

Nerve excitability was performed in patient cohorts treated with either HFHD (n = 9) or online HDF (n = 8), with similar neuropathy status. Nerve excitability measures in HDF-treated patients were significantly closer to normal values compared to HFHD patients obtained over the course of a dialysis session (p<0.05). Longitudinal studies revealed stability of nerve excitability findings, and thus maintenance of improved nerve function in the HDF group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has provided evidence that nerve excitability in HDF-treated patients is significantly closer to normal values prior to dialysis, across a single dialysis session and at longitudinal follow-up. These findings offer promise for the management of neuropathy in ESKD and should be confirmed in randomised trials.

Thinking outside the box-identifying patients for home dialysis

Home dialysis modalities are underutilized in the USA with only 8% of the dialysis patients undergoing renal replacement therapy at home versus 92% being treated with center hemodialysis. This is in contrast to the nephrology professionals’ opinion about the best dialysis therapy and their potential choice in the hypothetical situation of choosing a dialysis modality for themselves. Pre-dialysis education changes the distribution of dialysis modality significantly, as 50% of informed patients choose home dialysis. Close collaboration among nephrology professionals, patients and providers is required to make home therapy a reality for any interested patient.

Enabling self-management: selecting patients for home dialysis?

Pre-emptive living donor transplantation should always be promoted as the first-line treatment for kidney failure. Where that is not possible, patients must receive timely information and advice regarding all dialysis options available, including home-based peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis. Where a dialysis unit enables and actively encourages self-management, patients will tend to select themselves, and if well motivated may overcome significant difficulties to exceed the expectations or predictions of dialysis staff. Patients then become advocates themselves and can provide other patients with the necessary motivation to consider a home treatment, such that they approach staff, rather than vice versa. For staff to be able to talk to patients with confidence requires direct experience of home dialysis, but in units which do not have a full range of home therapies, this may initially be difficult. Visiting patients in their home environment is an essential part of training for both medical and nursing staff. Before a patient is able to begin to engage in discussion about any dialysis therapy, they must have reached a point of acceptance that dialysis is necessary. If they are not at this point, then any attempt at ‘education’ will be largely futile. Once a patient has arrived at the point of choosing a home therapy, the pathway to their first dialysis at home must be as smooth and problem-free as possible.

Peritoneal Dialysis Drop-out: Causes and Prevention Strategies

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a renal replacement therapy (RRT) has become wide spread since its inception more than twenty-five years back. Since then, several advances have been made and PD has been accepted as an alternative therapy to hemodialysis (HD), with excellent survival, lower cost, and improved quality of life. In spite of comparable survival of HD and PD, improved PD techniques over the last few years, and lower health care costs with PD, PD prevalence remains low in many countries. An important reason for the low PD prevalence is patient dropouts, that is, transfer to HD. The reasons for dropouts are multifactorial, that is, modality related, system related, and patient related. These include episodes of peritonitis, catheter-related problems, ultrafiltration failure, patient fatigue, and provider comfort. This review discusses the various factors that contribute to PD dropout and the strategies to prevent it.

Peritoneal dialysis first: rationale

The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) has become wide spread since the introduction of continuous ambulatory PD more than 25 years ago. Over this time, many advances have been made and PD is an alternative to hemodialysis (HD), with excellent comparable survival, lower cost, and improved quality of life. The percentage of prevalent PD patients in the United States is approximately 7%, which is significantly lower compared with the 15% PD prevalence from the mid-1980s. Despite comparable survival of HD and PD and improved PD technique survival over the last few years, the percentage of patients performing PD in the United States has declined. The increased numbers of in-center HD units, physician comfort with the modality, perceived superiority of HD, and reimbursement incentives have all contributed to the underutilization of PD. In addition to a higher transplantation rate among patients treated with PD in the United States, an important reason for the low PD prevalence is the transfer to HD. There are various reasons for the transfer (e.g., episodes of peritonitis, membrane failure, patient fatigue, etc.). This review discusses the various factors that contribute to PD underutilization and the rationale and strategies to implement "PD first" and how to maintain it. The PD first concept implies that when feasible, PD should be offered as the first dialysis modality. This concept of PD first and HD second must not be seen as a competition between therapies, but rather that they are complementary, keeping in mind the long-term goals for the patient.

[Peritoneal dialysis for ESRD patients: financial aspects]

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is as least as good as hemodialysis (HD) for the treatment of end stage kidney disease, considering morbidity and mortality, and better for quality of life. The best result is obtained when the patient can benefit of the sequential treatment, PD first and then HD if necessary. Furthermore, the cost of a patient treated by PD is less than the cost of the same patient treated by HD, at least in developed countries. But, all around the word, the rate of usage of PD don't grow, or decline. One can expect that, as no medical reason can explain this, the cause is economic. Multiple economics aspects and expenses posts for DP are analyzed, as the results of some financial decisions taken in one country or the other, keeping in mind the French system or reimbursement. We conclude that economic incitations may help for the development of PD, if they don't penalize one of the partners (insurance, clinics, doctors of patients), and if in the same time there is an improvement of the formation and information of doctors and patient.

Dedication of a nurse to educating suboptimal haemodialysis starts improved transition to independent modalities of renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis (HD) initiation is unplanned in up to 50% of patients, mainly due to late diagnosis and/or late nephrology referral. In these patients, time does not permit the multidisciplinary predialysis care that is associated with increased independent renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality choice and better access to kidney transplantation. We established a Renal Triage Nurse (RTN) position to educate suboptimal HD starts and to facilitate transition to independent modalities of RRT.

METHODS

Adult patients starting HD from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008 with < 180 days nephrology follow-up and surviving at least 180 days were included (suboptimal HD starts). The RTN educated suboptimal HD starts beginning in December 2006. Patients initiating RRT via the multidisciplinary predialysis clinic (MPC) were included for comparison. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between being seen by the RTN and achieving independent modalities of RRT.

RESULTS

There were 176 patients: 78 suboptimal HD starts (38 of these were educated by the RTN) and 98 patients initiated RRT after a minimum 180-day follow-up at the MPC. Of the RTN patients, 27.8% switched to independent RRT modalities (peritoneal dialysis n = 7, home haemodialysis n = 1, transplant n = 2). RTN patients were more likely to live alone (33.3% versus 10.8%, P = 0.02) and to have cerebrovascular disease (25.0% versus 7.1%, P = 0.03); however, adjusting for these variables, suboptimal HD starts seen by the RTN were more likely to transition to independent RRT (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.08-13.05) than those not seen. The proportion starting on an independent modality via the MPC was 39.8%. The RTN achieved a rate of independent RRT not statistically different to that observed in patients starting RRT via the MPC (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.19-2.94 in multivariable analysis).

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of the RTN to the HD care team facilitated transition to independent modalities of RRT in suboptimal HD starts. This standardized approach to the care of such patients should be considered in HD units where suboptimal HD starts are common.

'Reality and desire' in the care of advanced chronic kidney disease

There is a long distance between the actual worldwide reality in advanced chronic kidney disease care and the desire of how these patients should be managed to decrease cardiovascular and general morbidity and mortality. Implementation of adequate infrastructures may improve clinical outcomes and increase the use of home renal replacement therapies (RRT). Current pitfalls should be addressed to optimise care: inadequate medical training for nephrological referral and RRT selection, late referral to nephrologists, inadequate patient education for choice of RRT modality, lack of multidisciplinary advanced kidney disease clinics and lack of programmed RRT initiation. These deficiencies generate unintended consequences, such as inequality of care and limitations in patient education and selection-choice for RRT technique with limited use of peritoneal dialysis. Multidisciplinary advanced kidney disease clinics may have a direct impact on patient survival, morbidity and quality of life. There is a common need to reduce health care costs and scenarios increasing PD incidence show better efficiency. The following proposals may help to improve the current situation: defining the scope of the problem, disseminating guidelines with specific targets and quality indicators, optimising medical speciality training, providing adequate patient education, specially through the use of general decision making tools that will allow patients to choose the best possible RRT in accordance with their values, preferences and medical advice, increasing planned dialysis starts and involving all stakeholders in the process.

Haemodiafiltration-optimal efficiency and safety

Haemodiafiltration (HDF) is the blood purification therapy of choice for those who want significant removal of uraemic solutes beyond the traditional range of small molecules. Combining diffusive and convective solute transport, a HDF treatment comprises the largest number of variables among blood purification therapies, and it is important to understand how they interact in order to optimize the therapy. This review discusses the parameters that determine the efficiency of HDF and how they can be controlled in the different forms of HDF and ‘HDF-like’ therapies practised today. The key to safe and effective HDF therapy is to have access to large volumes of high-quality fluids. Starting with ultrapure dialysis fluid, on-line preparation of a sterile, non-pyrogenic substitution solution can be made an integral part of the treatment, and we describe the necessary conditions for this. On-line HDF can provide the largest removal of the widest range of solutes among available dialysis therapies, and the potential clinical benefits of this are within practical reach for the increasing number of patients dialysed with high-flux membranes and ultrapure dialysis fluid.