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.

Time to move away from damage control strategy in hemodialysis vascular access management: a view from Saudi Arabia

For the last 40 years, most of the research and publications on hemodialysis access, has focused on the management of its complications e.g. thrombosis, infection, aneurysms. In other words, a damage control strategy. While this is undoubtedly an important part of access management, it is a deficient reactive strategy that does not enhance a better quality of life for patients or help reduce the burden on health care resources. To achieve these objectives, efforts should be directed at ways which provide a longer access life with fewer complications. Such an approach would save costs and reduce the suffering of the patient. In this paper we will focus on hemodialysis management in Saudi Arabia, describe the reasons for the current unsatisfactory situation, and highlight possible remedies.

Outcome and Survival in Different Peritoneal Dialysis Modalities

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been accepted as a treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease, yet experience with PD in Arab countries is limited. This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome and survival of different PD modalities. All patients managed at the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Kuwait between August 1982 and December 2003 using PD for three months or more were included in the study. Demographic features, outcome and survival of the patients were analyzed. Four hundred and fifteen patients with end-stage renal failure were admitted into the PD program. Their mean age was 52.06 +/- 16.43 years. Hospital-based intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) were preferred by 203 (48.9%), 176 (42.4%), 30 (7.2%) and 6 (1.4%) patients respectively. The mean duration of follow up was 12.7 +/- 11.7 months. Fifty-five (13.3%) patients were continuing on PD, 55 (13.3%) had shifted to hemodialysis, 73 (17.6%) underwent renal transplantation, 114 (27.5%) died, 34 (8.2%) returned to their native countries, 79 (19%) transferred to other centers and follow up was lost for 5 (1.45%) patients. Patient survival at two years was 56%, 72% and 87% in IPD, CAPD and NIPD respectively. Technique survival at two years was 60.6%, 75.4% and 100% in IPD, CAPD and NIPD respectively. Peritoneal dialysis modalities provide a feasible modality of renal replacement therapy. The overall outcome and patient and technique survival in home PD modalities were better than hospital-based PD.