#494 Analysis of technique failure and reasons for the end of follow-up in a peritoneal dialysis unit

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Currently, there are various definitions for peritoneal dialysis technique failure, and several related factors are described. There is controversy regarding whether mortality should be considered a form of technique failure or not, as it involves an event of a different nature. Besides, the exit form peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique can occur due to the transition to hemodialysis (HD), kidney transplantation or the patient's death in general. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors are associated with survival in peritoneal dialysis technique. Method A retrospective study was conducted with 111 incident PD patients in the dialysis unit of Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, in Granada, Spain, between 2015 and 2020. A survival curve was obtained, evaluating the association of different variables with technique failure and the end of follow-up. By identifying mortality as a competitive risk for technique failure, a Fine and Gray competitive risks model was applied. Results A total of 111 patients were analyzed, with an annual technique survival of 90%, being it 83% at two years, and 74% at three years. Table 1 reflects the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. The main causes of technique failure were psychosocial causes (19%), peritoneal catheter mechanical issues (12%), ultrafiltration failure (9.52%), and peritonitis (9.52%). The main reasons for the end of follow-up were kidney transplantation (55%), transfer to HD (26%), and death (12.6%). Among the deceased, 64% were of cardiovascular origin, and 21% were infectious. Technique failure was more observed in patients over 65 years old, in those with a Charlson index higher than 4 points, with diabetes, a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure (HF), in former smokers, and in diabetic kidney disease. Conclusion Technique survival in our center was 90% at one year and 83% at two years, similar to previous Spanish records. The reasons for technique exit were: 55% due to kidney transplantation, 26% due to transfer to hemodialysis, and 19% due to for psychosocial causes. Risk factors related to technique failure were advanced age, Charlson index, diabetes, and a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure (HF).