International Society Of Peritoneal Dialysis Research Articles

The Use of Intraperitoneal Ampicillin in a Patient With Enterococcus faecalis Peritonitis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) - associated peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The 2022 International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guidelines do not recommend intraperitoneal (IP) ampicillin for treatment of Enterococcal PD - associated peritonitis. To date, there is no in vivo data to support use of IP ampicillin for the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis. A 69-year-old man with a past medical history of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) was admitted to the hospital and treated for peritonitis with E. faecalis. The patient's CCPD prescription was 2.5% Dianeal with 5 total exchanges. IP ampicillin was added to the first 4 exchanges and additional ampicillin was added to the last fill. The patient successfully completed the treatment course with clinical cure. The use of IP ampicillin for E. faecalis peritonitis is controversial and previously lacked compelling clinical evidence for or against its use. This case demonstrates treatment of peritonitis using a modified dosing strategy with ampicillin added to each CCPD exchange and last fill. The loss of ampicillin antimicrobial activity reported in vitro with E. faecalis was not supported by this case.

#2752 Decline of residual renal function in peritoneal patients: in search of the lost kidney?

Abstract Background and Aims The latest (2020) recommendations of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis have proposed a new paradigm of adequacy. In this context, preserving residual renal function (RRF) is considered one of the most important therapeutic targets to reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality. Incremental peritoneal dialysis can contribute to preserving RRF. The goal of this study is to evaluate factors which are associated with a decline in RRF in APD patients. Method We conducted a retrospective study of incidental peritoneal dialysis patients between 2020 and 2022. We started considering 62 patients who underwent APD. 23 were excluded due to lack of data, follow-up of less than 1 year, need for haemodialysis sessions before or during follow-up, interfering surgery (bariatric surgery and nephrectomy) and treatment using the CAPD technique. We analyzed data from 39 APD patients (see Table 1) and classified them into two groups based on their RRF decline using the cut-off of 1 ml/min/year (calculated as the mean of urea and creatinine clearance). They were distinguished into slow progressors and fast progressors and we identified any differences in clinical and dialysis parameters at baseline and 12-month follow-up. We calculated dialytic, renal and total Kt/V in both groups and looked for possible predictors of faster RRF loss. For statistical analysis, we used ANOVA for continuous variables, Kruskal-Wallis for non-continuous variables and Fisher for qualitative variables. Finally, predictive data were extracted using logistic regression. Results We found 22 slow progressors and 17 fast progressors. A significant difference was found in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (18.2% vs 47.1%, p 0.028), residual renal function (5.71 ml/min vs 6.85 ml/min, p 0,03) and dialysing solution volumes (13.2 L vs 14.1 L, p 0.05) between the two groups, with higher values in the fast progressors. In this group, more male patients were also observed (p 0.11), treated with 2 or more antihypertensive drugs (p 0.30) and exposed to higher weekly dialysate glucose (p 0.23) and daily ultrafiltration rates (p 0.23). At the 12-month follow-up, the mean decline in renal function was -1, 56 ml/min in the entire sample, -3.03 ml/min in the fast progressors group and -0.43 ml/min in the slow progressors group; the change in daily Uf inversely correlated with the change in RRF (p 0.025; r -0.35, Fig. 1). There was a mean reduction in ultrafiltrate volume (-22.7 ml vs +123.5 ml, p 0.028) and in the amount of glucose in the dialysing solutions (-138.6 g vs +100.5 g, p 0.007) compared to baseline values in patients who preserved RRF. In contrast, the difference between the two groups in the number of patients who started PD with<5 sessions per week is borderline (p 0.099). Weekly dialysis Kt/V is higher in fast-progressor patients (1 vs 0.88; p 0.205) with a total weekly Kt/V in both cases above the recommended target of 1.7. On multivariate regression analysis, baseline renal function and the presence of heart disease correlate with a more rapid decline in RRF (p 0.047; p 0.021 respectively). Conclusion With the limitations of low sample size and short follow-up time, we observed that ultrafiltration and peritoneal exposure to dialysate glucose may play a role in RRF loss, but more research is needed to confirm this. We found that patients with heart disease and higher baseline RRF were more likely to experience a faster decline in RRF. Overall findings suggest that maintaining RRF is crucial in APD patients, and incremental dialysis can help preserve it. We recommend further studies with longer follow-up times to better understand the relationship between RRF and APD.

#1615 Working without peritoneal dialysate and urine collections during the COVID-19 pandemic: how to assure sufficient small solute removal

Abstract Background and Aims The guidelines of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis suggest regular control of small solute removal. During the COVID-19 pandemic we did not perform additional controls of dialysis adequacy in our peritoneal dialysis patients. We judged patients according symptoms and serum urea levels. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate whether the measurement of serum urea alone might indicate sufficient small solute removal in peritoneal dialysis patients. Method In 216 adult PD patients (139 males, 77 females, median age 64 years, median BMI 26.7) Kt/V urea (renal and peritoneal) was registered together with anthropometric and laboratory data during the first two years of PD therapy. Patients presenting urea values between 100 and 250 mg/dl were included in the statistical analysis, thus resulting in the evaluation of 410 measurements (265 in male, 145 in female patients). Urea distribution volume was calculated using the formula of Watson and Watson. The measurement of urea in blood and urine was performed by a standard kinetic test with urease. Results Serum urea correlated significantly to Kt/V urea (r = −0.28, p < 0.01), whereas significance was not reached in female patients (male patients: r = −0.35, p < 0.01; female patients; r = −0.14, p = 0.13). Kt/V urea of at least 1.7 is achieved in male patients presenting serum urea values lower than 160 mg/dl (95% confidence interval), whereas in female patients apparently presenting serum urea values lower than 200 mg/dl (95% confidence interval). This difference is due to the distinct sex specific urea distribution volume (median value: male patients 40.8 liters, female patients 31.8 liters) and to the absence of a significant correlation between serum urea and Kt/V urea in female patients. Conclusion Serum urea values below 160 mg/dl in male peritoneal dialysis patients are roughly indicating sufficient small solute removal, whereas a clear relation between serum urea and Kt/V urea was not present in female patients in our study population.

Guía clínica de adecuación y prescripción de la diálisis peritoneal

In recent years, the meaning of adequacy in peritoneal dialysis has changed. We have witnessed a transition from an exclusive achievement of specific objectives —namely solute clearances and ultrafiltration— to a more holistic approach more focused to on the quality of life of these patients. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations, updated and oriented to social and health environment, for the adequacy and prescription of peritoneal dialysis. The document has been divided into three main sections: adequacy, residual kidney function and prescription of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis. Recently, a guide on the same topic has been published by a Committee of Experts of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD 2020). In consideration of the contributions of the group of experts and the quasi-simultaneity of the two projects, references are made to this guide in the relevant sections. We have used a systematic methodology (GRADE), which specifies the level of evidence and the strength of the proposed suggestions and recommendations, facilitating future updates of the document.

The Role of Effluent Analysis and Culture in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is one of the available renal replacement therapy options for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). One of the most common complications of PD is peritonitis. A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to cloudy effluent and abdominal pain four days before admission. He was diagnosed with ESRD in 2015 and has undergone Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) since 2017. The physical examination findings were as follows: the temperature was 36.6 C, the conjunctiva was anemic, the abdomen was tender, and both of the lower extremities were edematous. Peritoneal dialysis effluent analysis showed yellow and turbid effluent with a leukocyte count of 13.346 cells/µL and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells predominance (69.3%), effluent and serum urea of 221 and 243 mg/dL, effluent and serum creatinine of 16.7 and 18.26 mg/dL, respectively. Effluent Gram stain showed increased leukocytes without bacteria, while effluent culture showed the growth of Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. According to the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis 2022 guidelines, all criteria for infective peritonitis in this patient were met: clinical features (turbid effluent and abdominal pain), increased cell count (>100 cells/µL) with PMN >50%, and positive effluent culture. The patient was administered intravenous Ampicillin-Sulbactam based on the effluent culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Serial effluent analyses suggested a return-to-normal trend in leukocyte and PMN counts. After 18 days of hospitalization, the patient was allowed to discharge based on clinical and laboratory improvements.

Performance characteristics of a prototype dialysate turbidity monitoring system to detect peritonitis in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.

The risk of peritonitis has limited wider adoption of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the United States. We developed a prototype bedside dialysate turbidity monitoring system, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy relative to conventional approaches which depend on visual inspection and reporting of insensitive and non-specific symptoms. The prototype system was tested in a single-centre, proof-of-principle clinical study in patients receiving intermittent PD. We obtained multiple effluent dialysate samples from each consenting participant. We compared turbidity measurements with diagnostic criteria endorsed by the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD). Overall, we analysed 983 specimens from 65 patients, including 105 samples from patients with peritonitis and 878 samples from patients without peritonitis. An operating point derived from a previous in vitro study yielded an unadjusted sensitivity and specificity of 95.2% and 91.5%, respectively. The majority of samples that did not meet ISPD diagnostic criteria were either cases detected before criteria were met or were related to active peritonitis treatment and resolution. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of a prototype dialysate turbidity monitoring system for peritonitis surveillance.

#6921 INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS DURING PEDIATRIC PERITONEAL DIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the dialysis treatment modality of choice used to treat pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), thanks to its various benefits. However, infectious complications, mainly infectious peritonitis (IP), can occur, leading to morbidity, mortality and technique's failure. In this study, we aimed to describe the deferent infectious complications observed in children on PD and to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of IP. Method In this study, we retrospectively collected the records of 99 patients who were treated with PD within the last eleven years (2010-2020) in the department of pediatrics of the University Hospital Charles Nicolle in Tunis. We adopted the terminology of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) to define peritonitis and its outcome. Analysis examining possible predictive factors of IP were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression in multivariate analysis. Results Ninety-nine patients were on PD during our study period, of which 65 patients had a total of 120 episodes of IP. The incidence of IP was 0.41 episodes per patient/year. The average time to onset of the first episode of IP was 1.2 years [3 days – 5.54 years]. Clinical signs of IP were dominated by abdominal pain (78.3%) and fever (50.4%). The PD effluent was cloudy in 78.3% of cases. Peritoneal dialysis fluid culture was positive in 33.3% of episodes with a predominance of gram-positive germs (62.8%). The evolution of this IP was favourable in 91.5% of cases with a response to antibiotics. 7% of episodes were relapsing of which five were during the first episode of IP. IP recurrence occurred in one patient. A catheter change was required over 16 episodes of IP, and hemodialysis sessions were necessary in 27 patients, temporary in 10 patients. The multivariate study identified the following predictive factors of IP: poor adherence to treatment (OR=3.851; 95%CI: 1.369-10.837; P = .011) and weight less than 15 Kg (OR=6.314; 95%CI: 1.333- 29.897; P = .02). Conclusion Considering the high risk of peritonitis in children on PD, it is imperative to establish a primary prevention based on training of the child's caregivers and families. Continous quality improvement program and PD technique must systematically reviewed in every peritonitis episode. Nutritional management of children prior to the start of PD is necessary to limit the risk of IP.

#3658 PERITONEAL INFLAMMATION INDUCES SYSTEMIC ERYPTOSIS IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS-ASSOCIATED PERITONITIS

Abstract Background and Aims Eryptosis is stress-induced RBC (Red Blood Cell) death mechanism. Our preliminary data show that there is a significative increased of eryptosis during peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis. Furthremore, there is an elevation of local and systemic inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between systemic eryptosis levels in peritonitis and specific peritonitis biomarkers in peritonitis effluent (PDE), such as Peritoneal White Blood cell count (pWBC), peritoneal NGAL (pNGAL) and peritoneal cytokines levels. Method We enrolled 22 PD patients with peritonitis and 17 healthy subjects. PD-related peritonitis was defined according to the Guidelines of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis. At the time of diagnosis, blood samples were collected for eryptosis and peritoneal effluent were taken to evaluate pWBC, pNGAL and cytokines. All eryptotic measurements were made in freshly isolated RBCs. PS avidly binds AnnexinV, which is thus employed to identify eryptotic cells. Thus, PS exposure at RBC surface was estimated from FITC-AnnexinV binding using flow cytometric analyses. Results 13/22 patients were treated with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and 9 with automated PD (APD). The median length of PD treatment was 28.1 months and the range was: minimum: 3 – maximum: 124.9 months. The percentage of AnnexinV-binding RBCs was significantly higher in PD patients with peritonitis than in CTR (PD patients with peritonitis: 7.7; IQR 4.3-14.2, versus CTR: 0.8; IQR 0.7-1.3; p<0.001) (Figure 1). WBC, NGAL and cytokines levels in PDE are reported in Table 2. We observed important correlation between eriptosis levels and peritoneal biomarkers (Figure 2). Conclusion In conclusion, we investigated a potential connection between systemic eryptosis and peritoneal biomarkers involved in peritonitis. The presented results revealed that upregulated inflammatory markers could be the cause of high levels of systemic eryptosis during PD-related peritonitis.

Lessons learned from regional training of paediatric nephrology fellows in Africa.

Access to care for children with kidney disease is limited in less well-resourced regions of the world and paediatric nephrology (PN) workforce development with good practical skills is critical. Retrospective review of a PN training program and trainee feedback from 1999 to 2021, based at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH), University of Cape Town. A regionally appropriate 1-2-year training program enrolled 38 fellows with an initial 100% return rate to their country of origin. Program funding included fellowships from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), and the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP). Fellows were trained on both in- and out-patient management of infants and children with kidney disorders. "Hands-on skills" training included examination, diagnosis and management skills, practical insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters for management of acute kidney injury and kidney biopsies. Of 16 trainees who completed > 1year of training, 14 (88%) successfully completed subspecialty exams and 9 (56%) completed a master's degree with a research component. PN fellows reported that their training was appropriate and enabled them to make a difference in their respective communities. This training program has successfully equipped African physicians with the requisite knowledge and skills to provide PN services in resource-constrained areas for children with kidney disease. The provision of funding from multiple organizations committed to paediatric kidney disease has contributed to the success of the program, along with the fellows' commitment to build PN healthcare capacity in Africa. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

An International Survey of Peritoneal Dialysis Exercise Practices and Perceptions

Low activity levels and poor physical function are associated with technique failure and mortality in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Adequate levels of physical function are required to maintain independence for people choosing this predominantly home-based therapy. The objective of this study was to identify the exercise-related perceptions and practices of PD clinicians globally. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PD clinicians from English-, Thai-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking PD-prevalent countries exploring clinicians' perceptions and practices of swimming, activity following PD catheter insertion, lifting, and falls prevention. This study was convened by the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis and Global Renal Exercise Network between July and December2021. Of 100 of the highest PD-prevalent countries, 85 responded and were represented in the findings. A total of 1125 PD clinicians (448 nephrologists, 558 nephrology nurses, 59 dietitians, and 56 others) responded from 61% high-income, 32% upper middle-income and 7% lower middle-income countries. The majority (n= 1054, 94%) agreed that structured exercise programs would be beneficial for people receiving PD. Most respondents believed people on PD could perform more exercise (n= 907, 81%) and that abdominal strengthening exercises could be safely performed (n= 661, 59%). Compared to clinicians in high-income countries, clinicians from lower middle-income status (odds ratio [OR], 5.57; 1.64 to 18.9) are more likely to promote participation in physical activity. Clinicians know the importance of physical activity in people receiving PD. Exercise counseling and structured exercise plans could be included in the standard care of people receiving PD to maintain independence.

Simplified calculation of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis rate: Accuracy of a recently developed estimating equation.

Recently, we validated a simple method for estimating peritoneal dialysis (PD) peritonitis rate. Despite good agreement between estimates and gold-standard measurements in two large dialysis registries, the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) was hesitant to recommend adoption of the estimating equation. Their perception is that inaccuracies, as small as they are, might still be detrimental to clinical decision-making. In this study, we apply new analyses to the original validation data sets. We quantify agreement using standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). We also identify a subset of centres with poorest performance of the estimating equation and qualitatively assess the potential for compromised clinical decision-making associated with its use. Inter-assay % coefficient of variation between estimates and measurements was 4.2% in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry and 4.6% in Le Registre de Dialyse Péritonéale de Langue Française, easily meeting ISO requirements. Mandel's h values and Grubb's tests confirmed more outlying estimates compared to the measurements, while Mandel's k values and Cochran's C tests showed that identical precision by the two methods. Misclassification of centres as being above versus below the ISPD standard of 0.4 episodes/patient-year occurred only with rates close to the threshold, affecting approximately 3% of patient-years. In the 26 (out of 268) centres with poorest performance of the estimating equation, examination of the time series of their annual PD peritonitis rate estimates/measurements showed that using estimates would not detrimental to clinical decision-making. In conclusion, the estimating equation is sufficiently accurate for routine clinical use.

Five Things to Know About Incremental Peritoneal Dialysis.

Incremental peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers patients newly starting dialysis less than the standard "full dose" of PD, reducing treatment burden and intrusiveness while minimizing symptoms of renal failure. Incremental PD is a cost-effective approach that has been associated with slower rates of decline in residual kidney function. This approach also produces less waste and in turn reduces environmental footprint compared to standard PD prescriptions. It also aligns with the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Practice Recommendations for high-quality, goal-oriented therapy. Awareness of incremental PD along with its advantages and limitations provides practitioners with the tools to provide more patient-centered dialysis prescriptions in appropriate populations.

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.

Clinical guide of the Spanish Society of Nephrology on the prevention and treatment of peritoneal infection in peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal infections still represent a most feared complication of chronic Peritoneal Dialysis, due to their high incidence and relevant clinical consequences, including direct mortality, technique failure and a significant burden for the health system. The practices for prevention and treatment of this complication show a remarkable heterogeneity emerging, among other factors, from the complexity of the problem and from a paucity of quality evidence which could permit to respond clearly to many of the raised questions. The purpose of this document is to provide a complete and updated review of the main methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections. The document has been elaborated taking as a reference the most recent guidelines of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (2016). The diagnostic considerations are presented in a narrative style while, for prevention and therapy, we have used a systematic methodology (GRADE), which specifies the level of evidence and the strength of the proposed suggestions and recommendations and facilitates future updates of the document. The length of the document and the many suggestions and recommendations coming out of the review underline the large number and the complexity of the factors to be taken into consideration for an adequate approach to this complication of Peritoneal Dialysis.

POS-674 CATHETER DIVERSION WITH EXIT SITE RENEWAL: A SAFE AND SIMPLE SALVAGE TECHNIQUE FOR REFRACTORY EXIT SITE INFECTION

Catheter loss due to catheter related infections including exit site infection and/or tunnel tract infection is an important cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) dropout and prevent the increase in the uptake of PD programme. According to Malaysian Dialysis & Transplant Registry (MDTR) 2016, catheter related infection is the fourth commonest cause of PD dropout. International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guidelines 2017 suggested that catheter removal should be considered for isolated catheter-related infections if prolonged therapy with appropriate antibiotics (e.g.

Guía clínica de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología para la prevención y tratamiento de la infección peritoneal en diálisis peritoneal

Peritoneal infections still represent a most feared complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis, due to their high incidence and relevant clinical consequences, including direct mortality, technique failure and a significant burden for the health system. The practices for prevention and treatment of this complication show a remarkable heterogeneity emerging, among other factors, from the complexity of the problem and from a paucity of quality evidence which could permit to respond clearly to many of the raised questions. The purpose of this document is to provide a complete and updated review of the main methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these infections. The document has been elaborated taking as a reference the most recent guidelines of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (2016). The diagnostic considerations are presented in a narrative style while, for prevention and therapy, we have used a systematic methodology (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation [GRADE]), which specifies the level of evidence and the strength of the proposed suggestions and recommendations and facilitates future updates of the document. The length of the document and the many suggestions and recommendations coming out of the review underline the large number and the complexity of the factors to be taken into consideration for an adequate approach to this complication of peritoneal dialysis.

Signature of a partnership agreement between ISPD and RDPLF for French translation of ISPD guidelines.

We are pleased to announce with this new issue of the Bulletin de la Dialysis à Domicile (BDD), the bilingual journal of the RDPLF, the recent signing of a partnership agreement between the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) and the RDPLF. The RDPLF now officially ensures the French translation of international open access recommendations published by the ISPD. The goal is to allow better distribution to French-speaking professionals who have difficulty accessing English-language medical literature.
 
 In addition a webinar in French will be organized on an annual basis, in collaboration with the ISPD which will ensure logistics management. The dates will be communicated later. We warmly thank Professor Xueqing Yu, President of ISPD, and the members of the ISPD Board, for this agreement which will promote communication between health professionals who speak different languages.
 Max Dratwa, Christian Verger and the editorial committee.
 
 Contents of this issue:
 - Assessment of Patient Experience of Care in Home Dialysis around the World: Enhancing the Patient’s Voice in Home Dialysis Care and Research
 - Narrative interviews to assess quality of life in Peritoneal Dialysis
 -Chylous peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis
 - Peritoneal dialysis in indigenous Australians
 - French translation of ISPD Recommendations for the evaluation of peritoneal membrane dysfunction in adults: classification, measurement, interpretation and rationale for intervention
 - Home dialysis and Covid-19 in French speaking countries (RDPLF data-base)
 - Literature review (in French only) by the Young Nephrologists Club
 
 

Overcoming barriers and building a strong peritoneal dialysis programme - Experience from three South Asian countries.

The development of peritoneal dialysis (PD) programmes in lower-resource countries is challenging. This article describes the learning points of establishing PD programmes in three countries in South Asia (Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan). The key barriers identified were government support (financial), maintaining stable supply of PD fluids, lack of nephrologist and nurse expertise, nephrology community bias against PD, lack of nephrology trainee awareness and exposure to this modality. To overcome these barriers, a well-trained PD lead nephrologist (PD champion) is needed, who can advocate for this modality at government, professional and community levels. Ongoing educational programmes for doctors, nurses and patients are needed to sustain the PD programmes. Support from well-established PD centres and international organisations (International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) are essential.

Peritoneal Dialysis Utilization Globally and Opportunities in Lower Income Countries

There has been an expansion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilization globally over the past several years. This has occurred for several reasons. First, there has been a global increase in the number of patients receiving end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treatment in high income, middle income and low income countries. Second, recent studies have emphasized the reduced cost of PD compared to hemodialysis (HD) if PD supplies can be acquired at a reasonable cost. Thirdly, it is now widely accepted that since PD is much simpler to do than HD (that is, it does not require large amounts of water, complex water treatment systems, electricity, and machinery), the use of PD in low resource countries has certain obvious advantages. Fourthly, it has become clear from experiences in Hong Kong and Thailand that have developed PD First programs (i.e. the government paying for ESKD care only if PD eligible patients start on PD rather than HD) and programs in Mexico (where there has been limited availability of HD centers) that the vast majority of patients with ESKD, even in low resource countries, are able to successfully be cared for with PD. And, importantly, as programs expand in low resource countries and experience is gained, outcomes of PD improve. Lastly, the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) has developed comprehensive guidelines for the care of PD patients that has resulted in a dramatic improvement in outcomes for PD patients over the last several years.

The relationship between prescription of ultrafiltration and intradialytic hypotension in Chinese hemodialysis patients.

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) remains the most frequent severe side effect of hemodialysis (HD) and increases patient morbidity and mortality. Excessive ultrafiltration (UF) is considered the leading cause of IDH. This study developed a suitable prescription of UF to reduce the incidences of IDH episodes. A retrospective study was performed to analyze 33,224 HD/hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments in 312 patients. The prescription of UF were determined following the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guideline. The Pearson's method was used to study the correlation between relative variables. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict the value of the UF/weight ratio (UF/Wt) for IDH in all patients to establish a diagnostic cut-off point. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to study the risk factors of IDH. Twelve thousand five hundred and fifty-eight sessions of IDH (38.7%) were identified, among which 1,224 (3.6%) were recorded with intervention against IDH. Both the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the hemodialytic patients were positively correlated with the UF quantity and the UF/Wt, but negatively correlated with blood flow. The ROC curve showed that UF/Wt =0.04 was the cut-off point for IDH. Age [per 10-year increment, odds ratio (OR) =1.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004 to 1.007, P=0.000], diabetes mellitus (OR =1.209, 95% CI: 1.122 to 1.303, P=0.000), and UF/Wt >0.04 (OR =1.605, 95% CI: 1.532 to 1.682, P=0.000) were all independently associated with higher incidences of IDH. IDH commonly occurs during HD in Chinese patients. Unchangeable factors such as diabetes and age, and modifiable factors including UF were associated with IDH. A UF/Wt threshold more than 0.04 may be a potential alert for avoiding IDH, especially in the elderly and diabetic patients.