Consensus recommendations on fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney disease: review of available evidence and a call for action (RaK Initiative).

Ramadan fasting (RF) involves abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours; it is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Although sick individuals are exempt from fasting, many will fast anyway. This article explores the impact of RF on individuals with kidney diseases through a comprehensive review of existing literature and consensus recommendations. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.The recommendations aim to provide a structured approach to assess and manage fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney diseases, empowering both healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions while considering their unique circumstances.

Achievement of renal anemia KDIGO targets by two different clinical strategies - a European hemodialysis multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment algorithm for iron therapy and the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in anemic hemodialysis (HD) patients has not been established. Hemoglobin (Hb) target levels can be achieved through more frequent intravenous (IV) iron use with lower ESA dose, or with less iron dosing but higher ESA. ESA therapy to correct anemia may result in severe arterial and venous thrombotic complications and the evidence base evaluating hard clinical outcomes related to the use of IV iron is sparse. METHODS: A total of 1247 maintenance HD patients from 12 dialysis centers in Portugal (n = 730) and Poland (n = 517) were considered. We assessed achievement of KDIGO renal anemia targets with focus on treatment strategies, which typically differ between countries. In Poland the use and dose of IV iron was 35-72% higher than that in Portugal (p <  0.001) during three consecutive months; use and dose of ESA was 61% higher in Portugal (5034 vs 3133 IU (adjusted)/week, p <  0.001). RESULTS: Mean Hb concentration was similar (11.0 vs 11.0 g/dL) in patients treated in both countries and the proportion of patients within KDIGO anemia target was 69.5% in Poland vs 65.8% in Portugal (NS). Ferritin and TSAT levels and the proportion of patients with TSAT > 20 and > 50% were both significantly higher in patients in Poland (88.8 and 14.6%) than in Portugal (76.3 and 5.7% respectively, p <  0.001). Significantly more patients in Poland had a ferritin concentration > 800 µg/L (35.6%) compared to Portugal (15.8%, p <  0.001). The ESA resistance index (ERI) was significantly higher in patients treated in Portugal (p <  0.001). Correlation analyses showed confounding by treatment indication in unadjusted models. Multiple and logistic regression analyses showed that with ferritin within KDIGO recommended range of 200-800 µg/L the odds for Hb within guidelines increased significantly. Annual gross mortality was 16% in Poland and 13% in Portugal (NS); there were no differences in cause-specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of high doses of IV iron in routine clinical HD practice may not be associated with considerable harm. However, large randomized controlled trials are needed to provide absolute evidence of iron safety.

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in murine models: a histological and ultrastructural characterization with immunohistochemistry correlation of glomerular CD44 and WT1 expression.

AIM: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common progressive chronic renal disease. Podocyte injury and loss are the postulated pivotal events that trigger FSGS. In this study, the authors aim to examine the evolution of FSGS in murine models histologically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically with special emphasis on podocytes and parietal epithelial cells (PECs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: FSGS resembling primary FSGS in humans was initiated in Wistar rats using intravenous Adriamycin injections. Blood and urine analysis were performed at 0, 8, and 12 weeks. Both the control kidneys and the test kidneys were harvested at 8 and 12 weeks, examined histologically and ultrastructurally and the findings correlated with the glomerular expression of immunostains specific for podocytes (WT-1) and for activated PECs (CD44). RESULTS: FSGS developed in both 8 and 12 weeks test groups showing progressive proteinuria, podocytopathy and segmental glomerular scarring. There was a decrease in the glomerular expression of WT-1 with a concurrent increase in the glomerular expression of CD44, indicating podocyte loss with synchronous increase in activated PECs. The evolving FSGS correlated negatively with podocytes and positively with activated PECs. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that with podocyte injury there is podocyte effacement and loss, proteinuria, glomerular segmental adhesion and scarring, all culminating in FSGS. In addition, there is activation, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of PECs. This demonstrates that both podocyte loss and PEC activation promote FSGS. Our findings are consistent with recent investigations. More studies are required to further understand the role of these cells in the evolution of FSGS and subsequently introduce new targeted treatment modalities.

The clinical significance of serial kidney biopsies in lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: Repeated kidney biopsies are increasingly recognized to be pivotal in the management of various phases of lupus nephritis. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the shift in activity index and chronicity index among International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) class patients with lupus nephritis who undergo a triple kidney biopsy. METHODS: Eleven patients with lupus nephritis and 3 biopsies each were assessed and reclassified based on ISN/RPS classification. RESULTS: The mean creatinine level increased from 74 (± 38) µmol/l at baseline to 129 (± 116) µmol/l at the second biopsy and to 204 (± 200) µmol/l at the last biopsy. Among 11 kidney biopsies, 7 (63.7%) had a different ISN/RPS class in the second biopsy. The third biopsy showed that six kidney biopsies had a different ISN/RPS class compared to the second biopsy. Even among patients who stayed in the same ISN/RPS class, the second and third biopsies gave a different activity and/or chronicity index. The median activity index (range) was 3.1 (0-14), 4 (0-13) and 3 (0-14) for the first, second and third biopsies, respectively. The median chronicity indices (range) were 2.5 (0-8), 7 (0-8) and 5 (0-10), respectively. CONCLUSION: My study has shown that lupus nephritis is a shifting disease, and repeated biopsies are a pivotal policy in its management.

Burden of Chronic Hemodialysis on the Ability to Work: Time for Action.

Background Understanding the factors that contribute to unemployment will help in the design of creative resolutions to enable hemodialysis patients to return to a productive life. Methods We examined employment among 625 patients aged 18 to 60 years who were on hemodialysis in 8 dialysis units. Results Overall employment was low among patients on chronic hemodialysis at 49.7%. Unemployment was significantly higher in women than in men (86.6% vs 17.1%, p < 0.0001). The employment rate was 70.5% for those with no diabetes and hypertension, 29.5% for those with diabetes, and 25.9% for those with diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, the results of the Cox regression showed that the variables of gender, level of education, capability of driving, and diabetes were related to employment of patients. Conclusions The majority of patients on hemodialysis are unemployed or exit paid employment due to early retirement. Patients with diabetes and women are a vulnerable population with a higher unemployment rate.

Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Middle East and Africa Perspective.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region and a leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Early initiation of sodium-glucose cotransporter - 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and proper sequencing with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) in these patients may result in better clinical outcomes due to their cardioprotective properties and complementary mechanisms of action. In this review, we present guideline-based consensus recommendations by experts from the MEA region, as practical algorithms for screening, early detection, nephrology referral, and treatment pathways for CKD management in patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This study will help physicians take timely and appropriate actions to provide better care to patients with CKD or those at high risk of CKD.

Response to Lisinopril in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia and Proteinuria.

Proteinuria is a manifestation of sickle cell anemia (SCA)-related renal disease and is a risk factor of renal impairment. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have benefits, but their role in SCA remains undefined. This study aimed to assess the role of lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, in reducing proteinuria in SCA patients. Thirty-five patients older than 15 years with known SCA (HbSS or HbS-ß0) and a 24-h urinary protein level of 150 mg or more participated in this study. Urine was collected over 24 h to quantify proteinuria. The patients had a mean age of 28.5 ± 6.98 years. The median 24-h urinary protein before treatment was 0.3006 g and that after treatment was 0.150 g (P = 0.01). After a median follow-up of 38 months, 24-h urinary protein decreased in 27 (77%) patients and normalized in 18 (52%) patients. Urinary protein increased in 2 (6%) patients and remained stable (no change) in 6 (17%) patients. There was no significant difference in blood pressure (BP) before and after treatment. The average dose of lisinopril was 5 mg. Twenty patients were still on lisinopril at last follow-up. The reasons for stopping lisinopril included normalization of protein, noncompliance, adverse effects, and pregnancy. Lisinopril effectively reduced proteinuria in SCA patients, without significantly reducing BP. Only a few patients developed adverse effects, including coughing, dizziness, and diarrhea. It is unclear how long lisinopril should be continued and whether it can be stopped in patients with normalized urinary protein.

Renin-angiotensin-system blockers and IgG antibodies in end-stage renal disease hemodialysis-receiving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among patients receiving in-center hemodialysis (ICHD), the relationship between the IgG antibody levels against the virus and SARS-CoV-2-associated symptoms, hemodialysis adequacy, and the antihypertensives used in order to control blood pressure. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care center, King Fahad Kidney Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between November 2020 and January 2021. A total of 214 ICHD patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were included, and the levels of their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were assessed after obtaining their informed consent. RESULTS: Our tests indicated that 15% of the patients in the study's population had detectable SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, with more than half of them (53%) being asymptomatic. We also found that ESRD patients on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) had higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies than patients not receiving this group of medications. CONCLUSION: More studies are required to assess whether patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection that do not have an indication for being prescribed ACEIs/ARBs would benefit from receiving these medications.

Chronic Kidney Disease Management in the Middle East and Africa: Concerns, Challenges, and Novel Approaches.

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, which increase the risk of developing CKD, is on the rise in the Middle East and Africa. The Middle East and Africa CKD (MEA-CKD) steering committee, comprising eminent healthcare specialists from the Middle East and Africa, was formed to identify and propose steps to address the gaps in the management of CKD in these regions. The current article lists the MEA-CKD steering committee meeting outcomes and evaluates the available evidence supporting the role of novel therapeutic options for patients with CKD. The need of the hour is to address the gaps in awareness and screening, early diagnosis, along with referral and management of patients at risk. Measures to bring about appropriate changes in healthcare policies to ensure access to all benefit-proven protective therapies, including novel ones, at community levels are also vital for reducing the overall burden of CKD on the healthcare system as well as governing bodies, especially in developing countries of the Middle East and Africa.

Strategy for second kidney biopsy in patients with lupus nephritis.

BACKGROUND: Standard clinical and laboratory parameters have limited predictive values for discriminating between active lupus nephritis and chronic disease. The objective of this study was to examine the predictive utility of a second kidney biopsy in patients with lupus nephritis. METHODS: Patients with lupus nephritis were advised to have second kidney biopsies at the end of the maintenance phase of their therapies. Baseline and second renal biopsies were re-classified by pathologists blinded to the clinical data. The relationships between remission status and histological parameters were examined. RESULTS: Included in this study were 77 patients followed up for a median duration of 8.7 years (interquartile range, 5.3-10.1 years). Their renal survival rates were 93% for those in complete remission (CR), 69% for partial remission (PR) and 41% for no remission (NR). One-third of the patients with PR and 14% of patients with NR had no histological evidence of active disease on second biopsy. At the second biopsy, but not at the baseline biopsy, activity index was predictive of survival. The 10-year renal survival rate was 100% for those with an activity index of 0, 80% for those with an activity index of 1 or 2 on the second biopsy and 44% for those with an index of >2, regardless of remission status. CONCLUSION: Second kidney biopsy at the end of maintenance phase of therapy is an important diagnostic and prognostic tool that could guide physicians to safer practices with better outcomes.

Gender disparities in the awareness and control of hypertension.

Hypertension is an important risk factor for the commonest cause of death among men, namely, cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to provide data concerning gender difference in the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Subjects were asked if they had been told by a physician that they had hypertension or were on blood pressure (BP) medication. Blood pressure was measured using standardized Joint National Committee (JNC) protocol. The study sample consisted of 814 adults who were at least 18 years old. Of the estimated 27.6% people with hypertension, 38.6% were unaware of their hypertension, 29.8% were aware of their condition but were not being treated, and among those who had been treated 40.8% remained uncontrolled. Independent predictors of a lack of awareness of hypertension were an age of at least 45 years, male gender, and BMI greater than 30. The extent of awareness and control of hypertension did not differ significantly by monthly income, educational level, physical activities, or smoking status. Awareness and control of hypertension is low in men, making them public health priorities. Achieving more stringent BP control will require increased attention by physicians and public education to improve the awareness and control of hypertension.

Successful management of systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis flare-up during pregnancy with tacrolimus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the common autoimmune disorders that affect women during their childbearing years. Disease activity frequently increases during pregnancy and the postpartum period, representing a challenge for both the patient and the treating physician(s). We report a case of successful management of lupus nephritis flare in the first trimester. The patient developed bilateral leg edema and nephrotic-range proteinuria of 5 g/day. She was treated with steroids and tacrolimus, which resulted in the induction of remission during pregnancy. The patient reached full-term with no maternal or fetal complications. This case indicates that tacrolimus, which is convenient to use and has limited adverse effects, may represent a potential safe and effective treatment option for SLE nephritis during pregnancy.

Improvement of clinical outcomes in dialysis: No convincing superiority in dialysis efficacy using hemodiafiltration vs high-flux hemodialysis.

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is not associated with lower mortality risk compared to standard hemodialysis (HD). However, there are many critical clinical outcomes in dialysis patients in addition to mortality; the impact of HDF on these other outcomes is not clear. This retrospective study included all patients referred to DaVita Clinics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. High-flux HD was the initial modality in all patients. Those who did not achieve adequacy targets or those with poorly controlled phosphorus were switched to postdilution HDF using 18 to 23 L exchange per treatment. Patients dialyzing with a central venous catheter, patients who dialyzed less than 90 days at DaVita, and those with interrupted HDF were excluded. Of the 1115 patients, 215 (19%) were on HDF and 900 on high-flux HD; the median follow-up was 6 months for all patients. The HDF group showed a significant reduction in serum phosphate (P < .001), a significant increase in serum calcium (P < .012) and a significant improvement in Kt/V (P < .0001). The HDF group had significantly higher hemoglobin levels than the HD group (P = .024), with a significant reduction in weekly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose after starting HDF (P < .001). A modified protocol that included prolonged dialysis duration, larger-sized dialyzer, faster blood flow rates, and adding hemofiltration fluid may be helpful in achieving the recommended targets. Thus, HDF can enable the achievement of adequate dialysis care in some patients. Randomized-controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Renal histopathology spectrum in children with kidney diseases in Saudi Arabia, 1998-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the trends in the diagnostic frequency of glomerular disease subtypes by renal biopsy in children in Saudi Arabia over the last 20 years. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we identified all patients aged less than 18 years for whom native kidney biopsy was performed between 1998 and 2017. The period during which biopsy was performed (1998-2004, 2005-2011, and 2012-2017) and the demographic information and their association with the prevalence of various glomerular disease subtypes were our primary outcomes. Results: A total of 326 cases with renal biopsy were analyzed; the mean age of participants being 11 years and 45.4% of them were girls. Unexpectedly, secondary glomerulonephritis accounted for 42.3% of the cases, and lupus nephritis was the most common cause noted in 20.7% of the cases. The minimal change and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were the most common glomerulonephritis in 59% of the cases. The frequency of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis significantly decreased from 15% and 17% in the period prior to 2004 to 3.3% (p=0.003) and 1.7% in 2012-2017 (p less than 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a considerable shift in the frequency of many glomerular disease subtypes in 1998-2017, which make clinical predication of the underlying etiology challenging for clinician. Renal biopsy still remains a critical diagnostic procedure for managing a considerable proportion of renal diseases.

Influence of gender and age on haemodialysis practices: a European multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: Women of all ages and elderly patients of both genders comprise an increasing proportion of the haemodialysis population. Worldwide, significant differences in practice patterns and treatment results exist between genders and among younger versus older patients. Although efforts to mitigate sex-based differences have been attempted, significant disparities still exist. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all 1247 prevalent haemodialysis patients in DaVita units in Portugal (five dialysis centres, n = 730) and Poland (seven centres, n = 517). Demographic data, dialysis practice patterns, vascular access prevalence and the achievement of a variety of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) treatment targets were evaluated in relation to gender and age groups. RESULTS: Body weight and the prescribed dialysis blood flow rate were lower in women (P < 0.001), whereas treated blood volume per kilogram per session was higher (P < 0.01), resulting in higher single-pool Kt/V in women than in men (P < 0.001). Haemoglobin was significantly higher in men (P = 0.01), but the proportion of patients within target range (10-12 g/dL) was similar. Men more often had an arteriovenous fistula than women (80% versus 73%; P < 0.01) with a similar percentage of central venous catheters. There were no gender-specific differences in terms of dialysis adequacy, anaemia parameters or mineral and bone disorder parameters, or in the attainment of KDIGO targets between women and men >80 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: This large, multicentre real-world analysis indicates that haemodialysis practices and treatment targets are similar for women and men, including the most elderly, in DaVita haemodialysis clinics in Europe.

Prevalence and 20-year epidemiological trends of glomerular diseases in the adult Saudi population: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Recent international reports have shown significant changes in the incidence of different glomerular diseases. OBJECTIVE: Examine temporal and demographic trends of biopsy-diagnosed glomerular diseases in the adult population of Saudi Arabia over the last two decades. DESIGN: Medical record review. SETTINGS: Four tertiary medical centers in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified all patients that underwent native kidney biopsy between 1998 and 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency and the disease trends in four biopsy eras (1998-2002, 2003-2007, 2008-2011, and 2012-2017) for different glomerular diseases. SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS: 1070 patients, 18-65 years of age; 54.1% female. RESULTS: Of 1760 patients who underwent native kidney biopsies, 1070 met inclusion criteria. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most common biopsy-diagnosed disease, with comparable frequencies over the four eras (23.6%, 19.8%, 24.1%, and 17.1, respectively [ P value for trend=.07]). The frequency of immunoglobulin A nephropathy increased progressively. The incidence of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis declined significantly. Among the secondary types of glomerular diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus-associated lupus nephritis was the most common, followed by diabetic nephropathy. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy increased from 1.4% in the first era to 10.2% in the last one. CONCLUSIONS: Trends in biopsy-diagnosed glomerular disease have changed. While focal segmental glomerulosclerosis remains the most common glomerular disease, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of immunoglobulin A nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy. In contrast, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has declined. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective methodologies are vulnerable to lost data. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

The long-term outcomes and histological transformation in class II lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: To examined the short and long-term outcome of class II lupus nephritis (LN).   Methods: This retrospective study included patients with class II LN at their first renal biopsy between January 1996 and December 2016 in King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The rate of complete remission, worsening renal function, and histological transformation in the second biopsy were examined.   Results: The study included 32 female patients with class II LN. The most frequent presentation (62.5% of patients) was hematuria with subnephrotic range proteinuria. The clinical presentation included acute kidney injury in 22% of patients, and 9.4% had nephrotic range proteinuria. Management with steroid monotherapy in 25 patients resulted in complete remission for 92% of these patients at 6 months. After a median follow up of 8 years, 2 patients had a doubling of their serum creatinine. During the follow up 17 patients (53%) needed a second biopsy, which revealed  transformation to other classes (65%).  Conclusions: Daily steroid monotherapy may be an appropriate first-line treatment for class II LN that presents with subnephrotic range proteinuria and normal kidney function. Patients with acute kidney injury and/or nephrotic range proteinuria may warrant more aggressive immunosuppressive regimens.

Effect of salt intake on blood pressure in diabetic hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the impact of salt intake on blood pressure and to assess the application of international management guidelines in Saudi diabetic hypertensive patients. METHODS: We recruited 112 consecutive diabetic hypertensive patients visiting the diabetic and nephrology clinic at the King Khalid University Hospital between July 2005 and January 2006. Participants received complete medical assessment and their 24 hours urine sodium was measured. Patients on diuretics were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A significant correlation between 24 hours urine sodium and diastolic blood pressure concentration was observed (r = 0.25, p=0.04) but not with systolic blood pressure (r =0.06, p=0.6) or 24 hours urine protein (r =0.06, p=0.63). Approximately 15% of the patients had an glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) of between 7-8% while 41.2% had an A1C of >8 (suboptimal group for glycemic control). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in only 37.5% of the patients was within the desired goal (<2.4 mmol/l). Whereas only 24.8% of the patients achieved the goal of systolic and diastolic BP of <130/80 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: Modest salt restriction has possible adjuvant effect to pharmacologic treatment to enhance blood pressure control. However, a majority of the Saudi diabetic patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia are inadequately treated.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To examin the effect of Ramadan fasting on worsening of renal function (WRF). Method: This was a single-arm prospective observational study including 65 patients with stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease (CKD). By definition, WRF was considered to have occurred when serum creatinine levels increased by 0.3 mg/dL (26.5 µmol/l) from baseline during or within 3 months after Ramadan. The study was conducted in the Nephrology Clinic of King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan 1436 AH (Hijiri), which corresponded to June 18-July 17, 2015.  Results: This study included 65 adults with a mean age of 53 years. Overall, 33% of patients developed WRF. In the multivariate analysis, more advanced CKD stage, higher baseline systolic blood pressure and younger age were independently associated with WRF. Underlying cause of CKD, use of diuretics, use of renin angiotensin blockers, gender, and smoking status were not associated with WRF.  Conclusion: In patients with stage 3 or higher CKD, Ramadan fasting during the summer months was associated with worsening of renal function. Clinicians need to warn CKD patients against Ramadan fasting.

Let Us Listen to Patients: Underutilization of Peritoneal Dialysis from Patients' Perspectives.

Despite the fact that many of the medical outcome data of peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been improving over the past few years, PD remains an underutilized modality in many countries worldwide. Most nephrologists in those countries report a high rate of patients' refusal. We conducted this survey-based study to determine the obstacles behind underutilization of PD in Saudi Arabia from patients' perspectives and to understand the reasons for their refusal. Nine-hundred and twenty hemodialysis (HD) patients, who had never been on PD before, participated in this study. Responses obtained from patients indicate that their refusal of PD could be because they had not received proper counseling and education about PD from their treating nephrologists throughout the course of their disease.