Utilization of peritoneal dialysis in the United States: Reasons for underutilization, specifically in New York State and the boroughs of New York City.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is currently underutilized in the United States (US), even within resource-rich neighborhoods. We analyzed data from US Renal Data Service to determine PD utilization within the US, New York State (NYS), selected boroughs within New York City (NYC), and Boston, Massachusetts. We then compared the odds of selecting PD with hemodialysis (HD) and analyzed how diabetes mellitus status, age >65 years, gender, and race influenced PD utilization between 2010 and 2016. We then compared a high-volume PD center (HVC) with a low-volume PD center (LVC). The odds of starting PD vs HD were as follows: Brooklyn 0.30 (0.25-0.36; <0.0001), Bronx 0.56 (0.47-0.67; <0.0001), Queens 0.66 (0.54-0.80; <0.0001), and Manhattan 0.61 (0.52-0.71; <0.0001). In 2016, the odds of starting PD compared with the rest of the US were as follows: Brooklyn 0.14 (0.08-0.22; <0.0001), Bronx 0.39 (0.27-0.56; <0.0001), Queens 0.32 (0.23-0.45; <0.0001), Manhattan 0.54 (0.36-0.79; 0.002), and Boston 0.89 (0.58-1.4; 0.624). Analysis of influencing factors showed that only age >65 significantly (<0.0001) influenced PD modality selection in Brooklyn and Boston. Differences between HVC and LVC in terms of modality transition, peritonitis rate, or provider:patient ratio were not statistically significant. Factors that influence PD utilization in urban neighborhoods are discussed and remediation measures are proposed.

Excellent ultrafiltration and clearance after more than 12 years of peritoneal dialysis: two case reports.

Because of a higher (but improving) incidence of technique failure, peritoneal dialysis (PD) is not thought to equal hemodialysis (HD) for long-term use. Other than death and transplantation, the reasons that patients leave PD include peritonitis, catheter problems, patient burnout, and (in long-duration patients) the development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis or ultrafiltration failure. Here, we report 2 patients who have been on continuous ambulatory PD continuously for more than 12 years, maintaining good ultrafiltration and clearances. In the case reports, we suggest potential reasons for the long duration of therapy in these women. We conclude that, in some patients on continuous ambulatory PD who sparingly use very hyperosmolar dextrose solutions and who are able to avoid frequent episodes of peritonitis, long-term PD is possible and may not require transition to HD.