How to avoid technique failure in peritoneal dialysis patients?

Abstract

It is well established that technique failure is one of the main reasons for peritoneal dialysis cessation. Early PD failures occur during the first 6 months of PD and are mainly related to catheter dysfunction and psychosocial problems. Catheter malfunction should be treated by a video-laparoscopic procedure as this prolongs the catheter survival. Assisted peritoneal dialysis could help patients to cope with peritoneal dialysis. Preservation of residual renal function is of importance in peritoneal dialysis patients as it affects both patients and technique survival. Failure to obtain a sufficient ultrafiltration volume to maintain a euvolemic state without using large amount of hypertonic glucose solution can cause peritoneal dialysis failure. New approaches in the use of icodextrin to increase ultrafiltration and sodium removal are under investigation. A novel modality of prescribing automated peritoneal dialysis would improve ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis patients.