Early Peritoneal Dialysis Technique Failure: Review

Abstract

There is a growing, global burden of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring renal replacement therapy. Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is considered to be the most cost-effective dialysis modality, its utilization has been declining in some regions. The first year after starting PD is thought to be a vulnerable period for technique failure, which in turn contributes to poor patient retention. Improved understanding of the risk factors for technique failure during this period may help the development of targeted strategies to lower its incidence and improve both the utilization and utility of PD. This up-to-date review will summarize current evidence regarding the definition, incidence, causes, and predictors of early PD technique failure. Promising avenues for directing future research efforts will also be discussed.