Viability of Home Peritoneal Dialysis: Experience with 100 Patients from an Arab Population

Abstract

BackgroundThe viability of home peritoneal dialysis (HPD) is being debated in Arab countries. We therefore undertook the present study to assess the viability of HPD in the Arab culture.Patients and MethodsA total of 100 patients with end-stage renal failure were treated with HPD during the period January 1996 to October 2001.ResultsContinuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was performed in 81 patients (81%), and nightly intermittent peritoneal dialysis (NIPD) in 19 patients (19%). The patient group included 54 men (54%) and 46 women (46%) with a mean age of 54.94 ± 14.58 years. They were followed for a total of 2118.3 patient–treatment months and had a mean dialysis duration of 21.2 ± 9.97 months. Peritonitis occurred at the rates of 1 episode every 18.5 patient–treatment months (Bieffe L3 double-bag system: Bieffe Medital, Grosotto, Italy), 1 episode every 22.5 patient–treatment months (ANDY Plus system: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), and 1 episode every 23.7 patient–treatment months (NIPD system Fresenius PD-Night: Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Recurrent peritonitis was the main reason (70.6%) for transfer to hemodialysis. A good level of social well-being and rehabilitation was achieved in 49 patients on CAPD (60.5%) and 13 patients on NIPD (68.4%).ConclusionsWe conclude that HPD is a viable modality of renal replacement therapy in Arab countries. By adopting a strict training model, the peritoneal dialysis team can train even patients or caregivers with limited education, preventing peritonitis and promoting the general well-being of patients.