[Peritoneal dialysis in cirrhotic patients]. / La dialisi peritoneale nei pazienti con cirrosi epatica.

Renal failure and the need for dialysis worsen the prognosis of patients with combined liver and kidney disease. The choice of an appropriate dialysis technique should improve the life expectancy of these patients. Hypotension, impaired defence against infections, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, severe protein and caloric malnutrition, hyperammonemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and inadequate response to diuretics present a number of clinical problems in patients with liver insufficiency. Liver failure is therefore considered an important risk factor for any type of dialysis. Theoretically, both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may cause specific problems in these patients. Hemodialysis has an increased cost/benefit ratio in cirrhotic patients. The administration of heparin during dialysis might worsen blood coagulation, ascites is not controlled by hemodialysis, and frequent paracentesis may be necessary. The efficiency of hemodialysis in removing certain toxic substances accumulating in liver failure is still unclear. Peritoneal dialysis does not require anticoagulation, helps maintain residual renal function, allows continuous removal of a fixed amount of ascitic fluid, does not cause acute hemodynamic changes, clears some of the toxic metabolites accumulated by liver failure, and is less expensive. Finally, peritoneal dialysis is associated with continuous absorption of glucose through the mesenteric capillaries into the mesenteric and liver blood flow, thus improving caloric malnutrition. During the first months of peritoneal dialysis, cirrhotic patients lose about 10 g of protein in the peritoneal dialysate but this loss tends to decrease with time. All the available data seem to indicate that in cirrhotic patients on peritoneal dialysis the majority of complications are consequent upon liver disease, which is also the most important cause of death. The outcome of peritoneal dialysis is not affected by cirrhosis and is similar to that observed in noncirrhotic patients. All the evidence reported in the literature seems to indicate that in cirrhotic patients peritoneal dialysis is an adequate treatment of uremia.

[Should dialysis be for all? Comment]. / Ma la dialisi deve essere per tutti? Commento.

Legal and ethical aspects of withholding or withdrawing dialysis are still matter or debate and it is impossible to present a course of action that would always be correct. Dialysis is an extraordinary, high cost and invasive treatment. Therefore the possibility to withhold or withdraw this treatment should be discussed in each single case, after evaluating comorbidities, expected survival, rehabilitation, quality of life, psychosocial cost and clinical complications. On these basis competent patients have the possibility to give or deny their consent to the treatment and to change this decision at any time. In incompetent patients doctor should try to understand what the patient would choose if he were competent or help family to decide what action would achieve the best interest of the patient. The Catholic Church considers it acceptable to withdraw or withhold extraordinary therapies whose final effect is a mere prolongation of survival with an unacceptably poor quality of life (no apparent therapeutic benefit). It is often inhumane to ask the family to decide to let a patient die. This should be a medical proposal to be accepted by the family after an appropriate information on possible alternatives. Finally palliative care and medical and social assistance should be provided to help the patient and his family.

[Evaluation of peritoneal catheters and connection systems in peritoneal dialysis]. / Valutare il catetere peritoneale ed i sistemi di connessione.

Evaluation of peritoneal catheters is based on the material, the number and type of cuffs, the length and intraperitoneal shape of the catheter, and its site of insertion. Final cost is another important issue which should take into account differences in the incidence of complications, in the number of hospitalizations, and in the simplicity of catheter insertion. Double-cuff catheters are used more than single-cuff catheters. The most commonly used catheter shapes are the classical Tenckhoff, the swan neck, the coil, and self-locating catheters. The latter are more expensive than Tenckhoff catheters but seem to offer some advantages, even if not sustained by adequate controlled trials so far. In addition, placement of these catheters may require different techniques or skills compared to the classical Tenckhoff. The most recent Italian guidelines based only on grade 1 and 2 evidence exclude that the type of catheter may influence the infection rate. There are no data from prospective controlled studies to evaluate the incidence of mechanical complications, hospitalization and technique survival. With regard to dialysis systems, it is still unclear if new plastic materials may offer any advantage over PVC. There is grade 1 evidence that Y-set and double-bag systems reduce the peritonitis rate compared to standard 1-way systems. The available data do not indicate significant differences in the incidence of peritonitis using Y-set compared with double-bag systems. The higher cost of double-bag systems is counteracted by shorter and easier training and by better acceptance by the patients.

Gamma glutamyltranspeptidase activity and viral hepatitis in dialysis population.

BACKGROUND: Numerous investigations have reported that viral hepatitis is associated with significant hepatocellular damage, as expressed by raised aminotransferases in serum, in dialysis population. However, scarce information exists on the activity of gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) in dialysis patients with infection by hepatotropic viruses. OBJECTIVES: We measured serum GGTP values in a large cohort (n=757) of patients receiving long-term dialysis; healthy controls were also included. The relationship between GGTP values and a series of demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters was analyzed. METHODS: Serum GGTP levels were tested by spectrophotometry. A subset (n=333) of dialysis patients was tested by molecular technology (branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assay) to evaluate the relationship between serum GGTP and HCV viremia. A subgroup (n=78) of dialysis patients was analyzed by an ultrasound scan of gallbladder and biliary tract to assess the presence of gallstone disease. Multivariate analyses were made using regression models; serum GGTP values were included as a dependent variable. The usefulness of serum GGTP levels in detecting HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that serum GGTP levels were significantly higher in HBsAg positive and/or anti-HCV positive patients than in HBsAg negative/anti-HCV negative patients on dialysis; 85.1+/-184.1 versus 25.86+/-23.9 IU/l (P=0.0001). The frequency of raised GGTP levels was 22.2% (41/184) among dialysis patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Multivariate analysis showed a significant and independent association between serum GGTP values and positive HBsAg (P=0.005) and anti-HCV antibody (P=0.0001) status. Mean GGTP values were significantly higher in study patients than controls, 32.32+/-60.02 versus 23.5+/-16.92 IU/L (P=0.01); however, no significant difference with regard to GGTP between study and healthy cohorts persisted after correction for age, gender, race, and viral markers. No relationship between gallstone disease and serum GGTP was found (NS). An independent and significant association (P=0.0291) between raised GGTP levels and detectable HCV RNA in serum was noted among patients tested by biology molecular techniques. ROC technology demonstrated that GGTP was equally useful for detecting HBV (P=0.0004) and HCV (P=0.0005) among dialysis patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found an independent and significant association between serum GGTP values and HBsAg and/or anti-HCV antibody in dialysis population. Twenty-two percent of dialysis patients with chronic viral hepatitis had elevated GGTP. No difference in GGTP between HBsAg- negative/anti-HCV- negative dialysis patients and healthy individuals was found. Routine testing for serum GGTP levels to assess liver disease induced by hepatotropic viruses or other agents in dialysis population is suggested.

De novo HCV infection among dialysis patients: a prospective study by HCV core antigen ELISA assay.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients remain a high-risk group for hepatitis C virus infection. The current diagnosis of hepatitis C virus in dialysis patients includes serological measurement of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody; however, nucleic acid amplification technology for assessing hepatitis C virus viraemia is commonly used in other populations. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for detecting antibody to hepatitis C nucleocapsid core antigen (hepatitis C virus core antigen) in human serum has been recently developed (hepatitis C virus Core Antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test). It is conceived for screening of donor blood products to significantly reduce the 'serologic window' occurring before seroconversion during acute hepatitis C virus. AIM AND METHODS: A cohort (n = 72) of patients on maintenance haemodialysis in a single unit in the years 2000-2003 was included. Study patients were tested monthly by hepatitis C virus Core Antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a prospective, clinical trial. Routine results obtained by hepatitis C virus Core Antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test were confirmed by assessing hepatitis C virus viraemia by branched-chain DNA (bDNA) signal amplification assay. RESULTS: De novo hepatitis C virus infection was identified in three patients during the study period; the hepatitis C virus incidence was 1.38% (95% confidence intervals, 1.31-4.09) per year. In each patient, hepatitis C virus core antigen testing allowed the serological identification of acute hepatitis C virus before anti-hepatitis C virus seroconversion. Hepatitis C virus RNA testing confirmed the results obtained by hepatitis C virus Core Antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all cases. The time from initial hepatitis C virus detection by hepatitis C virus Core Antigen Assay and anti-hepatitis C virus seroconversion was not greater than four weeks. Two (67%) of three patients with de novo hepatitis C virus acquisition were HBsAg negative; both these patients underwent an initial phase of hepatitis C virus viraemia that was associated with an increase in alanine aminotransferase activity and preceded the seroconversion to anti-hepatitis C virus antibody. Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus between haemodialysis patients was implicated in at least two (67%) of these three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serological testing for hepatitis C virus core antigen can identify acute hepatitis C virus infection before anti-hepatitis C virus seroconversion. The time from initial hepatitis C virus detection by hepatitis C virus core antigen assay and anti-hepatitis C virus seroconversion was not >4 weeks. De novo acquisition of hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis was associated with a rise in alanine aminotransferase levels. Hepatitis C virus core antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test results can be obtained in routine laboratories without the need of special equipment or training. Hepatitis C virus core antigen testing among anti-hepatitis C virus negative patients on maintenance dialysis is suggested in order to early assess de novo hepatitis C virus within dialysis units.

[Exit-site infection in peritoneal dialysis]. / Le infezioni dell'exit-site in dialisi peritoneale.

Exit-site infection remains one of the major peritoneal dialysis (PD) complications. The evolution of this infection can be secondary peritonitis and or peritoneal catheter loss. In this paper, the natural history of exit-site infection is described. In addition, the possible preventive measures are reviewed and analyzed. In particular surgical technique, perioperative protocols and the care of the exit-site are examined. Particular attention was devoted to the clinical role of staphylococcus (S.) nasal carriers and to the possible prevention of Staphylococcus Aureus infections in these patients. When infection occurs, different diagnostic tools could be appropriate, based on the amount of damage, the clinical symptoms and the medical history. Medical therapy should be selected based on international guidelines and prompt and timely intervention can be the cornerstone of successful therapy. In the case of infections resistant to local and parenteral antibiotic administration, the catheter should be removed. However, good results have been reported by removing part of the catheter and outer cuff; therefore, avoiding hemodialysis (HD) and reducing hospitalization and the need for surgery. When the peritoneal catheter requires removal, the possibility of removing and replacing the peritoneal catheter in a single operation requires consideration, to improve the quality of life and reduce the distress of the patient.

[HCV-related liver disease in hemodialysis population: clinical and biochemical characteristic]. / Epatopatia HCV-correlata in emodialisi: manifestazioni biochimiche e cliniche.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains frequent among patients on maintenance dialysis. It has been claimed that infrequent and slight abnormalities in serum aminotransferase activity could occur in dialysis patients with HCV. We describe a 61-year-old male patient on maintenance dialysis who acquired HCV by a nosocomial route. The natural history of HCV in this patient over 8 yrs featured frequent and high increases in serum aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) levels. In December 2001, serum GOT and GPT were, respectively, 965 and 1294 UI/L; gamma-GT activity was 241 UI/L. HCV genotype was 2a/2c; median HCV RNA values in serum were 2.3 x 105 UI/mL (range, 1.14 x 104 to 4.6 x 105 UI/mL). Total bilirubin, serum albumin, and colinesterase levels remained normal over the entire follow-up. Liver biopsy was not performed and interferon (IFN) therapy was not given. Currently, biochemical liver tests (GOT/GPT/gamma-GT) are in the upper range of normal values and the patient remains viremic. Efficacy and tolerability of initial monotherapy with IFN for chronic hepatitis C among dialysis patients are briefly discussed. Further studies are warranted to define the optimal anti-viral regimen for chronic hepatitis C in the dialysis population.

Effect of incremental doses of folate on homocysteine and metabolically related vitamin concentrations in nondiabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis.

The role of folate supplementation in reducing hyperhomocystinemia in patients on dialysis has been reported, but the optimal dose of folate is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether greater than 5 mg/day folate supplementation provides any additional effect on plasma homocysteine (HCY) levels. The study was prospective, open, and had no control group. Of the 64 eligible nondiabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis with hyperhomocystinemia (>20 micromol/L), 56 were given oral folate (5 mg/day) for 3 months. When Hcy did not fall below 20 micromol/L, folate doses were increased by 5 mg every 3 months to up to 15 mg/day. With 5 mg/day supplementation, serum folate concentrations increased above the upper confidence limit in 23 patients and erythrocyte folate concentrations in 27 patients. Hcy levels decreased to less than 15 micromol/L in 6 cases and by more than 50% in 12 cases. Nineteen of the remaining patients were given 10 mg/day folate. After increasing the dose, serum and erythrocyte folate levels rose above the upper detection limit. In one patient, plasma Hcy concentrations decreased to less than 15 micromol/L. Ten patients were given 15 mg/day oral folate for an additional 3 months with no effect on homocystinemia. This study confirms that oral folate supplementation may improve hyperhomocystinemia even in patients on dialysis with normal serum or erythrocyte folate concentrations. In fact, serum and erythrocyte levels cannot predict the effect of supplementation on plasma Hcy levels. However, 5 mg/day folate supplementation normalized Hcy in 10% of cases and reduced Hcy levels in another 21%. Increasing the folate dose to greater than 5 mg/day had a minimal (10 mg/day) or no (15 mg/day) additional effect on Hcy concentrations. Despite the minimal effect of increasing folate doses, given the low cost, the absence of side effects, and the high cardiovascular risk for patients on peritoneal dialysis, a careful attempt to increase the dose of oral folate up to 10 mg/day might be suggested.

[Hepatopathy and hepatitis B virus infection in dialysis patients: cross-sectional study]. / Epatopatia e infezione da virus dell'epatite B nei pazienti in dialisi: studio trasversale.

BACKGROUND: Control of spread of HBV infection in dialysis units in developed countries has been one of the major advances in managing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients with chronic HBV, however, continue to enter the population pool of dialysis patients and transplant candidates. The clinical significance related to the presence of HBsAg in serum of dialysis patients has not been completely understood. AIM AND METHODS: We collected demographic, biochemical and virological data from a large (n=464) population of patients on maintenance dialysis. This was done to assess the influence of virological and host factors on hepatocellular damage, as shown by serum aminotransferase activity. RESULTS: The frequency of HBsAg positivity in our dialysis population was 8.2 % (38/464); the rate of HBsAg positive patients showing HBe antigen was 20.6% (7/34). Twenty-two (84.6%) of 26 HBsAg positive patients showed detectable HBV DNA in serum by Amplicor HBV MonitorTM Test. HBsAg positive patients had serum aminotransferase activity significantly higher than HBsAg negative individuals; GOT (AST) 25.1+/-29.9 vs. 16+/-21.5 UI/L (p=0.001), and GPT (ALT) 31.3+/-52.5 vs. 17.7+/-21.9 UIL (p=0.034). In the subset of HBsAg positive dialysis patients, those in the replicative phase HBeAg positive) had aminotransferase activity higher than HBeAg negative individuals, AST, 42.3+/-43.6 vs. 22.4+/-27.3 UI/L (p=0.097) and ALT, 49.41+/-54.7 vs. 29.17+/-55.76 UI/L (NS) respectively. We did a multivariate analysis by standard least square model on the entire patient group and we found independent and significant association between detectable HBsAg in serum and AST (p=0.0089)and ALT (p=0.0159) values. There was an independent and significant relationship between age and ALT (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our study group, HBsAg positive patients on dialysis had serum aminotransferase activity significantly higher than that measured in HBsAg negative individuals. However, mean transaminase levels in HBsAg positive patients on dialysis were below the upper limit of normal for the reference range of healthy controls. HBsAg positive dialysis patients with active viral replication showed the greatest liver damage. Studies are in progress to understand further HBV-related liver disease in dialysis population.

Folate supplementation in peritoneal dialysis patients with normal erythrocyte folate: effect on plasma homocysteine.

The possible role of folate supplementation in reducing hyperhomocysteinemia in dialysis patients has been reported in several recent papers. However, scant data are available for peritoneal dialysis patients; besides, none of these studies investigated either the role of intraerythrocyte folate concentration or the presence of side effects caused by folate administration. Sixty-six peritoneal dialysis patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 micromol/l) and normal folate status (as assessed by erythrocyte folate level >600 nmol/l) were randomly allocated to receive either oral folate (5 mg/day) or no vitamin supplementation. After 2 months of therapy, patients were requested to answer a questionnaire investigating the occurrence of symptoms possibly related to folate supplementation. Twenty-nine treated patients and 30 untreated controls completed the study. In the treated patients, serum and erythrocyte folate increased significantly (p < 0.0001) (respectively from 10.6 +/- 4.9 to 237 +/- 231 nmol/l and from 1,201 +/- 297 to 2,881 +/- 294 nmol/l) to levels at the uppermost limit of detection by laboratory methods. Serum vitamin B(12) levels did not change. Plasma homocysteine levels decreased from 54 +/- 32 to 23 +/- 14 micromol/l after folate supplementation and remained unchanged in the control group. After 4 months of folate therapy, homocysteine concentration was within the normal range in 5 patients (17%) and below 30 micromol/l in the other 21 (72%). Folate therapy resulted in a decrease in homocysteine of more than 50% in 45% of the patients and decrease of more than 20% in a further 38%. No significant symptoms were reported. Thus, serum and erythrocyte folate increase confirms that normal folate levels are inadequate in dialysis patients, even if serum and erythrocyte levels before folate supplementation cannot predict the effect on homocysteine plasma levels.

Homocysteine, vitamin B12, serum and erythrocyte folate in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis in dialysis patients. Few data were reported on the prevalence and severity of hyperhomocysteinemia in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In addition, little attention was paid to the search of factors possibly involved in the pathogenesis of hyperhomocysteinemia in these patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 107 stable PD patients. None of them was given folate or vitamin B12 supplementation before or during the study. Plasma tHcy, serum vitamin B12, serum and erythrocyte folate were measured by immunoenzymatic methods. Genetic analysis of the methylentetrahydrofolate-reductase thermolabile mutation (tMTHFR) was performed in 61 patients. 97% of patients had tHcy levels higher than normal. tHcy was not different between men and women, patients with or without malnutrition, with or without clinically evident atherosclerotic vasculopathy, with or without anemia. tHcy levels were significantly higher in homozygotes for the tMTHFR mutation than in patients carrying the wild type form. Significant univariate correlation was found between hyperhomocysteinemia and time since the start of dialysis, serum and erythrocyte folate and vitamin B12. The best fitted model equation was log tHcy = 108.53 + 0.1606 (duration of dialysis) -1.1053 (s-F) -0.7980 (age) 0.0215 (vitamin B12). Our results agree with those reported by other authors in hemodialysis patients. Despite the large number of PD patients with normal serum vitamin B12 and folate status, the relation between tHcy and vitamin B12 or folate suggests that the supplementation of these vitamins could be useful irrespective of their serum levels, especially in younger patients or in those treated for a long period of time with peritoneal dialysis.

Healing of diabetes and vascular ulcers on switching from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis.

Vascular complications are the main problem in diabetic patients and can be worsened by continuous ambulatorial peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A 46-year old woman with a family history of diabetes progressively developed hyperglycemia and subsequently lower limb ulcers after beginning CAPD. Hypertonic bags were required to control fluid balance. On account of the severe and painful ulcers, the patient was changed to hemodialysis. Within a few weeks her diabetes improved and the vascular ulcers healed completely.

Preliminary evaluation of incremental peritoneal dialysis in 25 patients.

BACKGROUND: Incremental dialysis has been suggested for patients with some residual renal function. However, very little published clinical data exist on the feasibility of this schedule. OBJECTIVES: To assess feasibility of incremental dialysis, with regard to its effect, complications, and impact on quality of life. DESIGN: Pilot prospective study, not controlled. SETTING: Nephrology division, public clinical research hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-five patients (19 men, mean age 61+/-13 years, body weight 63+/-11 kg) began peritoneal dialysis (the first treatment of uremia) with a single nightly exchange lasting 10 hours or 2 daily exchanges over 12 hours according to creatinine clearance and Kt/N. Patients gave informed consent and reported their work activity, degree of rehabilitation, and their quality of life by answering a questionnaire prepared for this purpose. OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival rate, complications related to peritoneal dialysis, and residual renal and peritoneal clearances. RESULTS: During the study period no patient died. Complications related to dialysis were peritonitis (0.41 episodes/year) and exit-site infection (0.32 episodes/year). All patients continued to work with full rehabilitation and considered 1 or 2 exchanges per day less troublesome than 3 or 4. CONCLUSIONS: Incremental dialysis is well accepted by patients and staff. This technique does not involve a high risk of complications and is economical. Therefore incremental dialysis is feasible.

Homocysteine, vitamin B12, and serum and erythrocyte folate in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High levels of plasma Hcy have been observed in end-stage renal disease patients. Few studies have compared peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients and few data are available on erythrocyte folate (ery-F) levels in dialysis patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate plasma Hcy concentrations, vitamin B12 (B12), and folate status in dialysis patients; to analyze the possible causes of high Hcy levels; to follow up changes in folate and B12 concentrations after 6 months. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Nephrology division and laboratory of hematology in a university and clinical research hospital. PATIENTS: The study included 82 patients treated with PD for 37 + 37 months and 70 patients treated with HD for 136 + 95 months. LABORATORY METHODS: Plasma Hcy was measured by the immunoenzymatic IMx Hcy FPIA method (Abbott Laboratories, Diagnostic Division, Abbott Park, IL, U.S.A.), serum folate (s-F) and ery-F by the Stratus folate fluorometric enzyme-linked assay, and B12 by the Stratus vitamin B12 fluorometric enzyme-linked assay (DADE-Behring, Newark, DE, U.S.A.). RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of PD and 97% of HD patients had Hcy levels above the cutoff (13.5 micromol/L). Homocysteine level was higher in HD than in PD patients, while the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was similar with the two techniques. Erythrocyte folate was significantly higher in PD (1333 +/- 519 pmol/L) than in HD (1049 +/-511 pmol/L, p < 0.01). Statistically significant correlations were observed between Hcy and B12, s-F, ery-F, and dialysis duration. Multivariate analysis showed a strong correlation between s-F and Hcy. After 6 months there were no differences in Hcy, B12, s-F, and ery-F levels. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Hcy levels were high in more than 95% of our dialysis patients, with no relation to the type of dialysis. Vitamin B12 and folate were normal in the majority of our patients. However, serum folate was the major determinant of Hcy levels. Such a relation between Hcy and folate suggests that levels of folate within the reference interval are inadequate for dialysis patients.

Healthcare systems and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) therapies--an international review: costs and reimbursement/funding of ESRD therapies.

BACKGROUND: In healthcare economics, the cost factor plays a leading role, particularly for chronic diseases such as end-stage renal disease because of the growing number of patients. OBJECTIVES: An international comparison was made of the costs and reimbursement/funding of a selection of key dialysis modalities--centre haemodialysis (CHD), limited care haemodialysis (LCHD), home haemodialysis (home HD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)--in various industrial countries. The focus was on treatment costs plus erythropoietin medication and reimbursement of transportation costs. RESULTS: Reimbursement/funding of dialysis is different from country to country, with some healthcare system-specific commonalities: in 'public' systems, the funding is based more on global budgets, whereas in mixed public and private countries it is based mainly on reimbursement rates per treatment. Only in the 'private system' of the US is there one DRG (diagnostic-related group)-type rate for dialysis. By comparing the costs (in public countries) or reimbursements (in mixed countries) of treatment modalities within each country, we could see similar curves: the costs were the highest for public CHD, followed by private CHD. They were lower on LCHD and the lowest for home HD and CAPD, which were at nearly the same level. The cost level for APD was almost the same as that of LCHD. The reimbursements followed the cost pattern. Some countries introduced increases for CAPD and APD with the intention of increasing the share of home care. The costs and reimbursement patterns in the majority of countries (except the US and Japan) were very similar and therefore did not explain the different distribution of modalities in these countries. One explanation could be, however, the difference in microeconomics, CHD being a treatment with high fixed costs (personnel and structure) and CAPD being a treatment with low fixed costs, but high variable costs (supplies) and a low need for investments. DISCUSSION: The choice of treatment modality seems to be influenced strongly by the provider's perspective, being either public with limited HD capacity or private having invested in HD capacity. For public providers (and healthcare payers), CAPD is less expensive than CHD and offers a number of potential savings. In many countries, two CAPD patients could be treated for the same costs as one CHD patient. The microeconomics of private centres, however, are meant to use the investments maximally for CHD. Only if capacity limits are reached, is PD, with mainly supply costs, interesting. The future with constantly increasing numbers of patients and growing cost constraints will force all providers to make the best use of their resources by also offering home therapies such as PD to patients. The latter are cost efficient and offer comparable survival and quality of life.

Peritoneal dialysis in nondiabetic patients older than 70 years: comparison with patients aged 40 to 60 years.

In all industrial countries, the number of elderly patients who need dialysis has increased in recent years. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed two different age groups of nondiabetic peritoneal dialysis patients treated at the same unit by the same team of physicians and nurses with the same protocols. However, our purpose was to study possible differences in technique and survival rates, causes of dropout, complications, hospitalization rate, and everyday needs between the two groups. The results of 63 consecutive nondiabetic patients older than 70 years treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were compared with those of 86 nondiabetic patients aged 40 to 60 years treated during the same period. Patient survival was significantly worse in the elderly patients, but the observed to expected survival ratio with respect to age was similar. Technique survival was comparable in the two groups. Total hospitalization was 5,501 days (32 d/yr) in the elderly patients and 4,511 days (18 d/yr; P < 0.05) in the younger group. The peritonitis rate was 0.52 episodes/patient-year in the elderly patients and 0.37 episodes/patient-year in the younger patients (P < 0.002). The exit site infection rate was similar in the two groups (0.30 episodes/yr v0.29 episodes/yr). Other complications related to CAPD did not differ between the elderly and younger patients. Rehabilitation and biochemical data after 1 year of CAPD were similar in the two groups of patients. After 1 year of treatment, 12% of the younger patients and 43% of the elderly patients (P < 0.005) needed a partner for dialysis. Twenty-nine of 39 (74%) of the elderly patients and 30 of 53 (57%) of the younger patients considered their lifestyle acceptable after 1 year of dialysis. Thirty-four of 39 (87%) of the elderly patients and 32 of 53 (60%) of the younger patients (P < 0.02) rated their physical and social state after rehabilitation as better or comparable to that they had before terminal uremia.