Dependency and frailty in the older haemodialysis patient.

BACKGROUND: Frailty among older adults undergoing hemodialysis is increasingly prevalent, significantly impacting cognitive function, mobility, and social engagement. This study focuses on the clinical profiles of very older adults in hemodialysis, particularly examining the interplay of dependency and frailty, and their influence on dialysis regimens. METHODS: In this observational, descriptive study, 107 patients aged over 75 from four outpatient centers and one hospital unit were examined over a year. Patient data encompassed sociodemographic factors, dialysis specifics, analytical outcomes, lifestyle elements, and self-reported post-treatment fatigue. Malnutrition-inflammation scale was used to measure the Nutritional status; MIS scale for malnutrition-inflammation, Barthel index for dependency, Charlson comorbidity index; FRIED scale for frailty and the SF12 quality of life measure. RESULTS: The study unveiled that a substantial number of older adults on hemodialysis faced malnutrition (55%), dependency (21%), frailty (46%), and diminished quality of life (57%). Patients with dependency were distinctively marked by higher comorbidity, severe malnutrition, enhanced frailty, nursing home residency, dependency on ambulance transportation, and significantly limited mobility, with 77% unable to walk. Notably, 56% of participants experienced considerable post-dialysis fatigue, correlating with higher comorbidity, increased dependency, and poorer quality of life. Despite varying clinical conditions, dialysis patterns were consistent across the patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The older adult cohort, averaging over four years on hemodialysis, exhibited high rates of comorbidity, frailty, and dependency, necessitating substantial support in transport and living arrangements. A third of these patients lacked residual urine output, yet their dialysis regimen mirrored those with preserved output. The study underscores the imperative for tailored therapeutic strategies to mitigate dependency, preserve residual renal function, and alleviate post-dialysis fatigue, ultimately enhancing the physical quality of life for these patients.

Position statement for the management of comorbidities in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The association between psoriasis and some diseases has become relevant in recent years. Providing appropriate management of psoriasis from an early stage requires prompt diagnosis and treatment of concomitant diseases and to prevent any potential comorbidity. This approach should consider the adverse events of the drugs used to treat psoriasis potentially related to the onset of comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To provide the dermatologist with an accurate and friendly tool for systematizing the diagnosis of psoriasis-associated comorbidities, which generally escapes the scope of the dermatology setting, and to facilitate decision-making about the referral and treatment of patients with comorbidities. METHODS: These position statement recommendations were developed by a working group composed of ten experts (four dermatologists, one cardiologist, one rheumatologist, one gastroenterologist, one nephrologist, one endocrinologist and one psychiatrist) and two health services researchers. The expert group selected the psoriasis comorbidities considered according to their relevance in the dermatology setting. The recommendations on diagnostic criteria are based on the current clinical practice guidelines for each of the comorbidities. The information regarding the repercussion of psoriasis medical treatments on associated comorbid diseases was obtained from the summary of product characteristics of each drug. RESULTS: Recommendations were developed to detect and refer the following psoriasis comorbidities: psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and psychological disorders (anxiety and depression). In addition, alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption were included. The tables and figures are precise, easy-to-use tools to systematize the diagnosis of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis and facilitate the decision-making process regarding referral and treatment of patients with an associated disease. CONCLUSION: The application of these position statement recommendations will facilitate the dermatologist practice, and benefit psoriasis patients' health and quality of life.

Implicaciones clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de la psoriasis y enfermedad cardiovascular / Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Implications in Psoriasis Associated With Cardiovascular Disease

En los últimos años el concepto de psoriasis como enfermedad sistémica se ha ido extendiendo debido a su asociación con múltiples comorbilidades, entre las que destaca la arterioesclerosis y la enfermedad cardiovascular. En diferentes estudios a lo largo de los años se ha demostrado que en los pacientes con psoriasis, sobre todo en aquellos más jóvenes, con formas más graves y/o artritis psoriásica, existe una mayor prevalencia de factores de riesgo y síndrome metabólico, así como un mayor riesgo de presentar eventos cardiovasculares mayores, como el infarto de miocardio, la enfermedad cerebrovascular y la arteriopatía periférica. Además, aún no queda claro cuáles de los tratamientos actuales podrían ser más beneficiosos en cuanto a reducción del riesgo cardiovascular en estos pacientes. Por eso, es importante la difusión entre dermatólogos de este riesgo aumentado, con el fin de diagnosticar precozmente aquellos factores de riesgo modificables, y derivar al paciente a otros especialistas en el momento oportuno para prevenir el desarrollo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores (AU)

In recent years the concept of psoriasis as a systemic disease has gained acceptance due to its association with numerous comorbid conditions, particularly atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Several studies have shown that patients with psoriasis, especially younger patients and those with more severe forms of psoriasis or with psoriatic arthritis, have a higher prevalence of risk factors and metabolic syndrome, as well as an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Furthermore, it remains unclear which of the current treatments might be more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in these patients. It is therefore important for dermatologists to be aware of this increased risk, to be able to detect modifiable risk factors early and, when appropriate, refer patients to other specialists for the prevention of major cardiovascular events (AU)

Sun exposure influences the prognostic power of components of mineral metabolism in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Calcidiol (vitamin D metabolite) plasma levels vary with sun exposure (SE). However, it is not known if SE influences its prognostic ability. We have studied the effect of SE on plasma levels of the components of mineral metabolism (calcidiol, fibroblast growth factor-23 [FGF-23], parathormone [PTH], and phosphate [P]) and on their prognostic value in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied prospectively 704 patients with stable CAD. Clinical variables and baseline calcidiol, FGF-23, PTH, and P plasma levels were assessed. We divided the population in two subgroups, according to the period of plasma extraction: High SE (HSE) (April-September) and low SE (LSE) (October-March). The outcome was the development of acute ischemic events (acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or transient ischemic attack), heart failure, or death. Mean follow-up was 2.15 ± 0.99 years. Calcidiol and P levels were higher in HSE group. In the whole population, calcidiol (HR = 0.84 for each 5 ng/ml increase, 95% CI = 0.71-0.99; p = 0.038) and FGF-23 (HR = 1.14 for each 100 RU/ml increase, 95% CI = 1.05-1.23; p = 0.009) were predictors of the outcome, along with age, hypertension, body-mass index, peripheral artery disease, and P levels. In the LSE subgroup, calcidiol (HR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.57-0.99; p = 0.034) and FGF-23 (HR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.13-1.58; p = 0.003) remained as predictors of the outcome. In the HSE group calcidiol and FGF-23 had not independent prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable CAD, low calcidiol and high FGF-23 plasma levels predict an adverse prognosis only when the sample is obtained during the months with LSE. SE should be taken into account in the clinical practice.

Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Implications in Psoriasis Associated With Cardiovascular Disease. / Implicaciones clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de la psoriasis y enfermedad cardiovascular.

In recent years the concept of psoriasis as a systemic disease has gained acceptance due to its association with numerous comorbid conditions, particularly atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Several studies have shown that patients with psoriasis, especially younger patients and those with more severe forms of psoriasis or with psoriatic arthritis, have a higher prevalence of risk factors and metabolic syndrome, as well as an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Furthermore, it remains unclear which of the current treatments might be more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in these patients. It is therefore important for dermatologists to be aware of this increased risk, to be able to detect modifiable risk factors early and, when appropriate, refer patients to other specialists for the prevention of major cardiovascular events.

Enfermedad renal y psoriasis. ¿Una nueva comorbilidad? / Kidney disease and psoriasis. A new comorbidity?

La psoriasis es un proceso inflamatorio crónico que se ha asociado con comorbilidades cardiovasculares y metabólicas, especialmente las formas más graves y en pacientes jóvenes. Estudios recientes relacionan también la psoriasis con enfermedad renal, y parece lógico que sea así porque, por un lado, el riñón es un órgano diana de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos, y además, algunos de los tratamientos clásicos empleados para controlar la psoriasis tienen toxicidad renal. Con este artículo queremos hacer una llamada de atención sobre esta comorbilidad recientemente descrita; es fundamental su detección precoz porque una vez instaurada, la enfermedad renal crónica es irreversible. Consideramos importante que en el estudio basal de todo paciente con psoriasis, especialmente aquellos que van a recibir terapia sistémica, se analice la función renal con una analítica de sangre con filtrado glomerular y un análisis sencillo de orina para estudiar la albuminuria (relación albúmina/creatinina)

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, particularly in young patients and patients with more severe forms of the disease. Recent studies have also linked psoriasis to kidney disease, and this would seem only logical, as the kidney is both a target of classic cardiovascular risk factors and susceptible to the toxic effects of some of the traditional drugs used to control psoriasis. In this article, we would like to draw readers’ attention to this recently described comorbidity and stress the importance of early detection, as once chronic kidney disease develops, it cannot be reversed. When evaluating patients with psoriasis, particularly when they are candidates for systemic therapy, we believe it is important to order laboratory tests including glomerular filtration rate and a simple urine test to screen for albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio)

Kidney Disease and Psoriasis. A New Comorbidity? / Enfermedad renal y psoriasis. ¿Una nueva comorbilidad?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, particularly in young patients and patients with more severe forms of the disease. Recent studies have also linked psoriasis to kidney disease, and this would seem only logical, as the kidney is both a target of classic cardiovascular risk factors and susceptible to the toxic effects of some of the traditional drugs used to control psoriasis. In this article, we would like to draw readers' attention to this recently described comorbidity and stress the importance of early detection, as once chronic kidney disease develops, it cannot be reversed. When evaluating patients with psoriasis, particularly when they are candidates for systemic therapy, we believe it is important to order laboratory tests including glomerular filtration rate and a simple urine test to screen for albuminuria (albumin/creatinine ratio).

Parathormone Levels Are Independently Associated with the Presence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities of mineral metabolism and inflammation may affect the cardiovascular system. We have assessed the relationship of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with inflammation and mineral metabolism. METHODS: LVH was measured in 146 outpatients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) using echocardiography. Calcidiol (a vitamin D metabolite), parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), galectin-3, NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin), and sTWEAK (soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis) plasma levels were studied. RESULTS: LVH, defined as septal thickness ≥11 mm, was present in 19.9% of cases. These patients were older [75.0 (61.0-81.0) vs 64.0 (51.0-76.0) years; p=0.002], had higher prevalence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)>40%, and had higher PTH [84.7 (59.6-104.7) vs 63.2 (49.2-85.2) pg/ml; p=0.007], galectin-3 [9.6 (8.0-11.1) vs 8.3 (6.9-9.9) ng/ml; p=0.037], and NGAL (208.5±87.6 vs 173.9±73.4 ng/ml; p=0.031) plasma levels than those without LVH. Glomerular filtration rate was lower in patients with LVH than in those without it (65.1±20.0 vs 74.7±19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; p=0.021). There were no significant differences in hypertension (79.3 vs 68.4%; p=0.363) or sex between both groups. Variables showing differences based on univariate analysis and hypertension were entered into a logistic regression analysis. Only age [odds ratio (OR) =1.052 (1.011-1.096); p=0.013], PTH plasma levels [OR=1.017 (1.003-1.031); p=0.021], and LVEF>40% [OR=7.595 (1.463-39.429); p=0.016] were independent predictors of LVH. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SCAD, elevated PTH levels are independently associated with the presence of LVH. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of PTH in the development of myocardial hypertrophy.

Porfirias agudas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Acute porphyria in an intensive care unit

Las porfirias son enfermedades metabólicas hereditarias muy raras, causadas por la hipoactividad de determinadas enzimas implicadas en la síntesis del grupo hemo. Presentamos tres casos de pacientes jóvenes que debutaron con crisis de porfiria aguda, y en los que, como es frecuente, se retrasó el diagnóstico y llegaron a precisar ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) por encefalopatía grave. Tras realizar el tratamiento con hemina, la clínica mejoró rápidamente, pero en un paciente persistió una polineuropatía periférica grave como secuela durante meses. Además, comunicamos el primer caso de desencadenamiento de crisis porfírica por el uso de la "píldora del día después" (levonorgestrel) (AU)

Porphyrias are rare hereditary metabolic disorders caused by the inactivity of certain enzymes that participate in hemesynthesis. We report 3 cases in which porphyria debuted with acute episodes in young patients. As is often the case, diagnosis was delayed, and intensive care was required for severe encephalopathy. Symptoms improved rapidly after hemintherapy was started, but peripheral polyneuropathy persisted for several months in 1 patient. We report the first case of aporphyria-related seizure triggered by use of the morning-after pill (levonorgestrel) (AU)

Resultados del proyecto de mejora de la calidad de la asistencia en hemodiálisis: estudio multicéntrico de indicadores de calidad de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (SEN) / No disponible

Introducción: En el año 2002 se creó el grupo de trabajo sobre Calidad en Nefrología de la SEN (CNSEN). Los objetivos de este grupo han sido la identificación, difusión, implantación y consolidación de una herramienta de Gestión de la Calidad en Hemodiálisis, sistemática, objetiva y global, basada en la recopilación de Indicadores de Calidad, las estrategias de retroalimentación (Feedback) y Benchmarking,y el diseño de Planes de Mejora y Evaluación Global. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar los primeros resultados de los indicadores de calidad obtenidos en un grupo de centros españoles, así como evaluar la repercusión de la aplicación de las mencionadas técnicas en los resultados obtenidos. Métodos: Durante 2007 se ha ido incorporando al estudio un total de 28 unidades de hemodiálisis de todo el ámbito nacional. El número total de pacientes evaluados a lo largo del estudio ha sido 2516. Los indicadores han sido recogidos mediante un software informático específico de calidad, que permite calcularlos con facilidad. Los indicadores de cumplimiento se refieren a las siguientes áreas: adecuación de diálisis, anemia, metabolismo mineral y óseo, nutrición, enfermedades víricas, accesos vasculares, mortalidad, morbilidad (ingresos hospitalarios) y trasplante. Cada tres meses los centros reciben sus datos comparados con los del resto del grupo. Resultados: Se detectó una mejora de los resultados a nivel global, excepto en los niveles de hemoglobina. El porcentaje de centros que alcanzaron los estándares definidos por el CNSEN pasó del 65% al 90,9% en el caso del estándar de Kt/V Daugirdas II (> 1,3 en > del 80% de sus pacientes); del 71,4 % al 77,2 % en el caso del estándar de PTH (> 30% de sus pacientes con PTH entre 150 y 300 pg/ml); y del 42,8% al 63,5% en el caso del estándar de fósforo (> 75% de sus pacientes con fósforo < 5,5 mg/dl). Más del 50% de los centros mejoraron sus resultados con respecto al inicio del estudio en todas las áreas analizadas. Los centros que no obtuvieron una mejora en sus resultados partían de porcentajes de cumplimiento de los indicadores significativamente más altos que aquellos que si lograron mejorarlos (80,6 ± 15,4 versus 71,8 ± 16,6 respectivamente; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Estamos avanzando en lo referente al conocimiento de los resultados de la hemodiálisis, aunque el trabajo pendiente todavía es extenso. La monitorización de indicadores de calidad respecto a un estándar, y su puesta en común con otros centros puede contribuir a la mejora de resultados y a la disminución en la variabilidad entre centros (AU)

Introduction: The Spanish Society of Nephrology «Quality in Nephrology Working Group» (QNWG) was created in 2002. The aims of this group are the identification, diffusion, implementation and consolidation of a systematic, objective and comprehensive set of quality performance measures (QPMs) to help along the improvement of patient care and outcomes on hemodialysis, by means of strategies of feedback and benchmarking, and the design of quality improvement projects. The objective of this study is to present the preliminary results of a set of quality performance measures obtained in a group of Spanish hemodialysis centers, as well as to evaluate the repercussion of the application of the aforementioned thecniques on the observed results. Methods: During 2007 a total of 28 hemodialysis units participated in the study; 2,516 patients were evaluated. A specific software was designed and used to facilitate the calculation of CPMs in each unit. The clinical indicators used refered to dialysis adequacy; anemia; mineral metabolisme; nutrition; viral infections; vascular access; mortality, morbidity (number and days of hospital admissions); and renal transplant. Every three months each center received its own data and its comparison with the rest of the group. Results: Except for hemoglobin levels we observed a global improvement. The percentage of centers reaching the stablished standards defined by the QNWG passed from 65% to 90.9% for Kt/V Daugirdas II (> 1.3 in > that 80% of the patients); from 71.4% to 77.2% for PTH (> 30% of patients with serum PTH between 150 and 300 pg/ml); and from 42.8% to 63.5% for phosphate (> 75% of patients with a serum phsphate < 5.5 mg/dl). More than 50% of centers showed an improvement in their final results as compared with their own initial results in all analyzed CPMs. Those centers that did not obtained an improvement in their results started the study with better percentages of acomplishment than those that showed a significant improvement in QPMs. (80.6 ± 15.4 versus 71.8 ± 16.6 respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: We are starting to make progresses in our knowledge of clinical results in our hemodialysis units, although there is still a long way to go over. To monitor and share CPMs results within hemodialysis centers might help to improve their results as well as to reduce intecenters variability (AU)

Objetivos y método de las recomendaciones de la SEN sobre el manejo de las alteraciones del metabolismo óseo-mineral en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica / No disponible

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[Preliminary results of the Spanish Society of Nephrology multicenter study of quality performance measures: hemodialysis outcomes can be improved]. / Resultados del proyecto de mejora de la calidad de la asistencia en hemodiálisis: estudio multicéntrico de indicadores de calidad de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología (SEN).

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish Society of Nephrology "Quality in Nephrology Working Group" (QNWG) was created in 2002. The aims of this group are the identification, diffusion, implementation and consolidation of a systematic, objective and comprehensive set of quality performance measures (QPMs) to help along the improvement of patient care and outcomes on hemodialysis, by means of strategies of feedback and benchmarking, and the design of quality improvement projects. The objective of this study is to present the preliminary results of a set of quality performance measures obtained in a group of Spanish hemodialysis centers, as well as to evaluate the repercussion of the application of the aforementioned thecniques on the observed results. METHODS: During 2007 a total of 28 hemodialysis units participated in the study; 2516 patients were evaluated. A specific software was designed and used to facilitate the calculation of CPMs in each unit. The clinical indicators used refered to dialysis adequacy; anemia; mineral metabolisme; nutrition; viral infections; vascular access; mortality, morbidity (number and days of hospital admissions); and renal transplant. Every three months each center received its own data and its comparison with the rest of the group. RESULTS: Except for hemoglobin levels we observed a global improvement. The percentage of centers reaching the stablished standards defined by the QNWG passed from 65% to 90,9% for Kt/V Daugirdas II (> 1,3 in > that 80% of the patients); from 71,4 % to 77,2 % for PTH (> 30 % of patients with serum PTH between 150 and 300 pg/ml); and from 42,8 % to 63,5 % for phosphate (> 75 % of patients with a serum phsphate < 5,5 mg/dl). More than 50% of centers showed an improvement in their final results as compared with their own initial results in all analyzed CPMs. Those centers that did not obtained an improvement in their results started the study with better percentages of acomplishment than those that showed a significant improvement in QPMs. (80,6+/-15,4 versus 71,8+/-16,6 respectively; p<0,001) CONCLUSIONS: We are starting to make progresses in our knowledge of clinical results in our hemodialysis units, although there is still a long way to go over. To monitor and share CPMs results within hemodialysis centers might help to improve their results as well as to reduce intecenters variability.

[Informed consent]. / Consentimiento informado.

- Basic law 41/2002 on patient autonomy regulates the rights and obligations of patients, users and professionals, as well as those of public and private health care centers and services. This regulation refers to patient autonomy, the right to information and essential clinical documentation. - This law establishes the minimum requirements for the information the patient should receive and the decision making in which the patient should take part. Diagnostic tests are performed and therapeutic decisions are taken in the ACKD unit in which patient information is an essential and mandatory requirement according to this law.

Diferencias en la función de los péptidos paratiroideos. ¿Qué estamos midiendo? / Differences in the function of parathyroid peptides. What are we measuring?

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Prevención de FRA asociado a depósitos intratubulares de origen endógeno: rabdomiólisis, mieloma múltiple y síndrome de lisis tumoral / Prevention of ARF associated to endogen intra-tubular deposits: rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and tumor lysis syndrome

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Logística e implantación de programas de TCDE / Logistics and implementation of CTED schedules

La práctica clínica parece estar de acuerdo en que existe un incremento en la supervivencia de los pacientes con FRA debido al uso de técnicas continuas frente a la HD convencional. Los criterios de eficacia clínica indica que se debe de implantar un modelo abierto y colaborativo entre los servicios de nefrología y las unidades de cuidados intensivos tanto a nivel médico como de enfermería. Indicadores de la TCDE en los pacientes críticos: A. TCDE como tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal 1. Corrección de las alteraciones hidroelectrolíticas • Acidosis metabólica • Hipercaliemia severa • Alteraciones del Na 2. Descenso del filtrado glomerular 3. Fallo renal agudo B. TCDE como tratamiento renal sustitutivo (con y sin FRA) 1. Síndrome de distres respiratorio del adulto (ARDS) 3. Síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS) 4. Hipertermia o hipotermia incontrolable con medidas física 5. Venenos (litio, etilenglicol,biguanidas, etanol,metanol)

In the clinical praxis seems to exist a wide consensus regarding the increase of patients’ survival with FRA due to the using of continue techniques against conventional HDI. The clinical efficiency criteria prescribe that the implantation model might be “open” and collaborative between Nephrology and Acute Patients Unities both at the medical and nursing levels. The indications of TCDE are: INDICATIONS OF TCDE IN THE CRITICAL PATIENT A. TCDE as a substituted treatment of the renal function 1. Hydro-electrolytic alterations correction • Severe metabolic acidosis • Severe hyperkalemia • Sodium alterations 2. Glomerular filtration decrease (retention of nitrogen products) 3. Acute Renal Failure B. TCDE as a renal support (with or without FRA) 1. ARDS 3. SIRS 4. Hyperthermia or hypothermia non controlled by physical measures 5. Poisoning (litio, etilenglicol,biguanidas, etanol,metanol) ARDS (Adult respiratory distress syndrome) ; SIRS (Systemic inflamatory response syndrome)

[Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Nephrology. Clinical practice guidelines for peritoneal dialysis]. / Guías Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Guías de práctica clínica en diálisis peritoneal.

In Spain and in each of its autonomous communities, the dialysis treatment of chronic renal disease stage 5 is totally covered by public health. Peritoneal dialysis, in any of its modalities, is established as the preferred home dialysis technique and is chosen by high percentage of patients as their choice in dialysis treatment. The Spanish Society of Nephrology has promoted a project of creation of performance guides in the field of peritoneal dialysis, entrusting a work group composed of members of the Spanish Society of Nephrology a with the development of these guides. The information offered is based on levels of evidence, opinion and clinical experience of the most relevant publications of the topic. In these guides, after defining the concept of << peritoneal dialysis>>, the obligations and responsibilities of the sanitation team of the peritoneal dialysis unit are determined, and protocols and performance procedures that try to include all the aspects that concern the patient with chronic renal disease in substitute treatment with this technique are developed. They propose prescription objectives based on available clinical evidence and, lacking this, on the consensus of the experts' opinions. The final aim is to improve the care and quality of the of the patient in peritoneal dialysis, optimizing in this way the survival of the patient and of the technique. In Spain, as in other neighbouring countries, peritoneal dialysis has an incidence and prevalence that is much lower than that of hemodialysis, ranging in the last evaluation by the Spanish Society of Nephrology between 5 and 24% in the different autonomous communities. The great majority of peritoneal dialysis units form part of the public network of the Spanish state, with special representation as a Satellite Unit or Concerted Center related to the public hospital of reference, on which it must depend.