Impact of Remote Monitoring on Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology in peritoneal dialysis (SONG-PD) clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective and multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on APD, recruited at 16 Spanish Hospitals, between June 1 and December 31, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, namely patients on APD with RPM (APD-RPM) and patients on APD without RPM. The primary endpoints were the standardized outcomes of the SONG-PD clinical outcomes: PD-associated infection, cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality rate, technique survival, and life participation (assessed as health-related quality of life [QoL]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the association of RPM exposure with the clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 232 patients were included, 176 (75.9%) in the APD-RPM group and 56 (24.1%) in the APD-without-RPM group. The mean patient follow-up time was significantly longer in the APD-RPM group than in the APD-without-RPM group (10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.02). In the overall study sample, the APD-RPM group was associated with a lower mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.69; P = 0.020) and greater technique survival rate (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.59; P = 0.001). After PSM, APD-RPM continued to be associated with better technique survival (HR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.83; P = 0.024). Conclusion: The use of RPM programs in patients on APD was associated with better survival of the technique and lower mortality rates. However, after PSM, only technique survival was significant.

Alteraciones neuropsicológicas en pacientes en tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal / Neuropsychological impairments in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment

Objetivo: Los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en hemodiálisis (HD) suelen presentar déficits cognitivos. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que hayan examinado el funcionamiento neuropsicológico de aquellos que reciben diálisis peritoneal (DP). Método: Se evaluaron las funciones ejecutivas, la velocidad de procesamiento y la memoria verbal en 27 pacientes en DP, 42 en HD y 42 participantes sanos (PS). La presión sanguínea sistólica y el tiempo total en terapia renal sustitutiva (TRS) se controlaron estadísticamente. Las asociaciones entre el rendimiento y los factores clínicos se analizaron mediante correlaciones y regresión múltiple. Resultados: El grupo DP presentó mejor ejecución respecto al HD en fluidez verbal, memoria de trabajo, flexibilidad cognitiva, planificación y toma de decisiones. El grupo DP mostró peor ejecución que el grupo PS en inhibición y memoria verbal. Las puntuaciones en las funciones ejecutivas se asociaron positivamente con los meses totales en DP, en TRS, en HD, la albúmina, el colesterol total y el fósforo, y de forma negativa con la ferritina. Conclusión: El funcionamiento ejecutivo global fue mejor en los pacientes en DP que en aquellos en HD. Los resultados muestran el efecto positivo de la DP sobre las funciones ejecutivas, lo que debe tenerse en cuenta a la hora de la elección de la TRS. Las asociaciones observadas entre los factores bioquímicos y el rendimiento muestran la importancia de mantener un adecuado estado nutricional en estos pacientes.(AU)

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD) often have cognitive deficits. However, there are few studies that have examined the neuropsychological impairments of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Executive functions, processing speed and verbal memory were assessed in 27 PD patients, 42 HD patients, and 42 healthy participants (HP). Systolic blood pressure and total time on renal replacement therapy (RRT) were controlled statistically. Associations between performance and clinical factors were analyzed using correlations and multiple regression. Results: The DP group showed better performance compared to the HD group in verbal fluency, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning and decision making. The DP group showed worse execution than the HP group in verbal inhibition and memory. Executive function scores were positively associated with total months on PD, total months on RRT, total months on HD, albumin, total cholesterol, and phosphorus, and negatively with ferritin. Conclusion: Global executive functioning was more optimal in PD patients than in HD patients. The results show the positive effect of PD on executive functions, which must be taken into account when choosing the TRS. The associations observed between biochemical factors and performance show the importance of maintaining an adequate nutritional status in these patients.(AU)

[Neuropsychological impairments in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment]. / Alteraciones neuropsicológicas en pacientes en tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD) often have cognitive deficits. However, there are few studies that have examined the neuropsychological impairments of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: Executive functions, processing speed and verbal memory were assessed in 27 PD patients, 42 HD patients, and 42 healthy participants (HP). Systolic blood pressure and total time on renal replacement therapy (RRT) were controlled statistically. Associations between performance and clinical factors were analyzed using correlations and multiple regression. RESULTS: The DP group showed better performance compared to the HD group in verbal fluency, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning and decision making. The DP group showed worse execution than the HP group in verbal inhibition and memory. Executive function scores were positively associated with total months on PD, total months on RRT, total months on HD, albumin, total cholesterol, and phosphorus, and negatively with ferritin. CONCLUSION: Global executive functioning was more optimal in PD patients than in HD patients. The results show the positive effect of PD on executive functions, which must be taken into account when choosing the TRS. The associations observed between biochemical factors and performance show the importance of maintaining an adequate nutritional status in these patients.

A Case-Control Study of Cognitive Function in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Before and After Hemodialysis in Southern Spain.

BACKGROUND Cognitive problems are frequent in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis. However, previous studies used only a single cognitive screening test or a small number of cognitive indices, which is inadequate for an exhaustive evaluation of cognitive deficits. This case-control study aimed to evaluate cognitive function in patients with ESRD before and after hemodialysis at centers in southern Spain, and included analysis of associations between cognitive function and duration of hemodialysis, biochemistry, body composition, and treatment variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cognitive performance was evaluated in 42 healthy participants (HPs) and in 43 ESRD patients, before and after hemodialysis. The tests measured verbal and visual memory, sustained/selective attention, and processing speed. The diagnostic criterion for ESRD was a glomerular filtration rate.

Dos décadas de análisis de las peritonitis en diálisis peritoneal en Andalucía: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, microbiológicos y evolutivos / Two decades of analysis of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia: Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and progression aspects

Antecedentes: Este estudio se centra en la principal complicación asociada a diálisis peritoneal, la peritonitis. Su relevancia deriva de su elevada morbilidad, el efecto negativo que provoca en el peritoneo como membrana de diálisis y de coste económico que ocasiona. Métodos: Estudio observacional de cohortes, analítico, no intervencionista, cuyo objetivo principal es el análisis de las peritonitis en pacientes en diálisis peritoneal, en Andalucía en el periodo: 1 de enero de 1999 a 31 de diciembre de 2017, con un total de 2.904 peritonitis. La base de datos utilizada es la del Sistema de Información de la Coordinación Autonómica de Trasplantes de Andalucía (SICATA). Objetivos: Conocer la evolución de la tasa de peritonitis en nuestra comunidad, analizar datos descriptivos relacionados con los pacientes y las peritonitis, conocer la evolución de estas complicaciones infecciosas y analizar los factores que influyen en estas peritonitis y en su evolución: germen, hospitalización y fecha. Resultados: La tasa de peritonitis ha disminuido progresivamente durante el periodo de estudio desde 0,7 peritonitis por paciente en 1999 hasta 0,33 al final del periodo. La mayoría de las infecciones se tratan de manera ambulatoria (72,5%). Los gérmenes más frecuentes fueron los grampositivos (55,9%), y entre ellos, los estafilococos coagulasa negativos (28,1%). La mayoría de las peritonitis evolucionan a la curación (77,8%). Los factores que influyen de manera significativa en la necesidad de hospitalización y en la evolución de la peritonitis son el germen causal y la presencia de infección del orificio de salida asociado. Conclusiones: En nuestra población, la tasa de peritonitis ha disminuido progresivamente durante el periodo de estudio, alcanzando las recomendaciones de las guías. (AU)

Background: This study focuses on the main complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis. Its relevance derives from its high morbidity, the negative effect it has on the peritoneum as a dialysis membrane and its financial cost. Methods: Analytical, non-interventional, observational cohort study, whose main objective is the analysis of peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in Andalusia from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2017, with a total of 2,904 peritonitis cases. The database used is the Andalusian Autonomous Transplant Coordination Information System (SICATA). Objectives: To ascertain how the rate of peritonitis is evolving in our community, analyse descriptive data pertaining to patients and peritonitis, ascertain the course of these infectious complications and analyse the factors that influence these cases of peritonitis and their outcomes: germ, hospitalisation and date. Results: The rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, from 0.7 peritonitis per patient in 1999 to 0.33 at the end of the period. Most infections were treated on an outpatient basis (72.5%). The most common germs were Gram-positive (55.9%), including coagulase-negative staphylococci (28.1%). Most cases of peritonitis progressed to healing (77.8%). The factors that significantly influence the need for hospitalisation and peritonitis progression were the causative germ and associated exit site infection. Conclusions: In our population, the rate of peritonitis decreased progressively during the study period, meeting guideline recommendations. (AU)

Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology in Spain: A snapshot of current situation.

BACKGROUND:: Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology has been a rising field in recent years worldwide. Catheter insertion, renal biopsy, renal ultrasound, and peritoneal dialysis catheter or permanent dialysis catheter insertion are vital to our specialty. At present, many of these procedures are delegated to other specialties, generating long waiting lists and limiting diagnosis and treatment. METHODS:: An online survey was emailed to all Nephrology departments in Spain. One survey response was allowed per center. RESULTS:: Of 195 Nephrology departments, 70 responded (35.8%). Of them, 72.3% (52) had ultrasound equipment, 77.1% insert temporary jugular catheters, and 92.8% femoral. Up to 75.7% (53 centers) perform native renal biopsies, of which 35.8% (19) are real-time ultrasound guided by nephrologists. Transplant kidney biopsies are done in 26 centers, of which 46.1% (12) by nephrologists. Tunneled hemodialysis catheters are inserted in 27 centers (38.5%), peritoneal catheter insertion in 18 (31.6%), and only 2 centers (2.8%) perform arteriovenous fistulae angioplasty. In terms of ultrasound imaging, 20 centers (28.5%) do native renal ultrasound and 16 (22.8%) transplanted kidneys. Of all units 71.4% offer carotid ultrasound to evaluate cardiovascular risk, only in 15 centers (21%) by nephrologists. AVF ultrasound scanning is done in 55.7% (39). CONCLUSION:: Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology is slowly spreading in Spain. It includes basic techniques to our specialty, allowing nephrologists to be more independent, efficient, and reducing waiting times and costs, overall improving patient care. Nowadays, more nephrologists aim to perform them. Therefore, appropriate training on different techniques should be warranted, implementing an official certification and teaching programs.

Situación de la nefrología diagnóstica e intervencionista en España / Performance of diagnostic and interventional nephrology in Spain

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Baseline Residual Kidney Function and Its Ensuing Rate of Decline Interact to Predict Mortality of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Baseline residual kidney function (RKF) and its rate of decline during follow-up are purported to be reliable outcome predictors of patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). The independent contribution of each of these factors has not been elucidated. METHOD: We report a multicenter, longitudinal study of 493 patients incident on PD and satisfying two conditions: a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥1 mL/minute and a daily diuresis ≥300 mL. The main variables were the GFR (mean of urea and creatinine clearances) at PD inception and the GFR rate of decline during follow-up. The main outcome variable was patient mortality. The secondary outcome variables were: PD technique failure and risk of peritoneal infection. The statistical analysis was based on a multivariate approach, placing an emphasis on the interactions between the two main study variables. MAIN RESULTS: Baseline GFR and its rate of decline performed well as independent predictors of both patient mortality and risk of peritoneal infection. These two main study variables maintained a moderate correlation with each other (r2 = 0.12, p<0.0005), and interacted clearly, as predictors of patient mortality. A low baseline GFR followed by a fast decline portended the worst survival outcome (adjusted HR 3.84, 95%CI 1.81-8.14, p<0.0005)(Ref. baseline GFR above median plus rate of decline below median). In general, the rate of decline of RKF had a greater effect on mortality than baseline GFR, which had no detectable effect on survival when the decline of RKF was slow (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.81-2.22, p = 0.22). Conversely, a relatively high GFR at the start of PD still carried a significant risk of mortality, when RKF declined rapidly (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.05-3.72, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The risk-benefit balance of an early versus late start of PD cannot be evaluated without taking into consideration the rate of decline of RKF. This circumstance may contribute to explain the controversial results observed at the time of evaluating the potential benefits of an early initiation of PD.

Creación del Grupo de Trabajo en Nefrología Diagnóstica e Intervencionista de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología / Creation of the Working Group on Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology of the Spanish Society of Nephrology

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La diálisis peritoneal permite el trasplante cardíaco con éxito en paciente con insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria / Peritoneal dialysis allows successful cardiac transplantation in patients with refractory heart failure

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[Results of the cooperative study of Spanish peritoneal dialysis registries: analysis of 12 years of follow-up]. / Resultados del trabajo cooperativo de los registros españoles de diálisis peritoneal: análisis de 12 años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is currently no registry that gives a complete and overall view of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) situation in Spain. However, a report on PD in Spain was developed for various conferences and meetings over several years from data provided by each registry in the autonomous communities and regions. The main objective of this study is to analyse this data in aggregate and comparatively to obtain a representative sample of the Spanish population on PD in recent years, in order that analysis and results in terms of demographic data, penetration of the technique, geographical differences, incidence and prevalence, technical aspects, intermediate indicators, comorbidity, and outcomes such as patient and technique survival may be extrapolated to the whole country. DESIGN, MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational cohort study of autonomous PD registries, covering the largest possible percentage of the adult Spanish population (over 14 years of age) on PD, at least in the last decade (1999-2010), and in the largest possible geographical area in which we were able to recruit. A precise data collection strategy was followed for each regional registry. Once the information was received and clarified, they were added as aggregate data for statistical study. RESULTS: The regional registries that participated represent a total geographical area that encompasses 32,853,251 inhabitants over 14 years of age, 84% of the total Spanish population older than that age. The mean annual rate of incidents per million inhabitants (ppm) was variable (between 17.81 ppm in Andalusia and 29.90 ppm in the Basque Country), with a discrete and permanent increase in the overall PD incidence in Spain being observed in recent years. The mean annual prevalence per million population (ppm) was very heterogeneous (from 42 to 99 ppm). A mean progressive increase in the use of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) was observed. The peritonitis rate was approximately one episode every 25-30 months/patient, with a slight decrease being observed in recent years. The causes of discontinuing PD were distributed fairly evenly between communities; almost a third was due to patient death (mean 28%), a third was due to renal transplantation (mean 39%) and a third was due to transfer to haemodialysis (technique failure: mean 32%). The main comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (30.2%) and diabetes mellitus (24.2%). The overall accumulated mean survival was 92.2%, 82.8%, 74.2%, 64.8% and 57% after one, two, three, four and five years respectively. There was significantly and independently worse survival for older patients and those with cardiovascular disease, patients with diabetes mellitus, those on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (vs. APD), those who started PD before 2004 (analysed in Andalusia and Catalonia), and patients with lower residual renal function at the start of PD (analysed in the Levante registry). Similarly, the technique survival has improved, showing a mean figure above 50% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of PD in Spain are growing moderately and in a generalised manner and continue to maintain an irregular distribution by autonomous community. Both patient and technique survival were greater than 50% after 5 years, with an improvement being observed in recent years, and are comparable to countries with better results in this treatment.

Compared decline of residual kidney function in patients treated with automated peritoneal dialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy concerning the compared rates of decline of residual kidney function (RKF) in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). OBJECTIVES AND METHOD: Following an observational, multicenter design, we studied 493 patients initiating peritoneal dialysis (PD) in four different Spanish units. We explored the effect of the PD modality on the rate of decline of RKF and the probability of anuria during follow-up. We applied logistic regression for intention-to-treat analyses, and linear mixed models to explore time-dependent variables, excluding those affected by indication bias. MAIN RESULTS: Patients started on APD were younger and less comorbid than those initiated on CAPD. Baseline RKF was similar in both groups (p = 0.50). Eighty-seven patients changed their PD modality during follow-up. The following variables predicted a faster decline of RKF: higher (rate of decline) or lower (anuria) baseline RKF, younger age, proteinuria, nonprimary PD, use of PD solutions rich in glucose degradation products, higher blood pressure, and suffering peritonitis or cardiovascular events during follow-up. Overall, APD was not associated with a fast decline of RKF, but stratified analysis disclosed that patients with lower baseline RKF had an increased risk for this outcome when treated with this technique (HR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.09-4.82, p = 0.023). Moreover, the probability of anuria during follow-up was overtly higher in APD patients (HR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.25-6.69, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Starting PD patients directly on APD is associated with a faster decline of RKF and a higher risk of developing anuria than doing so on CAPD. This detrimental effect is more marked in patients initiating PD with lower levels of RKF.

Supervivencia de una estrategia de hemodiálisis no convencional tras 10 años de seguimiento / Survival rates in an unconventional haemodialysis strategy after a 10 year follow-up period

Antecedentes: A finales del siglo pasado, evidencias científicas de nivel II apoyaban una mayor supervivencia en técnicas de hemodiálisis (HD) alternativas a la HD convencional, cuya expectativa de vida a cinco años, en Europa, era inferior al 40 %. Desde el año 2000 nuestros pacientes incidentes se adscribieron a una estrategia de HD no convencional con el objetivo de evaluar su influencia en la supervivencia. Método: Estudio de cohorte realizado en 183 incidentes en HD entre 2000 y 2010. Al inicio de la HD se evaluaron antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular (EFCV) e índice de Charlson (ICh). Desde el año 2000 iniciamos la estrategia de HD no convencional que contenía protocolos de HD biocompatible, de alto flujo, objetivo de peso seco, esquema de tres sesiones semanales de cinco horas (HD 5 h x 3) y desde 2003, coexistiendo con el anterior, se inicia el esquema de sesiones de HD de cuatro horas en días alternos sin descanso de fin de semana (every other day dialysis: EODD) para incidentes de mayor riesgo. Resultados: De los 183 pacientes incidentes en el programa de HD, 84 se dializaron en esquema HD 5 h x 3 y 99 en EODD. La edad media fue de 60,6 ± 13,8 años, el 31,7 % eran mayores de 70 años, diabéticos el 43 %, con EFCV el 58,5 % y el ICh medio era de 4,55. La supervivencia (%) del primero al quinto año fue de 92, 82, 75, 62 y 55, con mediana de 5,65 años (intervalo de confianza [IC] 4,18-7,11) y media de 5,4 (IC 4,75-6,1). Conclusiones: La estrategia de HD no convencional que aplicamos a los pacientes incidentes en la técnica proporciona un buen resultado de supervivencia (AU)

Background: At the end of the last century, level II scientific evidence supported higher survival rates for alternative haemodialysis (HD) techniques when compared with conventional HD, whose five-year life expectancy in Europe was below 40%. Our incident patients participated in an unconventional HD strategy from the year 2000, with the aim of assessing its influence on survival. Method: A cohort study on 183 incident HD patients between 2000 and 2010. At the beginning of HD, we evaluated a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Charlson index (ChI). In the year 2000, we began the unconventional HD strategy that included protocols of biocompatible high flux HD, dry weight target, a schedule of three weekly five hour sessions (HD 5h x 3) and from 2003, in combination with the foregoing, we began a schedule of four hour HD sessions on alternate days including weekends (every other day dialysis: EODD) for higher risk incident patients. Results: Of the 183 incident patients in the HD programme, 84 were dialysed in the 5hx3 HD schedule and 99 in EODD. The mean age was 60.6±13.8 years, 31.7% were older than 70, 43% were diabetic, with CVD sufferers at 58.5% and the mean ChI was 4.55. Survival (%) from the first to the fifth year was 92, 82, 75, 62 and 55, with a median of 5.65 years (confidence interval [CI] 4.18-7.11) and a mean of 5.4 (CI 4.75-6.1). Conclusions: The unconventional HD strategy that we applied to incident patients in the technique provided a good survival result (AU)

Survival rates in an unconventional haemodialysis strategy after a 10 year follow-up period.

BACKGROUND: At the end of the last century, level II scientific evidence supported higher survival rates for alternative haemodialysis (HD) techniques when compared with conventional HD, whose five-year life expectancy in Europe was below 40%. Our incident patients participated in an unconventional HD strategy from the year 2000, with the aim of assessing its influence on survival. METHOD: A cohort study on 183 incident HD patients between 2000 and 2010. At the beginning of HD, we evaluated a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Charlson index (ChI). In the year 2000, we began the unconventional HD strategy that included protocols of biocompatible high flux HD, dry weight target, a schedule of three weekly five hour sessions (HD 5h x 3) and from 2003, in combination with the foregoing, we began a schedule of four hour HD sessions on alternate days including weekends (every other day dialysis: EODD) for higher risk incident patients. RESULTS: Of the 183 incident patients in the HD programme, 84 were dialysed in the 5hx3 HD schedule and 99 in EODD. The mean age was 60.6 ± 13.8 years, 31.7% were older than 70, 43% were diabetic, with CVD sufferers at 58.5% and the mean ChI was 4.55. Survival (%) from the first to the fifth year was 92, 82, 75, 62 and 55, with a median of 5.65 years (confidence interval [CI] 4.18-7.11) and a mean of 5.4 (CI 4.75-6.1). CONCLUSIONS: The unconventional HD strategy that we applied to incident patients in the technique resulted in good survival.

Logrando mejores resultados para la diálisis peritoneal en los últimos años / Achieving better results for peritoneal dialysis in recent years

Introducción: La supervivencia entre la hemodiálisis (HD) y la diálisis peritoneal (DP) son equivalentes, siendo los factores de comorbilidad asociados los que ejercen más influencia sobre la mortalidad. En los más recientes estudios, el pronóstico de la DP peritoneal ha mejorado proporcionalmente más que el de la HD, aunque esto no ha significado un aumento en la utilización de este tratamiento. Objetivos: Conocer si la DP en nuestro medio ha mejorado en el tiempo con respecto a sus resultados. Conocer la influencia de la comorbilidad y las características del tratamiento en los resultados finales. Métodos: Pacientes incidentes en DP en Andalucía entre 1999 y 2010. La cohorte se ha dividido en dos grupos: antes y después de 2004. Estadística: medias ± desviación estándar, frecuencias, test (..) (AU)

Introduction: Survival rates between haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are the same but the associated comorbidity factors have a great impact on mortality. In the most recent studies the prognosis for PD has improved more than that for HD, although this has not meant an increase in the use of this treatment. Objectives: To determine whether the PD has improved over time with respect to its outcomes in our community, and determine the influence of comorbidity and treatment characteristics on the final results. Methods: Incident patients undergoing DP in Andalusia between 1999 and (..) (AU)

Achieving better results for peritoneal dialysis in recent years.

INTRODUCTION: Survival rates between haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are the same but the associated comorbidity factors have a great impact on mortality. In the most recent studies the prognosis for PD has improved more than that for HD, although this has not meant an increase in the use of this treatment. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the PD has improved over time with respect to its outcomes in our community, and determine the influence of comorbidity and treatment characteristics on the final results. METHODS: Incident patients undergoing DP in Andalusia between 1999 and 2010. The cohort was divided into two groups: before and after 2004. STATISTICS: mean ± standard deviation, frequency, chi-square test, Student's t-test, risk determination (95% confidence interval), Kaplan-Meyer, log-rank and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: 1464 incident patients undergoing DP, 537 before 2004 and 927 after 2004. The baseline characteristics of both groups (age, diabetes) were similar, although the first group had more severe cardiovascular disease and higher Charlson comorbidity index. In the second period, more automatic PD and solutions of bicarbonate and icodextrin were used. The overall survival rate for patients was 55 months median and 65 mean. Within all subgroups (age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, technique type) there was a greater tendency towards survival in the second period (the technique type, age and diabetes were found to be statistically significant variables). Age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and incident cases before 2004 were all independent risk factors. This latter variable lost significance as bicarbonate or icodextrin-based solutions were introduced, which were independent risk factors. Technique survival showed a median of 68 months and a mean of 73 months. Dialysis solutions and the period when the DP was initiated were independent risk factors for the technique. CONCLUSIONS: DP has shown improved results in recent years; probably the new solutions are having a positive influence. As such PD should be implemented applying the criteria of effectiveness, free choice, efficiency and PD units should be fully developed within Nephrology Departments.