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Objectives. The results are presented of the 8th National Census (Cs-22) of the Peritoneal Dialysis Project Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology relating to the characteristics of the Centers in Italy which used PD in 2022. Materials and methods. The 227 non-pediatric centers which used Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in 2022 took part. The data requested were sent in aggregate form. For the first time, the resources available and training were investigated as well as home visits. The Centers have been divided into Quartiles according to the number of prevalent PD patients at 31/12/2022. Results. Centers with a smaller PD program (<9 pts) are characterized by 1. smaller overall size - 2. fewer personnel (doctors/nurses) dedicated to PD - 3. greater recourse to external personnel for training - 4. Less incremental prescription and evaluation of peritoneal permeability - 5. higher drop-out to HD in particular for choice/impossibility to continue and for adequacy/catheter-related issues. A lower peritonitis rate was recorded in Centers with a more extensive PD program (≥25 pts). Home visits are carried out regularly by a small minority of Centers. Conclusions. The analysis shows an association between size of Center PD program and available resources, PD modality and outcome., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome,Italy.)

Background. The use of PD depends on economic, structural and organizational factors. The nephrologist's opinion is that peritoneal dialysis is less used than it shold be. In Italy, PD is not carried out in private Centers, but neither is it in around one third of Public Centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of nephrologists on PD in Public Centers only, thereby nullifying the influence of the economic factors. Materials and Methods. The investigation was carried out by means of an online questionnaire (Qs) via mail, and during meetings and Congresses in 2006-07. The Qs investigated the characteristics of the Centers, the nephrologists interviewed, and opinions on the various aspects of the choice of Renal Replacement Therapy Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) (26 questions). Responses were received from 454 nephrologists in 270 public Centers. Among these, 205 centers (370 Qs) report PD (PD-YES), 36 (42 Qs) do not (PD-NO) and 29 (42 Qs) do not use it but send patients selected for PD to other Centers (PD-TRANSF). Results. The PD-NO and PD-TRANSF Centers are significantly smaller, with greater availability of beds. In the PD-YES Centers the presence of a pre-dialysis pathway, early referral and nurses dedicated solely to PD are associated with a higher use of PD. The nephrologists in the PD-NO Centers rate PD more negatively in terms of both clinical and non-clinical factors. The belief that more than 40% of patients can do either PD or HD differs among the nephrologists in the PD-YES (74.3%), PD-TRANSF (45.2%) and PD-NO (28.6%) Centers. Likewise, the belief that PD can be used as a first treatment in more than 30% of cases differs among the nephrologists in PD-YES (49.2%), PD-TRANSF (33.3%) and PD-NO (14.3%) Centers. Conclusions. The use of PD in Public Centers is conditioned by both structural and organizational factors, and by the opinions of nephrologists on the use and effectiveness of the technique., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome,Italy.)

Objectives. The results are reported here of the 8th National Census (Cs-22) of Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy, carried out in 2022-23 by the Italian Society of Nephrology's Peritoneal Dialysis Project Group and relating to 2022. Methods. The Census was conducted in the 227 non pediatric centers which performed Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in 2022. The results have been compared with the previous Censuses carried out since 2005. Results. Incidence: in 2022, 1350 patients (CAPD=52.1%) started on PD (1st treatment for ESRD). PD was started incrementally by 35.3% in 136 Centers. The catheter was placed exclusively by a Nephrologist in 17.0% of known cases. Prevalence: there were 4152 (CAPD=43.4%) patients on PD on 31/12/2022, with 21.1% of prevalent patients on assisted PD (family member caregiver: 86.3%). Out: in 2022 the PD drop-out rate (ep/100 pt-yrs) was: 11.7 to HD; 10.1 death, down; 7.5 Tx. The main cause of transfer to HD remains peritonitis (23.5%), although its reduction over the years is confirmed (Cs-05: 37.9%). Peritonitis/EPS: the incidence of peritonitis in 2022 was 0.176 ep/pt-yr (696 episodes). The incidence of new cases of EPS fell in 2021-22 (7 cases). Other results: the number of Centers using 3.86% for the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) (57.7%) increased. PD for heart failure continues to be used in 44 Centers (66 pts). Conclusions. Cs-22 confirms PD's good results in Italy., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome,Italy.)

Objectives: Traditional training (Home Training) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is based on the physical presence of nurse and patient/caregiver. These "space-time" constraints can influence the training's duration, methodology and results. A remote caregiving system (Videodialysis) in our Center has proved to be effective and safe in remotely guiding patients/caregivers with cognitive/psychological barriers to self-care-PD. Since 08/01/2016, to overcome the limitations of Home Training, Videodialysis has also been used to carry out remote patients/caregivers training (Video Training). Retrospective comparison between Video Training (08/01/2016-05/31/2020) and Home Training (01/01/2014-07/31/2016)., Methods: Following initial home-visit Video Training is performed via telemedicine from the Center, whereas Home Training is carried out at the patient's home. Only first trainings for all incident PD patients/caregivers were considered. The following patients were excluded: 9 in nursing homes, 13 kept on Videodialysis due to barriers to self-care, 6 uncompleted procedures, 4 other. Total duration, home visits, exchanges/procedures, peritonitis, technique survival were compared between Home Training and Video Training., Results: 46 trainings were considered (median; IQR): 21 Home Training (CAPD/APD: 11/10) in 17 patients (74.3 years (58.8-78.0; assisted PD: 64.7%) and 25 Video Training (CAPD/APD: 8/17) in 21 patients (65.9 years (56.9-76.4) N.S.; assisted PD: 52.4%). Duration (days): Home Training: CAPD 4.0 (4.0-5.5); APD 8.0 (5.3-10.5); Video Training: CAPD 4.5 (3.8-5.0) (N.S.); APD 8.0 (6.0-13.0) (N.S.). Home-visit (number): Home Training: CAPD 9.0 (7.0-10.0); APD 11.0 (7.8-15.5); Video Training: CAPD 2.0 (2.0-3.5) (p < 0.001); APD 5.0 (4.0-6.0) (p < 0.001). Peritonitis (episodes): Home Training: 5 (Follow-up: 471 pts/months); Video Training: 0 (Follow-up 280 pts/months). 2-Year technique survival. Home Training: 56.3%; Video Training: 76.9% (N.S.)., Conclusions: Video Training is as effective as Home Training, while significantly reducing the number of home visits., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japanese Society of Nephrology.)

Conceived and developed since 2001 at the Alba Center, Videodialysis (VD) was used initially to prevent dropout in prevalent PD patients by guiding them in performing dialysis (VD-Caregiver). Subsequently, its use was extended to the clinical follow-up of critical patients (VD-Clinical), problems relating to transport to the Center (VD-Transport), and since 2016 for training/retraining all patients (VD-Training). Since 2017 other Centers have employed VD using modalities analyzed in this paper. Methods: the paper reports the findings of an Audit (February 2021) of the Centers using VD on 31-12-2020. The Centers provided the following information: the characteristics of the patients using VD; the main and secondary reasons for using VD, considering nursing home (VD-NH) patients separately; VD outcomes: duration, drop-out, peritonitis, patient/caregiver satisfaction (minimum: 1 - maximum: 10). Results: VD, which began between 09-2017 and 12-2019, has been used in 6 Centers for 54 patients at 31-12-2020 (age:71.8±12.6 years - M:53.7% - CAPD:61.1% - Assisted PD:70.3%). The most frequent reason has been VD-Training (70.4%), followed by VD-Caregiver (16.7%), VD-NH (7.4%), VD-Clinical (3.7%), and VD-Transport (1.9%), with differences between Centers. VD-Training is used most with self-care patients (93.8% - p<0.05), while with patients on Assisted PD it is associated with secondary reasons (95.7% - p<0.02). VD-Training (duration: 1-4 weeks) has always been completed successfully. No peritonitis was reported; satisfaction was 8.4±1.4. Conclusion: videodialysis is a flexible, effective, safe, and valued tool that can be employed using various modalities depending on the choice of the Center and the complexity of the patient., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome,Italy.)

Objectives: Analysis of the results of the 7th National Census (Cs-19) of Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy, conducted in 2020-21 by the Peritoneal Dialysis Project Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology, for the year 2019. Materials and methods: The data was initially collected using specially designed software, which after entering the data of individual patients allows the aggregate extraction of the necessary information. The difficulties due to the COVID pandemic made it necessary to also use the traditional on-line questionnaire used previously. Of the 237 Centers envisaged, 198 responded, of which 177 with complete data for HD also in 2016. Results: Overall incidence and prevalence (31/12/2019) were respectively 1,363 (CAPD/APD = 741/622) and 3,922 (CAPD/APD = 1,857 / 2,065) patients. The percentage incidence and prevalence (177 Centers) decreased compared to 2016, respectively, from 23.8% to 22.1% and from 17.3% to 16.6%. 31.4% started PD incrementally in 60.3% of the Centers. The catheter is placed by the Nephrologist alone in 19.7%. Assisted PD is used by 24.5% of the prevalent patients, mostly (83.8%) by a family member. In 2019, the exit from PD (ep/100 years-pts: 11.6 in HD; 8.9 death; 6.0 Tx) is decreasing for all causes. The main cause of transfer to HD remains peritonitis (26.8%). The incidence of peritonitis in 2019 dropped further to 0.190 ep/year-pts as well as the incidence of new cases of EPS (0.103 ep/100 years-pts). Conclusions: The Cs-19 confirms the good results of the DP in Italy., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome, Italy.)

In 2011, a first peritoneal dialysis audit was held in the Lazio region to analyze the problems hindering the spread of this method and to improve the quality of care through the sharing of best practices across Centers. A scientific board was therefore set up, representing all the Centers offering PD, in order to assess clinical effectiveness using KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and to quantify the objectives to be achieved. The analysis made it possible to identify the main problems and take action, all the while monitoring progress through KPIs. A second audit was carried out in 2017 and the collected data was analyzed and compared with the findings of the previous study. Overall, data showed an increase in prevalence, although the incidence showed a slight decrease. Indicators on the change of dialysis treatment, the dropout from domiciliary treatment and the incidence of late referral appeared stable over time. A slight improvement was observed in clinical data on peritonitis and on the length of hospitalization. All participants in the audit declared that sharing and discussing clinical practices had been really useful. In addition, through the drafting of practical documents (guides for patients, guidance on informed consent, protocols of clinical follow-up), a number of tools have been provided to ensure a uniformly high level of care across the different regional Centers., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome, Italy.)

Background: We report our experience with Videodialysis (VD), a new telemedicine system created in our Center to overcome physical, cognitive and psychological barriers to PD., Methods: We analyzed the technical and clinical care results of VD in the period from 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2018., Results: The VD components are: a Remote Station at the patient's home (video camera, monitor, microphone, technological connectivity box), and a Control Station in the Center (PC with high resolution monitor, webcam, speakerphone) with software that manages 6 audio-video connections simultaneously as well as the Remote Station video cameras. In 2015 a second model of VD was designed to further improve ease of transport, installation, user interface, software functionality and connectivity. VD proved to be highly reliable during 21,000 connections, and easy to use by patients/caregivers without technological skills. During the observational period, 107 patients started PD; of these 77 had barriers to PD: in 15 we overcame the barriers by VD-Assisted PD and in 62 we used other modalities of Assisted PD. During a follow-up of 285 months on VD-Assisted, 5 patients died, 3 were transferred to HD (UFF; leakage; onset of barriers insurmountable with VD), 3 to traditional Assisted PD and 4 remained on VD-Assisted PD. Peritonitis incidence in VD-Assisted PD was 1/84.2 pt/mths, not significantly different to that of the patients not using VD. Sense of confidence was the aspect most highly-appreciated by VD-Assisted PD patients., Conclusions: VD-Assisted PD is a reliable, safe system which requires no technological know-how and it is easy to use when self-care is not possible due to physical, cognitive or psychological barriers.

Objectives: We report here the results of the 6th National Census (Cs-16) of Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy, carried out in 2017-18 by the Italian Society of Nephrology's Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group and relating to 2016., Methods: The Census was conducted using an on-line questionnaire administered to the 237 non pediatric centers which did perform Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in 2016. The results have been compared with the previous Censuses carried out since 2005., Results: Incidence: In 2016, 1,595 patients (CAPD=56.1%) started on PD (1st treatment for ESRD) and 4,607 on hemodialysis (HD). PD was started incrementally by 32.5% in 144 Centers. 15.6% were late referrals, and 5.1% began within 48-72 hours of insertion. The catheter was positioned exclusively by a Nephrologist in 24.3% of cases. Prevalence: Patients on PD on 31/12/2016 were 4,607 (CAPD=46.6%), with 22.2% of prevalent patients on assisted PD (family member caregiver: 80.5%). Out: In 2016, PD dropout rate (ep/100 pt-yrs: 12.5 to HD; 11.8 death; 7.0 Tx) has not changed. The main cause of transfer to HD remains peritonitis (23.8%), although it is still decreasing (Cs-05: 37.9%). Peritonitis/EPS: The incidence of peritonitis in 2016 was 0.211 ep/pt-yr (939 episodes). The incidence of new cases of EPS in 2015-16 is diminishing too (16 cases=0.176 ep/100 pt-yrs). Other results: In 2016 the number of Centers using 3.86% for the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) (49.8%) increased, and the Centers carrying out home visits diminished (51.5%)., Conclusions: Cs-16 confirms that PD in Italy is having good results., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome, Italy.)

Objectives: To know PD modalities and results in Italy., Methods: The Census was carried out by means of an on-line questionnaire in ALL the 225 non-pediatric public centers which PERFORMED PD in 2014. The results were compared with those of previous Censuses (2005:Cs-05; 2008:Cs-08; 2010:Cs-10; 2012:Cs-12)., Results: Incidence. In 2014 PD was begun (first treatment for ESRD) by 1,652 pts (CAPD: 57.2%) and HD by 4,442 pts (%PD-incidence= Cs-14: 27,1%; Cs-12: 23.4%; Cs-10: 23.3%; Cs-08: 22.8%; Cs-05: 24.2%). For the first time Incremental PD does not increase (Cs-14: 27,5%; Cs-12: 28,8%; Cs-10: 22,8%; Cs-08: 18,3%; Cs-05: 11,9%). Prevalence. At 31/12/2014 there were 4,480 patients on PD (CAPD: 46.9%) (%PD-prevalence= Cs-14: Cs-12: 17.1%; Cs-10: 16.6%; Cs-08: 16.7%; Cs-05:16.8%; p=NS), 24.3% of whom were on assisted PD (family members: 83.6%; paid caregivers: 11.5%; nurses: 1.1%; NH: 2.8%). Out. In 2014 there was no change in the PD drop-out rate (32.0 ep/100yrs-pt) (death: 502; transplant: 329; switch to HD: 528 pts). The main reason for transferring to HD remained peritonitis (24.8%). Choice (9.3%) and impossibility to continue PD (15.2%) are increasing. Peritonitis. The peritonitis rate (953 episodes) was 0.224 ep/yrs-pt. The incidence of new cases of EPS in 2013-14 (39 cases=0.444 ep/100yrs-pt) is decreasing (2011-12= 0.505; 2009-10= 0.529; 2004-08= 0.701 ep/100-yrs-pt). Other results. Compared to 2012, in 2014 the number of Centers using 3.86% for PET increased (41.3%) (Cs-12: 30.8%; Cs-10: 15.6%; p <0.001), while the number carrying out home visits (59.6%) remained unchanged (56.3% in 2012, 59.4% in 2010)., Conclusion: Cs-14 confirms the extensive use, stability and good results of PD in Italy. Incremental PD and assisted PD are unchanged, peritonitis are decreased and EPS remains a rare event. PET-3.86% is increasingly used., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome, Italy.)

Background: The original peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was used to classify peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using a 2.27% glucose solution. It has since been suggested that a 3.86% glucose solution be used because this provides better information about ultrafiltration (UF) capacity and the sodium (Na) sieving of the peritoneal membrane., Objective: The aim of this study was to determine reference values for a PET using a 3.86% glucose solution (PET-3.86%)., Methods: We evaluated the PET-3.86% in a large population of incident PD patients attending 27 Italian dialysis centers., Results: We evaluated the results of 758 PET-3.86% in 758 incident PD patients (1 test per patient). The mean duration of PD was 5 ± 3 months. The ratio of the concentrations of creatinine in dialysate/plasma (D/P Creat ) was 0.73 ± 0.1 (median 0.74). The ratio between the concentrations of glucose at the end/beginning of the test (D/D 0 ) was 0.25 ± 0.08 (median 0.24). Ultrafiltration uncorrected and corrected for bag overfill was respectively 776 ± 295 mL (median 781 mL) and 675 ± 308 mL (median 689 mL). Sodium sieving was 8.4 ± 3.8 mmol/L (median 8.0 mmol/L)., Conclusion: The results of the study provide PET-3.86% reference values for the beginning of PD that can be used to classify PD patients into transport classes and monitor them over time., (Copyright © 2017 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.)

Background: It is not known how widely used in Italy an incremental start to in peritoneal dialysis (Incr-PD) is., Methods: By analyzing the peritoneal dialysis (PD) censuses conducted by the PD Study Group (GSDP-SIN) for the years 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 in all the Centers performing PD in Italy, the use of Incr-PD, i.e. continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with 1 or 2 exchanges/day or automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) with 3-4 sessions/week, was examined among incident PD patients., Results: In 2014 PD was started in Italy by 1,652 patients, 455 (27.5%) of whom incrementally (Incr-CAPD 82.2% vs. Incr-APD 17.8%). Incr-PD was used in 53.5% of the 225 Centers. The number of patients and of Centers using Incr-DP increased constantly over the years up to 2012 (in 2005 Incr-PD was used in 33.4% of Centers, and in 11.9% of patients). The use of Incr-PD was greater in Centers with a more extensive PD program and greater use of PD in general. The most widely-used modality in Incr-PD was CAPD., Conclusions: Incr-PD is used in Italy in a large number of incident PD patients. The reasons for this increase need to be clarified, as current adequacy targets are based on full-dose studies with a very low glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Objective: To know PD modalities and results in Italy., Methods: The Census was carried out by means of an on-line questionnaire in all the 224 non-pediatric public centers which performed PD in 2012. The results were compared with those of previous Censuses., Results: Incidence. In 2012 PD was begun (first treatment for ESRD) by 1,433 pts (CAPD: 54.3%) and HD by 4,700 pts (%PD-incidence= Cs-12: 23.4%; Cs-10: 23.3%; Cs-08: 22.8%; Cs-05: 24.2%; p=NS), with a further increase in incremental PD (Cs-12: 28.8%; Cs-10: 22.8%; Cs-08: 18.3%; Cs-05: 11.9%; p-0.001). Prevalence. At 31/12/12 there were 4,299 patients on PD (CAPD: 46.1%) (%PD-prevalence= Cs-12: 17.1%; Cs-10: 16.6%; Cs-08: 16.7%; Cs-05:16.8%; p=NS), 24.5% of whom were on assisted PD (family members: 82.3%; paid caregivers: 12.4%; nurses: 0.7%; NH: 3.0%). Out. In 2012 there was no change in the PD drop-out rate (30.9 ep/100yrs-pt) (death: 481; transplant: 290; switch to HD: 511 pts). The main reason for transferring to HD remained peritonitis (28.2%). Peritonitis. The peritonitis rate (1,179 episodes) was 0.284 ep/yrs-pt. EPS. The incidence of new cases of EPS in 2011-12 (43 cases=0.505 ep/100yrs-pt) remained unchanged (2009-10= 0.529; 2004-08= 0.701 ep/100-yrs-pt). Other results. Compared to 2010, in 2012 the number of Centers using 3.86% for PET increased (30.8% vs 15.6%-p-0.001), while the number carrying out home visits remained unchanged (56.3 vs 59.4%)., Conclusions: Cs-12 confirms the extensive use, stability and good results of PD in Italy. Incremental PD is on the increase. EPS remains a rare event.

The 2010 Italian Society of Nephrology Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group (GSPD-SIN) census (Cs-10) involved the 224 Centers performing PD in Italy. PD was used as 1st treatment in 23.3% (1429/4695) of pts (Cs-08:22.8%; Cs-05:24.2%), with 53.4% of them using CAPD. The use of incremental CAPD increased in Cs-10 (Cs-10:35.3%; Cs-08:25.7%; Cs-05:13.6%; p<0.0001). The number of prevalent pts was 4,222 (Cs-10:16.6%; Cs-08:16.6%; Cs-05:16.8%; p=NS), 45.7% of whom were on CAPD; 24.4% (Cs-08:21.8%; p<0.05) required assistance (family member:80.6%; caregiver:12.6%; nurse: 3.0%; RSA:3.4%). In Cs-10 the PD out rate (1,354 pts, of whom ep/100pt-yrs for drop-out: 12.4; death: 12.9; Tx: 7.5) was not different to previous years. The peritonitis rate was 0.30 ep/yr/pt, 18.5% of which with negative culture. There were 44 episodes of EPS in the period 2009-10 (0.53 ep/100yrs); while in the previous 5-year period there were 146 (0.70 ep/100pt-yrs). PET is performed by 98% of the centers, mostly using 2.27% (70.5%). Home visits are carried out by 59.1% of the centers. If regular (8.9% of the centers), they are associated with fewer ep/mth of peritonitis (61.2 vs 38.8) and lower drop-out (8.6 vs 12.8 ep/100 pt/yr - p<0.05) Cs-10 confirms the good results PD is having in the Centers that use it. Incremental CAPD and assisted PD are increasing. EPS remains a rare event. Standard PET is the most frequently-used evaluation of the peritoneal membrane. Though home visits are associated with lower peritonitis and drop-out rates, they are carried out regularly by a minority of the Centers.

Background: To understand how peritoneal dialysis (PD) was being used in Italy in 2005 and 2008, a census of all centers was carried out., Methods: In 2005 and 2008, data were collected from, respectively, 222 and 223 centers, with respect to 4432 and 4094 prevalent patients., Results: In the two periods, the PD incidence remained stable (24.3% vs 22.9%), varying from center to center. Continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) was the main initial method (55%), but APD was more widespread among prevalent patients (53%). Among patients returning to dialysis from transplantation (Tx), PD was used in 10%. The use of incremental CAPD increased significantly from 2005 to 2008, in terms both of the number of centers (27.0% vs 40.9%) and of patients (13.6% vs 25.7%). Late referrals remained stable at 28%, with less use of PD. The overall drop-out rate (episodes/100 patient-years) remained unchanged (31.0 vs 32.8), with 13.1 and 12.9 being the result of death, and 11.8 and 12.4 being the result of a switch to hemodialysis, mainly after peritonitis. A dialysis partner was required by 21.8% of the PD patients. The incidence of peritonitis was 1 episode in 36.5 and 41.1 patient-months, with negative cultures occurring in 17.1% of cases in both periods. The incidence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (episodes/100 patient-years) was 0.70, representing 1.26% of patients treated. The catheter types used and the sites and methods of insertion varied widely from center to center., Conclusions: These censuses confirm the good results of PD in Italy, and provide insight into little-known aspects such as the use of incremental PD, the presence of a dialysis partner, and the incidence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

The incremental modality at the start of peritoneal dialysis (Incr-DP) is implicit in the definition of adequacy, which is expressed as the sum of dialysis clearance and renal clearance.Theoretically, it is possible to demonstrate that with a glomerular filtration rate at the start of dialysis of 6 mL/min, the minimum Kt/V target of 1.70 indicated by the current guidelines is easily exceeded with both 2-exchange of CAPD (incremental CAPD) and APD of 3 or 4 weekly sessions (Incr-APD), with a daytime icodextrin dwell. The GSDP (Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group) census data suggest that Incr-DP favors the choice of peritoneal dialysis. Although limited to a few studies with a relatively small number of patients, data show that Incr- CAPD is associated with a better quality of life, the achievement of Kt/V targets, and satisfactory ultrafiltration. The clearance of medium molecules is equivalent in Incr-DP and full-dose PD as it depends on the duration of the dwell and not on the number of exchanges. The maintenance of body weight, protein intake and peritoneal permeability may be explained by the lower glucose load with Incr-DP. The preservation of residual renal function is similar to that recorded with full-dose PD, while the peritonitis rate seems to be lower. The favorable results reported in the literature and the indications of the most recent guidelines about the importance of reducing the exposure to glucose to a minimum and safeguarding the patient's quality of life in our opinion further justify the use of Incr-DP.

In March 2009 a clinical audit was held in Turin on peritoneal dialysis in order to analyze the problems that still hinder the effective deployment of the technique in Piedmont-Aosta Valley. Various data about epidemiological and clinical management were collected by means of a questionnaire that all 26 nephrology centers of the two regions responded to. The two major critical issues highlighted were the role of the outpatient facility dedicated to uremic patients and why the peritoneal technique was not chosen for new dialysis patients. With regard to the first issue, the presence of a well structured outpatient facility dedicated to chronic renal failure seems to direct more uremic patients to peritoneal dialysis, at the same time decreasing the rate of late referrals. Regarding the second issue, patient choice was the leading cause followed by problems related to the partner, while traditional clinical contraindications interfered to a lesser extent with the choice of dialysis technique. We therefore believe that it will be possible to increase the use of peritoneal dialysis by improving organizational aspects of the dialysis center and trying to remedy the lack of social support. Accurate information and early care of uremic patients by dedicated outpatient facilities are in fact able to lead more patients to choose peritoneal dialysis. The implementation of measures of support, such as financial incentives to dialysis patients following a recent decision of the Piedmont region, could help to overcome problems related to the lack or unhelpfulness of a partner.

There is still disagreement on whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) should begin with a full dose (Full&#95;Dial) or with incremental doses (Incr&#95;Dial) to compensate for the amount of Kt/V no longer supplied by the residual renal function (RRF). The aim of this study is to assess the effects of an Incr&#95;Dial protocol on the choice of dialysis modality, RRF, and adequacy. The Incr&#95;Dial protocol in our center is as follows: for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR)>5 ml min(-1), PD is initiated with two exchanges per day (continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD)) or four sessions per week (ambulatory PD (APD)); and hemodialysis (HD) is initiated with two sessions per week. The PD dose is then increased in proportion to the reduction in the GFR as follows: GFR< or =5 and >3 ml min(-1)=3 CAPD exchanges or five APD sessions; GFR <3 ml min(-1)=full dialysis dose (Full&#95;Dial). The effects of the Incr&#95;Dial protocol on the choice of dialysis modality were assessed on 87 patients (pts) (age: 69.3+/-13.1 years) who initiated dialysis between 1 January 2004 and 31 May 2007. The effects of Incr&#95;Dial on RRF and dialytic adequacy were assessed in 11 pts treated with two CAPD exchanges per day for a total of 106 months (mean+/-s.d. 9.7+/-6.5), and then treated with three CAPD exchanges per day for an additional 105 months (9.4+/-8.3). The use of Incr&#95;Dial determined the choice of PD in 27 of 44 pts (61.4%) without indications or contraindications to HD or PD. CAPD was chosen by 20 of these pts (74.1%), whereas APD was preferred by 6 of the 8 pts switched from Incr&#95;Dial to Full&#95;Dial. During Incr&#95;Dial, a significant reduction in the loss of GFR of 2.4+/-3.1 ml min(-1) year(-1) was observed when compared to the pre-dialysis period. Incr&#95;Dial allowed for adequate clearance, as confirmed by the Kt/V (2.07+/-0.2), protein nitrogen appearance (1.17+/-0.13), and biochemical parameters. Ultrafiltration (UF) with icodextrin (772+/-166 ml per exchange) provided a daily UF of 517+/-296 ml day(-1) and remained unchanged when the duration of the dwell time increased significantly from 12.3+/-1.4 to 17.5+/-2.6 h.

Background: The diffusion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Italy is lower than expected on the basis of indications and contraindications reported in literature., Methods: To analyse the factors influencing the use of PD in Italy, we used data from the first National Census of the Italian Society of Nephrology relating to 9773 incident patients (Incid(HD + PD)) in 2004 and 43 293 prevalent patients dialysed in 658 centres at 31/12/2004 (337 public centres, 286 private centres, 12 paediatric centres, 15 research or religious institutions and 8 unspecified)., Results: The percentages on PD of total incident (Inc(PD)%) and prevalent dialysis patients (Prev(PD)%) were 15.9% and 10.3%, respectively with considerable variations from region to region and from centre to centre. The Inc(PD)% was higher in regions with fewer patients on dialysis in private centres. In the private centres, the Inc(PD)% was 0.4%. Of the 325 non-paediatric public centres, 116 (35.7%) do not use PD: compared with the 209 centres which do, these centres have a lower mean Inc(HD + PD) and Prev(HD + PD) per centre (13.0 +/- 12.3 vs 28.6 +/- 18.0 - 51.8 +/- 35.7 vs 117.3 +/- 66.4 patients, P < 0.0001), and more haemodialysis (HD) stations available (3.0 vs 3.5 patients per HD station, P < 0.0001). However, the significant influence of cultural and motivational factors on the use of this method is demonstrated by the fact that it is used by 34% of the smaller non-paediatric public centres, and is not used by 19% of the larger non-pediatric public centres.

Improving the results of peritoneal dialysis (PD) over time means reducing both the technique's drop out (TDO) and mortality rates. The PD mortality rate has diminished over the years, due to greater experience in using the technique and the reduction in mortality due to peritonitis making it comparable with the hemodialysis (HD) mortality rate. Moreover, improved control of the hydrosaline balance through the use of ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (APD) and icodextrin could further improve the survival rate in the future. The adequacy targets needed to reduce the mortality rate still appear to be debatable, as their importance seems conditioned by the presence of RRF and comorbidity. The TDO is higher in PD than in HD because PD is a self-administered treatment that uses a biological membrane as a filter. The most frequent causes of TDO are peritonitis (30-40%), dialytic inadequacy (11-27%), and subsequent inability and/or choice (10-32%). Peritonitis is the cause that has seen the greatest reduction over time due to the introduction of the Y-Set, but a further reduction could result from the prevention of ESI, and from improvements in the patient selection procedure designed to identify both clinical and psycho-social disposition peritonitis risk factors. Among the causes of TDO due to dialytic inadequacy, insufficient ultrafiltration (UF) could benefit from the diffusion of APD and icodextrin, while insufficient depuration could be reduced by new targets and optimization of the prescription. Finally, TDO due to social causes could be reduced by the use of APD, care support and appropriate patient selection.

Since December 2000, we have proposed incremental dialysis to our patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 8-9 mL/min/1.73 m2. The incremental dialysis uses automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) 3-4 days per week ["low frequency APD" (LF-APD)], with or without a full abdomen during the period between the nighttime sessions. From December 1, 2000, to September 30, 2001, LF-APD was selected by 5 patients (2 men, 3 women). Of the 5 patients, 4 worked (age: 53 +/- 12 years; range: 40-69 years), and 1 (age: 78 years) needed assistance from a partner who was available only on certain days of the week. Only 1 patient had diabetic nephropathy. The LF-APD was performed by 4 patients on alternate days ("standard LF-APD"), and by 1 patient 3 times per week (owing to limited availability of the partner). At the beginning of treatment, mean nightly LF-APD was 8.9 +/- 0.9 hours with a volume of 13.4 +/- 3.1 L. In 3 patients, icodextrin was used for the dwell between subsequent APD sessions (1-1.5 L). The other 2 patients kept an empty abdomen (owing to body image). Residual renal function (RRF) was measured every 3 months; adequacy and peritoneal equilibration test (PET), every 6 months. Total nightly APD volume was modified based on the results of the PET. At December 31, 2002, 3 patients with follow-ups of 25, 22, and 15 months were still on LF-APD because their GFR had remained unchanged. In another patient, the frequency of the APD sessions was increased after 5 months to 5 times per week from 3.5 times per week following a clinical assessment of underdialysis; however, that patient had had no significant change in GFR. Following a rapid decline in the diabetic patient's GFR (to 3.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 from 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 18 months) and refusal by that patient to increase the number of days of APD, the diabetic patient was transferred to hemodialysis. No episodes of peritonitis occurred in a total LF-APD follow-up of 84 patient-months. Compliance, assessed using the HomeChoice Pro system and comparing prescribed and recorded sessions, was total (no missed treatments). In conclusion, LF-APD can be a valid form of incremental dialysis and can help patients to choose PD as their first renal replacement therapy.

In peritoneal dialysis (PD), compliance with the dialytic prescription is an important element in achieving adequate dialysis. Using the questionnaire or inventory method, a rate of noncompliance between 10% and 20% has been reported for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The recent introduction of APD equipment capable of recording dialytic treatments (DTs) means that compliance can be assessed more precisely. In the present study, the PDLink software program (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.) was used to retrospectively analyze 3 consecutive months of DTs in 19 APD patients (15 men, 4 women; age: 67.9 +/- 10.2 years; duration of PD: 36.3 +/- 30.0 months) who were treated with the HomeChoice Pro [HCpro (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.)]. In 12 patients (63%), the treatment was self-administered; for the other 7 patients (37%), treatment was handled by a partner (spouse: 5; family member: 2). Of 1673 recorded DTs, 20 (1.2%) were not performed. In the period taken into consideration (90 consecutive days), 9 patients underwent all the prescribed sessions, 4 patients missed 1 session, 3 patients missed 2 sessions, 2 patients missed 3 sessions, and 1 patient missed 4 sessions. No irregularities were observed in relation to the prescribed volumes, and session length was 60-120 minutes shorter in only 0.12% of the recorded sessions. In conclusion, the HCpro system proved effective in assessing compliance. In our experience, noncompliance occurred in a lower percentage of cases than has previously been reported, notwithstanding the present method's greater sensitivity and lesser specificity.

This paper assesses the variation in total drainage time (TDT) and number of alarms due to low drainage volume (LDV) in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients with varying catheter performance. Catheter performance was measured by drainage break point (DBP) in a supine position. Six patients with DBP > or = 80% underwent three types of APD: non tidal, 50% tidal, and 80% tidal. Six patients with DBP < 70% underwent two types of APD: non tidal and tidal fixed at 5% below DBP. In every case, the fill volume was 2.3 L. For the purpose of the study, each treatment was continued for seven consecutive nights. Home Choice Pro (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, Illinois, U.S.A.) was used to calculate the TDT and LDV. With both the non tidal and tidal treatments, TDT was higher in patients with DBP < 70% as compared with patients with DBP > or = 80%. In the latter group, 50% tidal was the most effective technique in reducing TDT. In patients with DBP < 70%, the tidal treatment reduced not only TDT, but also LDV alarms, as compared to the non tidal treatment. In conclusion, choosing the tidal method helps to reduce LDV alarms and TDT, especially in patients with a low DBP. The Home Choice Pro device is an effective aid in setting up and assessing the dialytic prescription.

Icodextrins (Icos) produce constant linear ultrafiltration (UF). This effect allows Icos to replace glucose during long dwells in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD (nighttime)] and automated peritoneal dialysis [APD (daytime)]. However, the effectiveness of Icos in producing UF (IcoUF) is limited by lymphatic reabsorption, whose extent depends partly on posture and physical activity. This paper aims to assess whether the difference in posture and physical activity between daytime dwells in APD and nighttime dwells in CAPD affects IcoUF. Patients undergoing first treatment were retrospectively examined. Ten patients were on CAPD [4 males, 6 females; average age, 73.0 +/- 13.4 years; body surface area (BSA), 1.63 +/- 0.21 m2; total volume per day, 5.6 +/- 1.9 L], and ten were on APD (7 males, 3 females; average age, 67.7 +/- 9.8; BSA, 1.75 +/- 0.22 m2; total volume per night, 10.5 +/- 0.9 L). Ultrafiltration was assessed for seven consecutive days preceding a peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and collection of diuresis. In both groups, 3 patients had no diuresis, and the difference between CAPD and APD was not significant (625 +/- 762 mL vs 780 +/- 878 mL). Moreover, no significant difference was seen in 4-hour dialysate-to-plasma creatinine (D/P) between CAPD (0.65 +/- 0.12) and APD (0.64 +/- 0.05). Dwell times with Icos were shorter in CAPD than in APD (11.5 +/- 1.8 hours vs 14.8 +/- 0.5 hours, p < 0.0005), but the fill volume was not significantly different (1760 +/- 286 mL vs 1790 +/- 249 mL). Water excretion owing to diuresis and dialysis [total water excretion (TWE): 1619 +/- 497 mL CAPD vs 1762 +/- 736 mL APD] and dialytic UF (363 +/- 443 mL CAPD vs 748 +/- 479 mL APD), which is not linked to Icos, were not significantly different between the two groups. The IcoUF and the percentage of IcoUF to TWE were significantly higher in CAPD compared to APD [631 +/- 253 mL (44% +/- 27%) vs 234 +/- 215 mL (19% +/- 19%), p < 0.001 (p < 0.05)]. In conclusion, an upright posture and physical activity seem to produce less IcoUF in APD despite the longer dwell. These factors could, indeed, produce greater intraperitoneal pressure, resulting in increased lymphatic reabsorption during a daytime dwell.

The calculation of Kt/V and creatinine clearance per 1.73 m2 of body surface area (CrCl/1.73 m2 of BSA) varies according to whether the post- or pre-nightly dialysis treatment (NDT) values of the serum urea (sUrea), serum creatinine (sCreat), and body weight (BW) parameters are used. The purpose of this paper is to determine the difference between Kt/V and CrCl/1.73 m2 of BSA, calculated using the pre- and post-NDT values, and any correlation of such differences with different automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) methods. We took into consideration patients on APD treated using the tidal method with four different techniques: NTPD (9 patients; no daytime dwell), NTPD-1 (12 patients; one daytime dwell of 4-7 hours), CTPD (10 patients; one daytime dwell), and CTPD-2 (8 patients; two daytime dwells). Body water (V) and body surface area (BSA) were calculated using the Watson and Du Bois formulas. The percentage difference between pre- and post-NDT using the various methods is not statistically significant, while all the post-NDT parameters are significantly lower than the pre-NDT parameters. Since this difference is greater for sUrea (8.8%) and V (1.1%) than for sCreat (4.1%) and BSA (0.8%), the nightly Kt/V variation (11.2%) is greater than the nightly CrCl/1.73 m2 of BSA variation (5.2%). These variations do not differ significantly among the various methods. For APD, therefore, increase is to be expected in the CAPD targets of 10% and 5% respectively for Kt/V and CrCl/1.73 m2 of BSA calculated using the post-NDT values of sUrea and sCreat and the pre-NDT value of BW.