Queen's University Belfast Researchers Report on Findings in Peritoneal Dialysis (Rate and reasons for peritoneal dialysis dropout following haemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis switch: a systematic review and meta-analysis).

Researchers from Queen's University Belfast conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the rate and reasons for dropout from peritoneal dialysis (PD) following a switch from hemodialysis (HD) to PD. The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in PD dropout rates between the PD first group and the HD to PD group. However, the HD to PD group had a statistically significant reduction in mortality rates compared to the PD first group. The primary reasons for switching from HD to PD included vascular access failure, patient preference, social issues, and cardiovascular disease. Inadequate dialysis and peritonitis were the main reasons for PD dropout in both groups. The researchers concluded that a previous history of HD may impact mortality rates in the HD to PD group, but not PD dropout rates. They also highlighted the need for further research on psychosocial reasons for PD dropout and the establishment of a consensus on the definition of PD dropout. [Extracted from the article]