Peritoneal dialysis: marginal dialysis? 2013 An attempt to synthetize the opinions of the experts

Abstract

Summary of the opinions expressed by Italian experts in the last special issue of this journal dedicated to the question of whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) is still marginal. The PD rate in Italy is stably around 10%, due to the frequently inadequate training of Nephrologists, poor organization of the Nephrology units, low reimbursements, regulatory gaps, and the existence of many private centers not authorized to use PD. Other factors that hinder PD penetration are the increasing number of frail elderly patients starting dialysis, and the risk of sclerosing peritonitis, at least in the long run. The need for good quality pre-dialysis education and further progress of research are here strongly emphasized.