Peritoneal dialysis, or the glass bead game

Abstract

The prevalence of peritoneal dialysis did not increase in Italy during the last years. It remains still unclear why so many Italian Nephrology Units do not offer peritoneal dialysis as an efficient renal replacement therapy for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis should contribute to generate an integrated system in the same Nephrology Unit to tailor the best dialytic option for the uremic patient.