Mission P(D)ossible: peritoneal dialysis in difficult cases

Abstract

Indications for peritoneal dialysis (PD) have undergone a paradigm shift in recent years. Medical barriers previously viewed as contraindications for PD such as anuria, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases or advanced age are increasingly re-examined. We learned that establishing a safe, functional and durable catheter access can be established even in patients with a variety of co-morbidities. Moreover, conditions that predispose to catheter-related infections and peritonitis are not as obvious as we thought. In this case-based review we present patients who have been performing PD for a long time and in whom PD might still be viewed unfeasible. The aim of the paper is to underline the importance of PD as a kidney replacement therapy with fewer medical limits than previously thought. It is also a plaidoyer for interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration. This ‘Mission PD-possible’ should be accompanied by a coordinated approach aligning policy, organizational structures and financial resources.