Patient Survival Comparisons Between Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

Abstract

The choice between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been discussed for decades and outcomes have been compared inevitably between dialysis modalities. Many studies have been performed comparing costs of treatment, quality of life, and hospitalization and results have been variable. Most important and most controversial have been the studies that have attempted to compare patient survival on PD to that on HD. There is, however, still no final consensus on whether HD or PD treatment modality gives the best results. Consequently, both options have to be weighed in individual patients according to their specific needs, preferences, and clinical characteristics, with the aim of providing a patient-tailored kidney replacement therapy.