Dialysis Care around the World: A Global Perspectives Series

Abstract

Kidney failure requiring dialysis continues to increase worldwide. In many cases, the growth is outpacing the capacity for kidney replacement therapy, particularly in developing countries. Hemodialysis remains the most common form of kidney replacement therapy. However, several countries use a peritoneal dialysis first policy to conserve resources and mitigate costs. The global perspectives featured in Kidney360 highlight the wide range of health-system characteristics, dialysis practice patterns, and outcomes across the globe. Further study regarding whether and how the reported differences affect morbidity and mortality is warranted. Establishment of more robust and uniform registries to collect these data will help address these questions and guide resource allocation and policy development for the dialysis population globally.