Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis? A dilemma for the nephrologist

Selection of the initial dialysis modality is crucial in the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Several patient- and physician-related factors play important roles in the decision between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Although HD is the most common dialysis modality in the United States, in some studies PD has shown a survival advantage over HD, at least in the first 2 years of dialysis treatment, especially in non-diabetic patients and in young patients with diabetes. Other advantages accrue to early PD use in many patients. An integrated care approach with "healthy start" and PD as the initial renal replacement therapy, followed by timely transfer to HD once complications arise, may improve the long-term survival of ESRD patients.