Peritoneal dialysis in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a recognized renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• Developing countries could benefit significantly from PD due to its cost-effectiveness, home-based nature, and improved quality of life (QOL).
• However, widespread adoption is hindered by misconceptions among healthcare providers and policymakers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for PD as the preferred RRT in developing countries.
• To highlight strategies for overcoming barriers to PD implementation in resource-limited settings.
• To emphasize the importance of a holistic approach and teamwork in establishing successful PD programs.

Main Methods:

• The abstract discusses a 'PD first' policy implemented at a specific center.
• It suggests novel strategies tailored for developing countries with similar constraints.
• The approach emphasizes identifying program strengths, circumstances, and deficiencies for tailored strategizing.

Main Results:

• PD presents numerous advantages, including cost savings, superior rehabilitation, home-based therapy, and reduced infection risk.
• The future of PD relies on its expansion in Asia and Latin America, particularly in China and India.
• A regionalized, holistic strategy is crucial for popularizing PD.

Conclusions:

• A strong belief in PD and a passionate, team-oriented approach are fundamental for building a successful PD program.
• Addressing regional variations and specific challenges is critical for PD adoption.
• PD should be promoted as the first-choice RRT for ESRD management globally, especially in developing nations.