Seven-year follow-up of peritoneal dialysis patients in Taiwan

There are no Taiwanese publications and only a few Asian publications on the long-term outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of PD patients in Taiwan during a 7-year follow-up period.

This study enrolled 67 patients (23 males, mean age 46.2 +/- 14.5 years) on maintenance PD. We administered the Short-Form questionnaire on 30 September 1998 and recorded major events and outcomes until 30 September 2005. We compared differences in initial parameters between groups categorized by PD patient survival and PD technique survival. Causes of mortality and transfer to hemodialysis were determined. PD patient and PD technique survival rates were measured and risk factors for patient mortality and PD technique failure were analyzed.

Those in patient survival or PD technique survival groups had lower mean age (p < 0.001 and 0.018 respectively) and higher serum albumin level (p = 0.015 and 0.041 respectively) compared to those that died or failed PD. The 7-year patient survival rate was 77% and the PD technique survival rate was 58%. The independent predictors for PD technique failure included lower Mental Component Summary scores [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85, p = 0.031] and diabetes mellitus (HR = 4.63, p < 0.001), whereas lower serum albumin level (HR = 0.22, p = 0.031), lower Physical Component Summary scores (HR = 0.67, p = 0.047), and presence of diabetes mellitus (HR = 5.123, p = 0.009) were the independent predictors for patient mortality.

For our PD patients, both patient and technique survival rates are good. Better glycemic control, adequate nutrition, and enhancement of health-related quality of life are all of potential prognostic benefit.