PD vs HD in Post-Economic Crisis Greece-Differences in Patient Characteristics and Estimation of Therapy Cost

The aim of this study was to investigate patient characteristics and make an estimation of the cost of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) to Greek society during the economic crisis.

We recorded the characteristics and the total cost of dialysis treatment in 100 patients on PD and 100 on HD. Total costs included dialysis procedure, consumables, drugs, laboratory tests, food, and transportation fees (only HD), covered by patients' insurance. Also included were medical and administrative salaries, purchase and maintenance of equipment and sanitary material, all covered by the state hospital.

The mean patient age was 64.5 ± 16.8 years (PD) and 62.8 ± 15.1 (HD) (p < 0,001). The most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was diabetes (32% for PD and 24% for HD patients). A total of 35% of the PD patients were employed vs 4% of the HD patients (p < 0,001). The mean distance from home for PD patients was 41.6 ± 17.3 km, while for HD patients, it was 9.4 ± 1.5 km (p < 0,001). Mean monthly cost for PD and HD treatment per patient was €4,019.20 ± 1,126.30 and €3,254.30 ± 37.50, respectively, both fully covered by patients' insurance. Mean monthly cost for PD or HD dialysis unit maintenance was €11,660.80 and €56,270.50, respectively, also fully covered by the state.

There is likely to be a considerable difference in terms of total cost of PD vs HD therapy, owing to the fact that the operational cost of a PD unit appears to be significantly lower than that of a HD unit.