[PD in Italy: the 5th GSDP-SIN Census 2014].

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Renal Replacement Therapy
• Public Health

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a key treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• Understanding PD modalities and outcomes in Italy is crucial for optimizing patient care.
• Previous national censuses have tracked PD trends in Italy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status and outcomes of PD in Italy.
• To compare recent PD data with historical trends.
• To identify changes in PD practices and patient management.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide online questionnaire was administered to all 225 non-pediatric public centers performing PD in 2014.
• Data collected included PD incidence, prevalence, patient demographics, treatment modalities, and complication rates.
• Results were compared with data from previous national censuses conducted in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Main Results:

• In 2014, PD incidence was 27.1% (1,652 patients), with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) accounting for 57.2%.
• PD prevalence reached 17.1% (4,480 patients), with 24.3% receiving assisted PD.
• The PD drop-out rate remained stable at 32.0 ep/100yrs-pt, with peritonitis as the primary reason for switching to hemodialysis (HD).
• Peritonitis rates decreased to 0.224 ep/yrs-pt, and the incidence of encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) continued to decline.
• The use of 3.86% solution for peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) increased significantly to 41.3%.

Conclusions:

• The 2014 Italian PD census confirms the extensive use, stability, and positive outcomes of PD.
• Incremental PD and assisted PD rates remained consistent.
• Peritonitis episodes have decreased, and EPS remains a rare complication.
• The adoption of PET-3.86% is on the rise, indicating evolving clinical practices.