Device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A single-centre experience.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Devices
• Patient Care

Background:

• Peritoneal dialysis (PD) requires manual dexterity, posing challenges for patients with impaired hand-eye function.
• These patients typically need assistance for PD exchanges, impacting independence.
• A novel connection device was developed to enable self-performed PD exchanges for such patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of device-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in patients with impaired hand-eye function.
• To compare these outcomes with traditional helper-assisted CAPD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 172 patients undergoing device-assisted CAPD (2007-2016).
• Comparison with age- and sex-matched patients receiving helper-assisted CAPD.
• Analysis of peritonitis rates, peritonitis-free survival, time to PD discontinuation, and patient survival.

Main Results:

• Comparable peritonitis rates between device-assisted (0.489/patient-year) and helper-assisted (0.504/patient-year) CAPD groups (p=0.814).
• Similar peritonitis-free survival (2.58 vs. 1.78 years), time to PD discontinuation (6.27 vs. 4.35 years), and patient survival (3.89 vs. 3.81 years) between groups.
• No significant differences in causative organisms or organism-specific peritonitis rates.

Conclusions:

• Device-assisted CAPD offers clinical outcomes equivalent to helper-assisted CAPD.
• The developed connection device is a viable and effective option for PD patients with impaired hand-eye function, promoting independence.