[Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy: the 7th GSDP-SIN census 2019]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Renal Replacement Therapy
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• The 7th National Census (Cs-19) aimed to analyze the state of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) in Italy for the year 2019.
• Data collection faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a combination of specialized software and traditional online questionnaires.
• The census involved 198 centers, with 177 providing complete data comparable to previous years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the results of the 7th National Census of Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy for the year 2019.
• To assess trends in PD incidence, prevalence, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of PD management strategies, including peritonitis rates.

Main Methods:

• Data collected via specialized software and online questionnaires from 198 Italian centers.
• Analysis focused on data from 177 centers with complete information for 2019 and 2016.
• Key metrics included incidence, prevalence, mode of PD initiation, catheter placement procedures, assisted PD usage, and reasons for PD discontinuation.

Main Results:

• Overall PD incidence and prevalence in 2019 were 1,363 and 3,922 patients, respectively.
• Both incidence (22.1%) and prevalence (16.6%) showed a decrease compared to 2016.
• Peritonitis remained the main cause for transfer to hemodialysis (26.8%), but its incidence decreased to 0.190 events per year per patient, with a further drop in new encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) cases.

Conclusions:

• The 7th National Census confirms the positive outcomes and effectiveness of Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy.
• Despite challenges, PD shows a downward trend in incidence and prevalence, alongside reduced peritonitis rates.
• Continued monitoring and management strategies are crucial, particularly addressing peritonitis as a key factor for PD success.