Peritoneal dialysis: An effective therapeutic modality in acute kidney injury

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute kidney injury (AKI), continues to be underused. We present our experience with PD in patients with AKI.

The data of patients with AKI requiring RRT were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was the adequacy of dialysis, and the secondary end point included hemodynamic stability and procedure-related complications.

A total of 32 patients with AKI requiring RRT were included in the study. The mean age and the blood pressure at the time of hospitalization were 65.3 ± 6.73 years and 73.7 ± 8.4 mm Hg, respectively. All the patients required vasopressor support; 26 (81%) patients required ventilator support. RRT was initiated at a mean serum creatinine of 6.24 ± 1.17 mg/dL. Rigid stylet catheter was used in 9 (28.2%) and Tenckhoff catheter in 23 (71.8%) patients. The average daily ultrafiltration and weekly Kt/V achieved were 1701 ± 327 mL and 2.19, respectively; these were significantly higher in survivors. After the initiation of PD, hemodynamic instability was observed in 10 (31.2%) patients. The major therapy-related complication noted was PD peritonitis.

In a resource-poor environment, PD is an effective modality of RRT for AKI.