Peritoneal dialysis in lupus nephritis: comparative outcomes vs. hemodialysis, risk stratification, and modality...

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective and safe renal replacement therapy (RRT) for lupus nephritis (LN) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This narrative review compares PD and hemodialysis (HD) in LN across both AKI and ESRD settings, highlighting differences in survival, cardiovascular outcomes, infection risk, and lupus flare incidence. We summarize clinical evidence demonstrating the preservation of residual renal function (RRF), hemodynamic stability, and improved cardiovascular tolerance associated with PD, while also noting challenges such as higher peritonitis susceptibility in chronically immunosuppressed patients. A structured risk stratification framework is presented to aid selection between PD and HD based on cardiac comorbidities, RRF, infection risk, catabolic state, pediatric status, and ability to perform home-based therapy. In addition, we outline a clinical decision algorithm to guide modality selection and discuss immunosuppressive strategies in PD-treated LN patients. Despite comparable mortality between PD and HD in most studies, PD may offer superior cardiovascular protection and lower flare risk in selected LN phenotypes. Early identification of ideal PD candidates, individualized prescription strategies, and multidisciplinary management are crucial to optimizing outcomes. This review provides a practical comparative synthesis, a decision-making framework, and future perspectives to support clinicians managing LN patients requiring dialysis.