Introduction: Early-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) (use of PD catheter within 48 hours of insertion) is an innovative approach for prompt initiation of PD.
Aim: This study was conducted to analyze the outcomes of early-start PD.
Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients on PD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the "break-in period": < 48 hours (PD1) and ≥ 14 days (PD2). PD was initiated with low dwell volumes (500 mL) in a recumbent position within 48 hours of surgery. PD prescription was gradually incremented over 10 days to minimize any complications.
Results: In our study, there were 48 patients in the PD1 group and 52 in the PD2 group. The most common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) was diabetes mellitus in both groups. Incidence of early mechanical complications (within 30 days of catheter insertion), such as catheter obstruction, early catheter leakage, catheter malposition, tip migration, and infectious complications, were not found to be higher in the PD1 group. 1- and 4-year catheter patency rates were 97.0% and 96.2% in the PD1 group, respectively. These rates were comparable with those in the PD2 group. Early-start PD was not associated with an increased incidence of catheter failure (HR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.28 - 3.47).
Conclusion: An early break-in period of < 48 hours is a feasible option for ESKD patients without any significantly increased risk of mechanical or infectious complications. It offers a safe and efficacious option for renal replacement therapy.