Focus on Patients in New Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS)

The Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS), co-sponsored by Baxter, is designed to advance the understanding of optimal practices for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients worldwide. At the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week 2017, the PDOPPS will present two patient-focused abstracts contributing to the advancement of PD therapy.

Patient-reported advantages and disadvantages of peritoneal dialysis: Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) (Abstract #TH-PO835)

Compared to facility-based hemodialysis, home-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) may offer patients advantages and disadvantages. A research team led by Dr. Jeffrey Perl of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto examined patient perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of PD to get a better understanding of how PD affects daily life for patients.

Receiving treatment at home and not needing to access blood were most commonly perceived as advantages, while feeling full with PD fluid in the abdomen and space taken up by PD supplies were most often cited as disadvantages. These results will help clinicians better understand their patients and improve the patient experience of PD.

Functional status among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis: Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) (Abstract #TH-PO833)

Functional dependence is a state of diminished physical capacity in which a person is unable to perform fundamental daily tasks without assistance. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) has shown that high functional dependence among hemodialysis patients is associated with mortality, but little is known about functional status in PD patients.

Dr. Karthik Tennankore of Dalhousie/Nova Scotia Health in Halifax and other researchers found that functional dependence was a strong predictor of mortality in PD patients. More research is needed to see how interventions to improve functional status might benefit PD patients, and whether outcomes differ for assisted vs. unassisted PD.

Both posters will be presented on Thursday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.