The purpose of this study is to analyse the outcome of the diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and compare the findings of those remaining on treatment with those who withdrew from treatment. Participants were 61 patients starting PD between 2001 and 2009, data were evaluated retrospectively. PD treatment was withdrawn in 48 patients forming Group 1 = drop-out; 26 F, mean age 59 ± 13 years; 13 patients in Group 2 = treatment; 4 F, mean age 50 ± 10 years, still receiving PD therapy. Demographics, laboratory and blood pressure data were compared in both groups. The causes for withdrawal were: death (54%), transfer to HD (33%), other causes (13%). Most frequent cause of death: cardiac events (57.7%), peritonitis and/or sepsis (38,4%). Transfer to HD - peritonitis (50%), insufficient PD (50%). Most frequent cause of peritonitis was Staph. Aureus in 42 instances in Group 1. We found positive correlation between mortality and age (p:0.008, r:0,345) and negative correlation between mortality and follow-up time, pretreatment albumin, calcium and PTH, systolic and diastolic BP in the last follow-up appointment. Cardiovascular events and peritonitis were the most important causes of withdrawal of patients. The presence of hypo-parathyroidaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypo-albuminaemia were associated with mortality.
© 2011 European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association.