Peritoneal dialysis in transplant recipient patients: Outcomes and management

Abstract

Transplant recipient patients performing dialysis represent a growing population in the integrated model of renal replacement therapy. This includes both patients with kidney allograft loss and non-renal organ transplant recipients requiring dialysis. Although a number of possible advantages of peritoneal dialysis over haemodialysis could hypothetically favour its choice when starting dialysis, peritoneal dialysis penetration is relatively residual in this population. Questions about its safety and adequacy in these patients can explain this fact. The purpose of this review is to address unfounded fears and document evidence that peritoneal dialysis should be considered a viable and safe choice in patients returning to dialysis. Specific issues that still need further investigation are also discussed.

Key Words::

• immunosuppression
• kidney allograft loss
• non-renal solid organ transplantation
• peritoneal dialysis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.