What factors contribute to differences in the practice of peritoneal dialysis between Asian countries and the West?
To study variations in the practice of peritoneal dialysis within Asia and between Asia and the West, relevant information was collected through questionnaires from nephrologists in several Asian countries and by a literature search. Data indicate that economy significantly affects dialysis treatment rates. Peritoneal dialysis was often underutilized. The effect of Kt/V on survival was less obvious compared to the West in countries where peritoneal dialysis patient survival rates were high. More cost-effective dialysis regimes should be developed to increase dialysis treatment rates.
Lo
Wai-Kei
WK
Department of Medicine, Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. wkloc@hkucc.hku.hk
D001208:Asia; D003469:Culture; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D009656:North America; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data