Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis for Patients Starting Dialysis in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a life-threatening disease, especially in patients with kidney failure. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients and to contribute to the process of deciding on the type of dialysis in patients who will start dialysis treatment.

Methods: We included patients who had at least 3 months of dialysis treatment between March 11, 2020, and November 30, 2020. Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were recorded.

Results: In our study, 130 dialysis patients, 75 of whom were male, were evaluated. The mean age of the patients on dialysis was 54.8 ± 14.7 years. Twenty-eight (22%) of 130 dialysis patients were peritoneal dialysis patients. The mean age of peritoneal dialysis patients was 54.1 ± 14 years. A total of 102 (78%) patients were hemodialysis patients. The mean age of hemodialysis patients was 54.9 ± 14.9 years. The most common accompanying disease in all patients was hypertension (62%). Among the patients who received dialysis treatment in our center, the number of patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 was 16 (12%). Coronavirus disease 2019 was detected in 16% (16/102) of hemodialysis patients, whereas it was not detected in peritoneal dialysis patients (P = .002).

Conclusion: The frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients. Peritoneal dialysis appears to be more advantageous in patients who will start dialysis during the pandemic period.

Cite this article as: Aydın Bahat K, Parmaksız E. Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for patients starting dialysis in the COVID-19 pandemic? Turk J Nephrol. 2022;31(1):23-26.