Peritoneal Dialysis in Young Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) preserves kidney function and offers flexibility; however, few young adults have it compared with hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to understand factors influencing the change from PD to HD.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Quantitative data were collected from 470 participants (50% male participants, 85% White, mean age: 16 years) who received dialysis between 1987 and 2015. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine psychosocial factors associated with transitions from PD to HD. Qualitative data were gathered from 13 young adults (aged 14-29 years) who received dialysis between 2013 and 2015, with retrospective interviews conducted in 2020.

RESULTS

25% of participants experienced multiple episodes of PD. Survival rates for PD at 1 and 5 years were 71% and 37%, respectively. Risk factors for transitioning to HD included young adulthood (age: 15-30 years), with higher transition risks in older age groups (age: 15-19 years, HR: 2.41; age: 20-24 years, HR: 3.39; age: 25-30 years, HR: 3.14;  < 0.005). Other factors included primary kidney disease type (systemic diseases vs tubulointerstitial diseases). Leading causes for transition were infection (50%), noncompliance (21%), and mechanical issues (18%). Qualitative analysis revealed the key themes around communicating treatment options, life impact, and support structures. Resilience was an additional theme among those who continued PD.

LIMITATIONS

The study was based on cross-sectional psychosocial data, lacked detailed parental involvement, and may have suffered recall bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults are at higher risk of transitioning to HD owing to both transplant failure and complications with PD. Challenges of PD have been underestimated, and there is a need to educate young adults well on all dialysis options. Additional support including mental health support, peer support, and support during life changes, such as moving out of their family home, is recommended.