High plasma phosphate is an independent risk factor for a more rapid decline in renal function and a higher mortality during the pre-dialysis phase. Plasma phosphate within the normal range is likely of vital importance in pre-dialysis patients.

Participating in a low-to-moderate intensity pre-conditioning exercise programme showed beneficial effects on behavioural change, physical fitness, physiological conditions and health-related quality of life.

PD technique survival in The Netherlands has increased in recent years. Having less than 20 PD patients in a centre or having a small fraction of patients on PD carries an increased risk of technique failure. The variability in PD technique survival between centres indicates that in many centres further improvements should be possible.

No abstract