The reliability and success of peritoneal dialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the symptoms, changes in laboratory findings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effect of depression on symptoms associated with end-stage kidney disease in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study. The patients underwent three different PD modalities, including continuous ambulatory PD, automated peritoneal dialysis, and remote monitoring automated peritoneal dialysis (RM-APD). All patients were asked to complete the clinical assessment form and Beck depression and anxiety inventory. Additionally, the last two laboratory evaluations during this period were examined.Results: A total of 123 patients undergoing PD were included. None of the patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. Serum ferritin, creatinine, phosphorus, albumin and parathyroid hormone levels were significantly elevated in the total study population (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.02, p=0.02 and p=0.05, respectively). While calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone tended to increase in patients with APD or CAPD, they remained stable in patients performing RM-APD. Most of the patients did not experience dyspnea, pitting edema, difficulty in blood pressure control, palpitation, bone muscle pain, or peritonitis. Moderate to severe depression was associated with dyspnea, weight gain, fatigue, palpitation, and increased anxiety.Conclusion: PD is a reliable and successful form of dialysis and can be safely administered even if hospital access is restricted. PD is a safe method of renal replacement therapy to protect patients from COVID-19 infection. Additionally, RM-APD may be a better choice because it provides more stable bone mineral metabolism. Moreover, evaluating depression and anxiety at phone visits may be necessary for accurate clinical assessment.