Comparison of Unplanned/Urgent‐Start Versus Conventional‐Start Peritoneal Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

The timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation, whether conventional‐start (planned) or urgent‐start (unplanned), may impact the outcomes of PD and the rate of associated complications in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of unplanned/urgent‐start PD versus conventional‐start PD in this cohort of patients. Electronic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases was done from inception until July 2023 for studies reporting outcomes of unplanned/urgent‐start and conventional‐start PD in CKD patients. Outcomes of interest included mechanical complications, post‐procedure infections, mortality, and transfer to hemodialysis. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and the influence of individual studies on the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated. Twenty‐seven studies were finally included in the review. The overall risk of post‐procedure infectious was comparable for both PD initiation methods (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83–1.34). Similarly, the risks for peritonitis and exit site infections did not differ significantly. However, urgent‐start PD correlated with a significantly higher risk of overall mechanical complications (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23–2.34). Specifically, the risk for leaks was notably higher (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.67–3.65) in the urgent‐start group compared to the conventional‐start PD group. Urgent‐start PD correlated with significantly increased mortality rates (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.39–2.41). There was no difference in the likelihood of technique survival and transfer to hemodialysis. Both urgent‐start and conventional‐start PD correlated with similar risks of overall infectious complications. Urgent‐start PD resulted in significantly increased risks of mechanical complications and mortality. Our findings emphasize the need for meticulous planning and consideration when opting for PD initiation.