Letter to editor

Dear Editor,

We would like to bring attention to the issue of dialysis access management and vascular access (VA) options, both during the transition to the first chronic renal replacement therapy and from peritoneal dialysis (PD) to hemodialysis (HD).

When compared to HD, PD is an equally effective renal replacement therapy (RRT). Furthermore, preemptive living donor renal transplantation offers the best chance for extended patient survival and improved quality of life.

Establishing a dedicated consultation service for integrated dialysis access management would be a beneficial approach for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, especially in specific cases: - 1) Patients with predictable complex VA issues could benefit from a period of PD to prevent VA exhaustion and optimize long-term dialysis treatment.

- 2) Patients with anticipated technical difficulties related to Tenckhoff catheter placement (such as those with multiple abdominal surgeries, adhesions, ostomies, or autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) would benefit from HD.

- 3) Patients who have chosen PD but are planning preemptive living donor renal transplantation may be supported conservatively until transplantation, with a contingency plan for central venous catheter (CVC) placement if needed.

Additionally, some PD patients may require transfer to HD at some point, and risk stratification can help ensure a safe and effective transition process. The optimal timing for VA construction in PD patients transitioning to HD remains challenging to define and requires further improvement. However, the prognosis depends on the quality of the transition.

As widely recognized, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access option in HD patients due to lower infection rates than CVC use. Nevertheless, the delay in AVF maturation means that the time between surgeon referral and first access cannulation in incident HD patients is typically around three months [1]. However, preemptive AVF placement does not always lead to better outcomes. Moreover, while failure rates for AVF may be higher than for peritoneal catheters, HD patients do not typically have a backup peritoneal catheter implanted. Some guidelines have been proposed to help guide this transition process.

While transitioning to HD is often urgent and unpredictable in cases of access-related infections, unsolvable dysfunction, or acute abdominal issues, there are circumstances where a planned and safer transfer is possible. Clinical conditions such as inadequate dialysis clearance despite appropriate PD prescription adjustments, sustained fluid overload, peritoneal membrane insufficiency, or patient noncompliance may necessitate timely vascular access preparation [2].

Furthermore, sonography has become essential in managing PD-related infections, aiding in antibiotic therapy decisions and determining the need for surgical intervention [3]. Serial functional and cognitive function evaluation, particularly in elderly patients, can help prepare for assisted dialysis transition.

A patient-centered approach is essential, respecting the informed decisions of patients regarding RRT. Educating patients on the benefits of different modalities early in the advanced CKD stages can help them view transfers as opportunities rather than threats. Home HD also plays a role in this transition process, showing positive outcomes for patients transitioning from PD.

Developing a scoring system to predict which patients may require a transition would be beneficial [4], as clinicians often miss opportunities to prepare patients, particularly regarding VA. Various models have been proposed, including the use of patient characteristics, laboratory results, and peritonitis episodes [5].

In conclusion, integrated dialysis units offering a range of tailored dialysis options would benefit from a similar integrated approach to dialysis access management (Figure 1.). Primary prevention of vascular access failure can be achieved by considering peritoneal access implantation, particularly in patients with a presumed higher life expectancy or a lower likelihood of renal transplantation. High-risk patients should be closely monitored, with a focus on a safe modality transition process and overall patient experience.