Peritoneal dialysis in the elderly--is its underutilization justified?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is underused as a dialysis modality in the elderly population. This is partly due to insufficient information about whether PD confers similar outcomes and quality of life as other modalities. In the BOLDE cross-sectional study, the authors compared different aspects of quality of life (cognitive function, index of deprivation and illness intrusiveness) in matched patients older than 65 years of age treated by PD or haemodialysis. Quality of life was similar (and possibly somewhat better) in patients on PD. These data justify efforts to increase the utilization of PD in older subjects.