Renal Data from the Arab World: Peritoneal dialysis,an expanding mode of renal replacement therapy in Qatar.

Qatar is one of the gulf countries with a current estimated population of 1.4 million. Diabetes mellitus,hypertension and chronic kidney diseases are major emerging epidemics,with an incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) of 202 patients per million population per year. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was initiated in Qatar in 1997 with a rapid expansion in the number of patients. The study included all patients performing PD in Qatar,during the period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2007. Retrospective analysis of data included the records of 241 patients in terms of their demography,treatment,complications,and survival. During the study period,PD patients formed 23% of all the dialysis population in Qatar,with a mean annual expansion rate of 12%. Diabetic nephropathy was the commonest cause of ESKD seen in 43% of PD patients. All age groups were included in our program,with a mean age of 53 ± 13 years. Males represented 74%. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis remained the initial mode of PD,with significant numbers being changed to automated PD over the years. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 91% and 26%,respectively,with cardiac causes being responsible for 86% of mortality. The rate of peritonitis was 0.24 ± 0.1 episodes per patient years,and technique survival at 1 and 5 year was 84% and 32%,respectively. We conclude that the components of the PD program in Qatar are comparable to that in other countries with a good outcome.