Background: Peritoneal dialysis is a frequently used renal replacement treatment option in patients with end-stage renal failure, and it is emphasized several times that it should be started as the first treatment in the literature. However, for many different reasons, sometimes the treatment is stopped and switched to hemodialysis. In this study, we aimed to examine the reasons and factors affecting the transition to hemodialysis in our unit.

Methods: Fifty-five patients who were – transferred to hemodialysis – regularly attending the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit of Erciyes University Nephrology Department were included in our study. Biochemical analysis, peritoneal equalization test (PET), dialysis adequacy (kt/V), and creatinine clearance of these patients were recorded regularly. Regular cardiac exami- nations and ambulatory blood pressure measurements were also performed. The reasons for the transition from perito- neal dialysis to hemodialysis were also noted in detail.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.02 ± 11.41 years, and 27 (62.8%) of the patients were male. While the shortest period spent on peritoneal dialysis was 13 months, the longest was 191 months. The most common type of permeability in PET analysis of the patients was observed as high-average. The most common reason for the transition to hemodialysis was inadequate dialysis. Using univariate and multiple regression models, factors that predict the duration of stay in peri- toneal dialysis were examined. We found that the urine volume, total kt/V, and the number of peritonitis could be effective in predicting this period.

Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis is a renal replacement option that has advantages such as patient comfort, preservation of the kidney’s remaining work, and social life. The reasons for the transition should be examined in detail, and the necessary interventions to prolong the time in peritoneal dialysis should be evaluated.