| Theme |
Diversified Frontier of Dialysis Therapy -- We Can Change |
| Title |
Why PD remains underutilization in Japan? |
| Author |
Masaaki Nakayama |
Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoshimitsu Hayashi |
Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Koichi Asahi |
Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The reasons for the limited acceptance of PD in Japan are complex and include factors such as inadequate education, lack of patient support systems, nationwide expansion of hemodialysis units, lack of PD first policy, an absence of innovative PD materials, and a fear of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. In addition, it seems that the conflicts between PD believers (those who see its merits) and unbelievers, have greatly restricted PD utilization. In Japan, however, PD has developed in a very unique manner, including combination therapy with hemodialysis. Whether patients may benefit from these Japanese modalities or not remains to be clarified. The answer to this question will help substantiate the beliefs of PD believer and unbeliever. This may be the first step toward promoting PD utilization in Japan. |