| [ Summary ] |
In Japan and other advanced countries the percentage of PD patients has not increased or is decreasing. On the other hand, in economically developing countries, the PD population is increasing. A worldwide increase of 6-7 % a year has been observed. Following initialization of PD, the 2-3 year prognosis for PD patients is the same as that for hemodialysis patients. The results for the first 1-2 year period of PD treatment are especially good compared to those for HD patients. Recently, with advances in treatment, there have been reports stating that the prognoses for patients receiving PD treatment over a 4-5 year period are no different than those for HD patients. |