Modes of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
How haemodialysis, haemodiafiltration and peritoneal dialysis work, how adequacy is measured, choosing a modality, and the PD-specific problems the exam likes (peritonitis, transporter status, icodextrin).
Tier 1Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Two families: haemodialysis (blood through an external dialyser, via a fistula, graft or catheter) and peritoneal dialysis (the peritoneum is the membrane, via an abdominal catheter).
- Survival is broadly similar between modalities. Choose on patient preference, lifestyle, home support, residual kidney function, abdominal history and vascular access.
- PD and home haemodialysis are home therapies: more independence, fewer trips, and they suit rural and remote patients.
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Sources
- KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Hemodialysis Adequacy: 2015 Update. Am J Kidney Dis 2015;66(5):884-930National Kidney Foundation KDOQI, 2015 (no newer KDOQI adequacy update found, November 2026)
- Brown EA et al. International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis practice recommendations: prescribing high-quality goal-directed peritoneal dialysis. Perit Dial Int 2020;40(3):244-53International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, 2020
- Li PKT et al. ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment. Perit Dial Int 2022;42(2):110-53International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, 2022 (current adult peritonitis guideline, checked November 2026)
- Chow KM et al. ISPD catheter-related infection recommendations: 2023 update. Perit Dial Int 2023;43(3):201-19International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, 2023
- Blankestijn PJ et al. Effect of hemodiafiltration or hemodialysis on mortality in kidney failure (CONVINCE). N Engl J Med 2023;389:700-9New England Journal of Medicine, 2023
- FHN Trial Group. In-center hemodialysis six times per week versus three times per week. N Engl J Med 2010;363:2287-300New England Journal of Medicine, 2010
- ANZDATA Registry 48th Annual Report 2025 (data to 31 December 2024), chapter 10 (First Nations Australians)AU/NZAustralia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, 2025
- Chronic kidney disease, dialysis (citing ANZDATA 2025)AU/NZAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Turnstile bot check on sign-in and signed-out feedback