Chronic kidney disease treatments vary based on the severity of the condition. However, patients suffering end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) will require kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of KRT treatments:
Haemodialysis. Although this can be done at home with assistance, haemodialysis is generally carried out at a medical facility. A patient's blood is filtered using an external machine and transferred back into the body. Patients requiring this type of treatment may be required to visit a hospital or clinic multiple times per week and the procedure can last up to six hours each session.
Peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis is performed in the home and can be done by the patient. Unlike haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis filters the patient's blood using PD fluid in the stomach. Two types of peritoneal dialysis exist:
Home continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which is performed during the day.
Home automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), which is performed overnight while the patient is asleep.