Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains understudied in disaster nephrology. This retrospective multicenter study explores the experiences of PD survivors following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquake.
Methods: Adult PD patients from 11 affected cities were analyzed to assess challenges faced during and postearthquake, alongside clinical outcomes.
Results: Among 101 participants (median age: 45 years, median PD duration: 24 months), 57 were female, with 79 on continuous ambulatory PD. Challenges included power outages and water shortages, with primary shelter in kin's houses (33%) and homes (28%). Twelve patients experienced PD program delays, and three lacked assistance postdisaster. Sixteen patients changed PD modalities, with seven experiencing postearthquake peritonitis. Clinical parameters remained stable, except for a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels.
Conclusion: Despite challenges, PD survivors exhibited resilience, highlighting the importance of addressing peritonitis and unusual pathogens in disaster preparedness initiatives.
Keywords: disaster; disaster nephrology; earthquake; peritoneal dialysis; peritonitis.
© 2024 International Society for Apheresis and Japanese Society for Apheresis.