Prevalence of CMMSE defined cognitive impairment among peritoneal dialysis patients and its impact on peritonitis

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) exchange procedure is complex. Patients with cognitive impairment (CI) may require assistance. We studied the prevalence of CI among PD patients, its impact on PD-related peritonitis and the outcome of assisted PD. Methods Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State examination (CMMSE) was performed in 151 patients newly started on PD. Data on patient characteristics including demographics, co-morbidities, blood parameters, medications, and number of PD-related peritonitis in the first 6 months were collected. Results 151 subjects were recruited. The age of studied patients was 60 ± 15.0 years, and 45 % were female. The prevalence of CI was 13.9 % using education-adjusted cut-off of CMMSE. Patients older than 65-year-old, female, and lower education level were independent risk factors for CI (OR 9.27 p = 0.001, OR 14.84 p = 0.005, and OR 6.10 p = 0.009, respectively). Age greater than 65-year old is an independent risk factor for PD-related peritonitis but CI was not. Patients requiring assisted PD were of older age ( p < 0.001), lower CMMSE ( p < 0.001), and scored higher for age-adjusted Charlson Co-morbidity index ( p < 0.001). Compared with self-care PD patients, assisted PD patients did not have higher rates exit site infection ( p = 0.30) but had a trend of higher PD peritonitis ( p = 0.07). Conclusion CI is common among local PD patients. Overall, CI could not be identified as an independent risk factor for PD peritonitis. There is a higher prevalence of CI among assisted PD patients but helpers may not completely eliminate the risk of PD-related peritonitis.