Baxter: Healthcare demand draws attention to PD

Baxter has said an increasing incidence of kidney disease and the growing demand on healthcare resources has drawn attention to peritoneal dialysis (PD) as the treatment reaches its 30th anniversary.

The company said the economic advantages of the treatment have taken on increased importance in recent years as healthcare providers, government officials and public health agencies aim to expand access to treatment and make the most of their investments in health.

It noted the burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and other chronic conditions is continuing to grow as a result of an ageing population and rising rates of diabetes and hypertension.

Jill Schaaf, general manager of the renal business at Baxter, said: “Current evidence shows that PD has excellent clinical results based on survival and morbidity data, and other data indicate that it is currently under-utilised.”

She added evidence suggests a correlation between employment and PD as a home therapy choice, though it is unknown whether these patients find it easier to continue work or whether working patients tend to choose PD.

Last month, Baxter International was named the 2008 medical products industry leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.