Dialysis Modality Choice and Initiation: Global Preferences

In the developed world, renal replacement therapy for children is generally accepted as standard care. However, this is not the case in developing countries with lower per capita incomes. This chapter focuses on the issues that impact therapy for severe chronic kidney disease in the developing world, addressing diagnosis, management and outcomes. Although the discussion primarily looks at the care of children in India, China, and the African continent, the general principals apply to children in all underdeveloped countries. Because maintenance dialysis is only provided for a minority of patients, the discussion includes an outline of causes and strategies for prevention and management of acute kidney injury.