Introduction:

Training is essential to ensure the success of peritoneal dialysis.

Objective:

Assess the relationship between learning time and the appearance of the first episode of peritonitis, comparing between young and older patients.

Material and Method:

Observational, retrospective study. Trained patients were included between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018, in the University Assistance Complex of León. Demographic variables, level of autonomy, training time, first peritonitis and causative germ were studied. The cut-off point to differentiate between young and older was 70 years. The data was obtained from the unit’s databases.

Results:

112 patients were studied, 68% men, mean age 62.68 ± 15.69 years, 40% over 70 years, 82% were autonomous to perform dialysis. The average training hours were 14.82±6.55; older 18.13±7.93 hours, younger 12.73±4.27, (p=0.004). 25% had peritonitis, 64% for Gram+ germs. The mean appearance of the first episode was 266 ± 283 days. It takes 84 days less for the older patients to have peritonitis.

Conclusions:

Although more peritonitis appeared in patients who needed more training hours, no significant differences were found. Older patients need more time to complete the training and the first episode of peritonitis appears earlier.