Abstract: TH-PO0903
Impaired Hand Function and Touch Contamination in Clinical Outcomes of Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Session Information
- Home Dialysis: Utilization Patterns, Complications, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 802 Dialysis: Home Dialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors
- Nunez-Delgado, Sara, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Sanchez Escuredo, Ana, Consorci Sanitari Integral, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, CT, Spain
- Azancot, María, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Leon Roman, Juan Carlos, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Patricio-Liébana, Marc, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Soler, Maria Jose, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Tang, Sydney, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Background
Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections are the leading modifiable cause of technique failure. Hand impairment could contribute to touch contamination during bag exchange, but this relationship has not been evaluated prospectively. Our objective is to assess the impact of hand function on the risk of touch contamination and outcomes in PD.
Methods
Prospective study of 91 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory PD between 2010-2011. Hand strength was measured by grip strength, lateral and tripod pinch, dexterity was assessed with Purdue pegboard tests. In a simulated bag exchange, any error leading to touch contamination was classified as critical error (CE). Factors associated with CE and longitudinal follow up was assessed.
Results
Hand strength and dexterity decreased with age and varied by sex in linear regression models [Figure 1]. During bag exchange, 29 patients (31.8%) committed CE, with no differences in clinical characteristics respect patients with no CE. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis dominant tripod pinch was the only independent predictor of CE (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.65–0.97).
During follow-up, mortality was associated with CE in the unadjusted model (HR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.05–2.84), but not after adjusting for clinical covariates (HR 1.38, 95% CI: 0.82–2.33). CE was not associated with any PD-related infection or technique failure [Table 1].
Conclusion
Reduced tripod grip predicts touch contamination during bag exchange. However, CE was not associated with mortality or infections in PD after adjusting for covariates, suggesting alternative factors influencing these outcomes.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.