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Frailty prevalence in peritoneal dialysis patients varies from 7.3% to 83% across included studiesHigh rates of frailty found in peritoneal dialysis patients

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Key Takeaway
Note that frailty prevalence in peritoneal dialysis patients varies significantly from 7.3% to 83%.

This scoping review synthesized evidence from 29 studies regarding the incidence and influencing factors of frailty among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The primary focus was identifying the prevalence of frailty and determining which specific factors contribute to its development in this clinical population.

The authors found that the reported prevalence of frailty in PD patients varied significantly across the literature, with figures ranging from 7.3% to 83%. This wide variance suggests significant heterogeneity in either patient populations or the methods used to identify and measure frailty.

A primary limitation noted by the authors is the lack of assessment tools specifically tailored to the unique disease characteristics of PD patients. Consequently, current evidence regarding the prevalence and drivers of frailty in this population may be impacted by inconsistent measurement standards.

For clinical practice, these findings suggest that while frailty is common among PD patients, its exact prevalence is difficult to generalize due to tool limitations. Clinicians should recognize that existing assessment tools require further optimization to accurately capture frailty in the peritoneal dialysis setting.

Living with a chronic condition like kidney disease can take a heavy toll on the body. For those using peritoneal dialysis (PD), this physical and mental exhaustion is often called frailty. A review of 29 different studies shows that many patients experience these symptoms, but the numbers vary wildly from one person to the next.

Researchers found that the prevalence of frailty in these patients ranged from 7.3% to 83%. This wide gap suggests that frailty is a complex issue influenced by many different factors. Because the results are so varied, it is hard to say exactly why some patients struggle more than others at this stage.

One major hurdle for doctors today is that there are no assessment tools specifically designed for the unique needs of peritoneal dialysis patients. Current tools may not capture the full picture of a patient's health. Because of this, experts suggest we need better ways to measure and manage frailty to improve care.

What this means for you:
Frailty rates among peritoneal dialysis patients vary greatly, highlighting a need for better assessment tools.

Common questions

How common is frailty in people on peritoneal dialysis?

The prevalence of frailty in patients using peritoneal dialysis varies significantly. Depending on the study and specific patient factors, the rate was found to range from 7.3% to 83%. This wide range shows that many patients may experience these symptoms.

Why are the numbers for frailty so different in different studies?

The high variation in frailty rates is likely because several factors influence whether a patient becomes frail. Additionally, current assessment tools are not specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of peritoneal dialysis patients, which can make it harder to get consistent results.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedAug 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
ObjectiveTo conduct a scoping review of research on frailty in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, providing a basis for future studies.MethodsFollowing the scoping review reporting guidelines, a systematic search of domestic and international databases was performed for studies on frailty in PD patients from inception to April 10, 2026. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data.ResultsA total of 29 studies were finally included, of which 28 reported the incidence of frailty in PD patients, ranging from 7.3% to 83%, showing considerable variation across different studies and assessment tools. Frailty was influenced by multidimensional factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, disease-related variables, physical function and body composition indicators, and psychological-behavioral factors. The main assessment tools used were the Fried Frailty Phenotype Scale and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). However, there is a lack of assessment tools specifically tailored to the disease characteristics of PD patients.ConclusionThe prevalence of frailty in PD patients varies considerably and is affected by multiple factors. Existing assessment tools require further optimization.
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