Peritoneal dialysis vs. haemodialysis in the management of paediatric acute kidney injury in Kano, Nigeria: A cost analysis

Objective: To determine the cost of the dialytic management of paediatric acute kidney injury in a low-income country. Methods: All children under the age of 15 years, who had either peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis for acute kidney injury in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 1-year period, were studied. The average cost of each dialysis modality was estimated. Results: Of 20 children, who had dialysis for acute kidney injury, 12 (60%) had haemodialysis and 8 (40%) had peritoneal dialysis. The mean cost for haemodialysis exceeded that of peritoneal dialysis ($363.33 vs. $311.66, t = 1.04, P = 0.313) with the mean cost of consumables significantly accounting for most of the cost variation ($248.49 vs. $164.73, t = 2.91, P = 0.009). Mean costs of nephrologist visit and nursing were not found to be significant. Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis is the less costly alternative for managing acute kidney injury in children in our environment.