Total Bilirubin in Prognosis for Mortality in End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis Therapy

BACKGROUND Evidence regarding bilirubin's antioxidant properties and predictive roles is growing. However, it is unclear whether serum bilirubin would have a prognostic impact on survival of patients with regular peritoneal dialysis. METHODS AND RESULTS We used the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System utilizing its 2005-2012 data set. Data from patients on regular peritoneal dialysis were retrieved. The primary end point of observation was 3-year mortality. A total of 3704 patients (mean age 53.5 years, 44% male) were enrolled, and these patients were divided according to baseline serum total bilirubin levels (<0.3, 0.3-0.4, 0.4-0.5, 0.5-0.6, >0.6 mg/dL). Serum total bilirubin level was linearly related to age, incidence of hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. At the end of the observation period with a mean follow-up of 2.12±1.07 years, 1095 (30.6%) deaths were detected. Serum total bilirubin level and 3-year mortality rate presented a U-shaped relationship. Those with serum total bilirubin 0.5 to 0.6 mg/dL had the lowest 3-year mortality rate (24%). After adjustment for age, sex, underlying systemic disorders, medications, and laboratory discrepancies, serum total bilirubin still played an independent role for predicting 3-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS Baseline serum total bilirubin level is significantly associated with 3-year mortality among patients receiving regular peritoneal dialysis.