Advances in Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Peritoneal Fibrosis Associated with Peritoneal Dialysis: Mechanisms, Strategies, and Prospects

Abstract

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a vital renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is widely adopted globally because of its advantages, including home-based convenience, preservation of residual renal function, and improved quality of life. However, peritoneal fibrosis (PF) complicating long-term PD significantly compromises the efficacy of the treatment and the quality of survival of patients. Currently, both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alone exhibit limitations in managing PF, underscoring the critical importance of an integrated TCM-Western medicine approach. This paper systematically reviews the current status and advances in the integrated Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of PD-related peritoneal fibrosis, covering its pathogenesis, Western medical treatment strategies, and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome differentiation systems. This review summarizes the research progress in the integrated prevention and treatment of PF, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for clinical practice. The integrated approach plays a vital role in improving the prognosis of patients with PD. Future efforts should focus on further optimizing treatment protocols and deepening research into the mechanisms of action.