The Hindu Business Line : Meet on peritoneal dialysis begins today

SHANTHA Biotechnics, the Hyderabad-based company, will launch `Shanpiotien' — recombinant DNA erythropoietin — on Saturday at the Second Asian Chapter Meeting of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD).

The Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr M.K. Bhan, will unveil the drug, which would be useful to boost the red blood cell (RBC) count and help kidney patients, especially on dialysis. It is also helpful in chemotherapy for cancer patients.

Hyderabad is hosting the three-day ISPD meeting at the HITEX, Hyderabad, from January 21 to 23. The conference is being inaugurated by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Friday.

Mrs Lakshmi Narsamma, who adopted CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) treatment over a decade ago — the oldest surviving patient on this treatment in India — will light the lamp in honour of the dead and provide solace to the victims of Tsunami.

Mrs Narsamma, who incidentally happens to be from Hyderabad, goes about with all her household activities like any other normal person, said Dr. K.S. Nayak, a leading Nephrologist and the Organizing Chairman of the meet.

According to Dr Georgi Abraham, Chairman - Scientific Advisory Committee, the "ISPD also promotes research into basic and clinical aspects of Peritoneal Dialysis and sets the guidelines for safety, quality and efficacy for patients undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis".

Around 1000 delegates, of which close to 400 from abroad are attending this meeting. A workshop for nurses and microbiologists will also be held.

There will be a large industrial exhibition showcasing the latest developments and equipment in peritoneal dialysis, Dr K.S. Nayak, a leading Nephrologist and the organising Chairman of the meet, told newspersons on Thursday.

Peritoneal Dialysis is an appropriate, convenient and cost-effective therapy for treating such advanced and permanent kidney failure. It first became a practical and widespread treatment for kidney failure in 1980. It can provide good and efficient dialysis.

According to Dr Nayak, Peritoneal Dialysis presents several advantages in today's scenario of non-availability of donor kidneys. It can serve as an alternative to kidney transplantation especially for persons not having a family donor.

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