Evolution of renal replacement therapy in Central and Eastern Europe 7 years after political and economical liberation

Purpose of the study: The conditions of renal replacement therapy (RRT) were very poor in the countries located in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) when they were members of the so-called 'socialist bloc'. The aim of the present analysis was to document the impact of the socioeconomic changes on dialysis therapy in the CEE countries. Design: This was a special survey with the participation of 12 CEE countries, with data obtained through national registries (with the exception of Russia). Results: during the period 1990-1996 the number of haemodialysis units increased by 56% and the number of centres performing peritoneal dialysis by 296%. The number of patients increased respectively by 78% (haemodialysis) and 306% (peritoneal dialysis). The percentage of patients with diabetic nephropathy and elderly patients rose dramatically during this period. One of the main reasons of such expansion was the rapid development of peritoneal dialysis programmes in the majority of the CEE countries. The introduction of modern haemodialysis machines and a wider choice of different dialysers and concentrates permitted individualization of dialysis procedures. These points and the wider use of erythropoietin had a positive influence on quality of life and treatment outcome. There was also a notable increase in the number of transplant centres, but less so of the number of transplanted patients. Conclusion: Renal replacement therapy experienced a major expansion in the CEE countries. Despite progress achieved, the level of RRT is not yet completely satisfactory in most CEE countries.     

Developmental process of acquired renal cysts and neoplasms in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis: ultrasonographic, morphometric and histopathological studies.

The process of development of acquired cysts and neoplasms in the kidneys of patients receiving hemodialysis was investigated. An ultrasonographic study of 329 hemodialysis patients revealed that the size of the kidney decreased in the first 3 years of dialysis, then increased up to 8 years, and thereafter decreased again. Morphometric and histopathological studies were conducted on 31 kidneys removed from 17 patients. The total number of cysts and total volume of cysts increased over the period of 3 to 8 years, and renal size was positively correlated with total cyst volume during this period. The incidences of atypical hyperplastic cysts and microadenomas increased with prolongation of the dialysis period. Three cases of renal cell carcinoma were observed in the present series, of which two exhibited extensive cystic transformation with numerous neoplastic foci. These findings indicate a close relationship between the extent of acquired cysts, dialysis duration and risk of renal neoplasms.     

Renal replacement in end-stage renal disease patients over 75 years old

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, the age of dialysis patients has been increasing steadily in several units in Canada. Our main objective was to assess prevalence, co-morbidity and outcome of ESRD patients over 75 years old at the beginning of dialysis treatment in our center. As a group, they were compared to younger dialysis patients treated simultaneously. METHODS: In the last 5 years, all cases beginning dialysis in our institution who were above 75 years of age were reviewed, as well as cases aged between 50 and 60 years who started dialysis during the same period. Between January 1996 and December 2000, among a total of 429 new chronic dialysis patients, 67 ESRD patients over 75 years (15.6%) and 66 patients between 50 and 60 years (15.4%) began dialysis treatment. RESULTS--PRIMARY AND SECONDARY: Diabetes was present in 37% of elderly and in 56% of the younger patients. Younger patients had been referred earlier to our nephrologists than the older ones (42 vs. 27%). Elderly were more frequently treated by hemodialysis than peritoneal dialysis (81 vs. 19%) when compared to their younger counterparts (65 vs. 35%). Long-term catheters for hemodialysis were used more often in elderly patients. No renal transplantation were performed in older patients while 7 younger patients received a renal graft. Survival rates after 1 and 3 years were, respectively, 93 and 74% for patients between 50 and 60 years, whereas it decreased to 80 and 45% for those over 75 years (p = 0.002). More than 50% of patients older than 75 years died within 2 years after starting dialysis; their mean survival was 31 months; patients starting dialysis between 50 and 60 years survived on the average 44 months during the study period. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, risk factors for increased mortality in the older group were: number of hospitalization days during the past 3 months (OR 34.8, 95% CI 8.3-145.7, p < 0.001) and lower weight (OR 16.6, 95% CI 2.0-139.0, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: We may conclude that, in our hands, life expectancy of patients who began dialysis above 75 years is significantly shorter than for patients for whom dialysis is initiated between age 50 and 60 years, especially if they have a low weight, lose weight and/or require hospitalization.     

Highlights of the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in Central and Eastern Europe.

BACKGROUND: In the past 15 years, dramatic political and economic changes have occurred in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) which also had a positive impact on the availability of renal replacement therapy. The aim of the present study was to analyse the progress achieved in the new millennium. METHODS: Data from 18 CEE countries collected during two independent surveys (1999 and 2002) were validated using information from national and ERA-EDTA registries, and analysed. RESULTS: The data collected from 18 CEE countries clearly document further development and improvement of renal replacement therapy in this region of Europe. In 63% of countries, the incidence rate had become comparable with that observed in more developed European countries. The two main modalities of dialysis, i.e. haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, are used. The frequency of the use of PD varies between 0.5% and nearly 37%. Privatization of dialysis units has started in 18 CEE countries. Currently between 2.5% (Russia) and 90% (Hungary) of patients are treated in non-public centres. Renal transplantation is quite well developed in half of the CEE states. In the states on the territory of the former Soviet Union, substantial progress in renal replacement therapy was achieved in the Baltic states, but the development in Byelorussia and Russia is still unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: The availability and outcome of renal replacement therapy in the majority of states in CEE have become comparable with what is seen in more developed Western Europe. Nevertheless, large differences exist between individual countries. In particular, definite improvement is urgent in Byelorussia and Russia.     

Demographics of blood pressure and hypertension in children on renal replacement therapy in Europe

Hypertension is a well-known complication in children on renal replacement therapy and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in later life. In order to define the prevalence of and risk factors for hypertension among children, we enrolled 3337 pediatric patients from 15 countries in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry of whom 464 were on hemodialysis, 851 on peritoneal dialysis, and 2023 had received a renal allograft. Hypertension was defined as either systolic or diastolic blood pressures in the 95th percentile or greater for age, height, and gender or use of antihypertensive medication. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, duration, and modality of renal replacement therapy. In 10 countries in which information on the use of antihypertensive medication was available, hypertension was present in over two-thirds of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or transplant patients. Blood pressure values above the 95th percentile were significantly more prevalent in very young patients (under 3 years) compared to 13- to 17-year olds (odds ratio 2.47), during the first year compared to over 5 years of renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 1.80), and in patients on hemodialysis compared to transplant recipients or those on peritoneal dialysis (odds ratios of 2.48 and 1.59, respectively). Over time, mean blood pressures decreased in both hemodialysis and transplant patients, but not in peritoneal dialysis patients. Hence, our findings highlight the extent of the problem of hypertension in children with end-stage renal disease in Europe.     

Evolution of renal replacement therapy in East Germany from 1989 to 1992

Diminished availability of facilities for renal replacementtherapy is known to cause spuriously low acceptance and treatmentrates. In this context the evolution of renal replacement therapyin the former German Democratic Republic is a useful model tostudy and to quantify some of the relevant factors. We performed a survey in all dialysis units for adults in EastGermany (excluding East Berlin) by questionnaire, achievinga response rate of 97%. From December 1989 to December 1992the number of dialysis centres increased from 53 to 96 (+81%),reaching 6.7 centres p.m.p. Of these facilities, 45% were hospitalunits, 29% private units, and 26% dialysis units run by non-profithealth care organizations. The number of dialysis stations forregular dialysis treatment increased from 602 to 1276 (+112%),i.e. 89 stations p.m.p. In parallel, the number of chronic dialysispatients increased from 2127 to 3848 (+81%), i.e. 267 patientsp.m.p. A more detailed survey was carried out in Thüringen andpart of Sachsen, in a region covering 5 million inhabitants.The acceptance rate for chronic dialysis treatment has increasedfrom 49 to 107 patients p.m.p. (+115%). The average age of newpatients increased from 49 to 59 years, the proportion of patientsaged 65 years increased from 16 to 42% and the proportion ofdiabetics from 13 to 35%. Introduction of alternative treatmentmodalities became possible, with 2.3% of the patients receivinghaemofiltrations and 3% CAPD. The proportion of HBs-antigen-positivepatients decreased from 14.2% to 5%. At the end of 1989 in the former GDR (excluding East Berlin),773 patients and, at the end of 1992, 1153 patients were alivewith functioning renal transplants (+49%). The annual rate oftransplantations was 254 in 1989, and 283 in 1992 (+11%), i.e.18 transplantations p.m.p. (including East Berlin). At the end of 1989 2900 patients (193 p.m.p.), and at the endof 1992 5001 patients (347 p.m.p.), werealive on renal replacementtherapy (dialysis or functioning renal transplant) in East Germany,excluding East Berlin; this represents a 72% increase. The figures in East Germany are now almost equivalent to thosein West Germany regarding the number of admissions (incidence),whereas the number of patients on renal replacement therapyis still lower (prevalence).     

Peritoneal dialysis in diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus is the fastest growing cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and has become the leading cause of such ESRD worldwide. In the United States, between 1984 and 1997, the proportion of new patients starting renal replacement therapies whose ESRD was caused by diabetes increased from 27% to 44.4%. Canada saw an increase from 16.5% in 1984 to 28.9% in 1997, and many European countries had similar increases. Among the modes of renal replacement, many clinicians have favored continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for the treatment of diabetic ESRD for several reasons. Many studies have compared clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing CAPD, and nondiabetic patients undergoing CAPD, or diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, only a small number of diabetic dialysis patients have been followed up for more than 5 years, largely because of the presence of several comorbid conditions at the start of dialysis and the coexistence of far-advanced target-organ damage at dialysis initiation and its progression during the course of dialysis. Diabetic patients undergoing PD and HD probably have similar survival, and those undergoing CAPD have lower survival and technique success rates than nondiabetic patients of comparable age. This article reviews the literature and our experience with diabetic patients undergoing PD and compares clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing PD and HD.     

Renal replacement therapies in the aftermath of the catastrophic Marmara earthquake

BACKGROUND: Renal replacement therapy is of vital importance in the treatment of crush syndrome victims, who are frequently encountered after catastrophic earthquakes. The Marmara earthquake, which struck Northwestern Turkey in August 1999, was characterized by 477 victims who needed dialysis. METHOD: Within the first week of the disaster, questionnaires containing 63 clinical and laboratory variables were sent to 35 reference hospitals that treated the victims. Information considering the features of dialyses obtained through these questionnaires was submitted to analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 639 casualties with renal complications were registered, 477 of whom (mean age 32.3 +/- 13.7 years, 269 male) needed dialysis. Among these, 452 were treated by a single dialysis modality (437 intermittent hemodialysis, 11 continuous renal replacement therapy and 4 peritoneal dialysis), while 25 victims needed more than one type of dialysis. In total, 5137 hemodialysis sessions were performed (mean 11.1 +/- 8.0 sessions per patient) and mean duration of hemodialysis support was 13.4 +/- 9.0 days; this duration was shorter in the non-survivors (7.0 +/- 8.7 vs. 10.0 +/- 9.8 days, P = 0.005). Thirty-four victims who underwent continuous renal replacement therapy had higher mortality rates (41.2 vs. 13.7%, P < 0.0001). Only eight victims were treated by peritoneal dialysis, four of whom also required hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy. The mortality rate in the dialyzed victims was 17.2%, a significantly higher figure compared to the mortality rate of the non-dialyzed patients with renal problems (9.3%; P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Substantial amounts of dialysis support may be necessary for treating the victims of mass disasters complicated with crush syndrome. Dialyzed patients are characterized by higher rates of morbidity and mortality.     

Techniques de dialyse en réanimation pédiatrique

In pediatric intensive care unit, the available modalities of acute renal replacement therapy include intermittent hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapies. No prospective studies have evaluated to date the effect of dialysis modality on the outcomes of children. The decision about dialysis modality should therefore be based on local expertise, resources available, and the patient's clinical status. Poor hemodynamic tolerance of intermittent hemodialysis is a common problem in critically ill patients. Moreover, many pediatric intensive care units are not equipped with dedicated water circuit. Peritoneal dialysis, a simple and inexpensive alternative, is the most widely available form of acute renal replacement therapy. However, its efficacy may be limited in critically ill patients. The use of continuous renal replacement therapy permits usually to reach a greater estimated dialysis dose, a better control of fluid balance, and additionally, to provide adequate nutrition.     

Trends in Dialysis Modality for Individuals with Acute Kidney Injury

Backgrounds. There are no national level data on types of dialysis in use for acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to assess trends in dialysis modality for AKI and mortality associated with each modality from 1998 to 2005. Methods. Using data from the 5% Medicare cohort, we identified individuals with AKI requiring dialysis. Individuals with preexisting end-stage renal disease were excluded. Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), daily intermittent hemodialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were defined using Current Procedure Terminology codes. Mortality was defined as death during 30 days after the first dialysis session. Results. Between 1998 and 2005, there were a total of 18,249 patients identified with AKI requiring renal replacement therapy. CRRT was increasingly used for AKI, with 9.9% of patients in 1998 to 18.3% by 2005. Proportion of daily dialysis decreased during this period, while use of IHD remained stable at approximately 68%. Overall 30-day mortality declined from 44.4% in 1998 to 40.2% in 2005. Crude mortality for CRRT was highest in all years (51.0–61.8%), followed by daily (38.2–49.9%) and IHD groups (35.8–43.4%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that white race, presence of sepsis, atherosclerotic heart diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, dysrhythmia, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, and any year after 2000 were independently associated with higher odds of using CRRT after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion. The proportion of patients using CRRT has increased over time. Mortality associated with IHD has decreased from 1998 to 2005. Mortality associated with different dialysis modalities is likely the result of severity of illness.     

Managing Antiepileptic Medication in Dialysis Patients

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss available information on the management of epilepsy patients on renal replacement therapy. Older and newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) pharmacology will be reviewed, as well as the need to supplement dosages during or after hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement treatment.

Recent findings

The great majority of anticonvulsants have been studied in patients with renal failure. Many of them have also been assessed during renal replacement therapy. For some, data are scant, and choice of management must be decided through information on pharmacology. Trials have been conducted in patients with hemodialysis and results have been extrapolated to other types of dialysis. Furthermore, decision on dose supplementation for some of the newer AEDs involves a combination of analysis of the clinical situation and physician expertise. In this paper, we discuss the basis of renal failure and renal replacement therapy as well as antiepileptic pharmacology and the options for dosage replacement during dialysis.

Summary

Based on pharmacology of each AED, a dosage supplementation is required in cases where there is sufficient clearance of the drug by the method of dialysis chosen. This depends greatly on physicochemical characteristics of the drug: lipophilicity, volume of distribution, protein binding, and molecular weight; and on characteristics of dialysis membrane, mechanism of clearance and blood or dialysate flow. There are studies done for most AEDs in hemodialysis, but more trials are needed in peritoneal dialysis and continuous replacement therapies. There is insufficient information for the newest AEDs, and for some, the recommendation is to simply avoid them in renal failure and dialysis. More studies are necessary in the topic.

     

Hemoglobin levels and erythropoietin doses in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in the United States

Erythropoietic agents, a cornerstone of management, are a major component of the cost of renal replacement therapy. The objectives of this study were to compare (on a month-by-month basis) U.S. hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in terms of the proportion of patients receiving erythropoietin, erythropoietin doses, and hemoglobin levels after initiation of erythropoietin. Patients studied (hemodialysis, n = 121,970; peritoneal dialysis, n = 7129) began dialysis between 1995 and 2000, had Medicare as their primary payer, were 65 yr old or older at dialysis inception, had no erythropoietin claims before dialysis inception, and did not have a switch in dialysis modality in the first 6 mo of dialysis therapy. Total monthly erythropoietin doses and average monthly hemoglobin levels were calculated from Medicare claims. The proportion of patients who received erythropoietin plateaued at 3 mo in both groups: 25% in peritoneal dialysis patients and 80% in hemodialysis patients. However, monthly erythropoietin doses plateaued at 30,000 units in peritoneal dialysis patients and 60,000 units in hemodialysis patients, a disparity not explicable by differences in baseline characteristics. Among subjects who received erythropoietin, mean hemoglobin levels were similar at steady state in both populations and met the National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative hemoglobin target level of 11 to 12 g/dl. Hemoglobin levels in U.S. hemodialysis and peritoneal populations are similar. However, erythropoietin doses are dramatically higher in hemodialysis patients.     

Peritoneal dialysis in the developing world: the Mexican scenario

In the developing countries it is not possible to determine the total amount of money spent in the treatment of chronic diseases, and the practice of renal replacement therapies faces many obstacles. In Mexico, the introduction of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) achieved very good results. Unfortunately, renal disease still affected as much as 95% of chronic renal failure patients and it became a disaster with an annual mortality rate higher than 60%. This was known as the Mexican Model which failed in establishing peritoneal dialysis as the only procedure for treating patients. In order to avoid a similar scenario with the 2 replacement therapies, we created the Official Norm for hemodialysis, and now we are experimenting with an increase from 5% to 20% of hemodialysis patients who are receiving therapy, principally in private units that attend Social Security patients. In addition, the government has established a Council for Transplantation that acts as a regulatory board. In other words, we are in the process of making chronic renal diseases a priority within the National Program.     

Optimal dialysis for the end-stage renal disease patient with cardiovascular disease

The increasing incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that requires renal replacement therapy has placed a focus on the dialysis procedure itself with respect to its hemodynamic and cardiovascular complications. More than 50% of patients with ESRD will die of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A considerable contribution to cardiovascular events occurs with the dialysis procedure itself. This paper explores the intradialytic complications of hemodialysis as they relate to the cardiovascular system and highlights opportunities for research and improved quality of care.     

Diabetic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

During the past two decades, a number of studies have tried to evaluate the clinical status of dialyzed diabetic patients and the factors that may affect their outcomes. However, only a small number of diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been followed for over 5 years, which is largely because of the presence of various comorbid conditions at the start of dialysis, the coexisting, far‐advanced, target‐organ damage that may gradually progress during the course of dialysis and limit the long‐term survival on PD. On the contrary, among renal replacement therapies, survival of diabetic patients undergoing either PD or hemodialysis (HD) is probably similar, while diabetic patients on PD and HD have a lower actuarial survival than nondiabetic counterparts. This paper reviews our experience and the literature concerning the long‐term outcome of diabetic patients on PD.     

Renal replacement therapy in an era of socioeconomic changes - report from the Polish registry

During the era of so-called 'real' socialism, renal replacement therapy was in a very poor condition in Poland. Here we present data on the influence that the socioeconomic changes in Poland had on the status of dialysis therapy. All data are based on analysis of annual questionnaires from all dialysis and renal transplant units. During the period 1989-1995, the number of dialysis units increased by 39%, the number of stations by 68%, and the number of patients by 136%. Not only quantitative but also qualitative changes occurred in the introduction of new, modern machines, individualization of dialysis treatment, the start of a peritoneal dialysis programme, and an increasing number of patients on erythropoietin therapy. Also, broader criteria for the admission of patients with secondary nephropathies (especially diabetes) and aged people were adopted. The gross mortality rate (9.5-10.5%) during the period of observation was satisfactory and comparable with that of western European countries. Progress was the result of the implementation of the programme of the National Committee for the Promotion of Nephrology, approved by the Ministry of Health and the Parliamentary Health Commission, and supported by the central funding system. Further consequent development of all alternative renal replacement therapy methods (among them especially renal transplantation) is necessary to achieve an acceptance rate comparable with developed countries by the beginning of the next century.     

Efficacy and safety of intermittent hemodialysis using citrate as anticoagulant: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: The use of trisodium-citrate for regional anticoagulation of the extracorporal circuit during renal replacement therapy (RRT) has received increased interest, particularly in critically ill patients with increased risk of bleeding. Continuous renal replacement therapies are the most extensively investigated and used procedures in this regard. However, when patients recover from critical illness, RRT is often switched to intermittent procedures. In this prospective study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of citrate anticoagulation during intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) performed with a standard roller blood pump device. METHODS: We treated 11 critically ill patients with acute renal failure. These patients received a total of 31 intermittent IHD treatments. The targeted IHD treatment time was 6 h (4.5 l/h treatment dose). For anticoagulation, a 4% trisodium-citrate solution was continuously infused into the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit. A calcium-free, lactate-based dialysis solution was used in all treatment procedures. Calcium was continuously substituted via a separate central line. Electrolyte and acid-base changes as well as the cardiovascular hemodynamics were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients achieved the targeted filter life time. Filter clotting did not occur. Electrolytes and acid base values were well-maintained throughout the study period. Particularly metabolic derangements were not observed. All treatments were hemodynamically well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent hemodialysis with citrate anticoagulation can be safely applied in critically ill patients at high risk of bleeding.     

Study on malignancy of end-stage aristolochic acid nephropathy patients in Wenzhou area

Objective To investigate the features of malignancy in end-stage aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) patients undergoing renal replacement therapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenhou Medical University. Methods One hundred and two patients diagnosed as end-stage AAN during 2004 to 2013 were enrolled in the study, and separately udergoing hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation, to study the features of the malignancy and its risk factors. Results (1) There were totally 42 AAN patients suffering from malignancy, and 39 of them had urinary cancer. Eight cases of urinary cancer had metastasis, and 11 cases of bladder cancer had repeated recurrences. Patients suffering from malignancy had an increased mortality compared to patients without malignancy(13/42 vs 7/60, P=0.022). (2) Thirteenmalignacy cases were diagnosed before the end-stage of AAN, the rest cases appeared in 1-13 years[(4.62±3.31) years] after renal replacement. (3) A further logistic regression analysis of the 29 maligancy patients after renal replacement showed that, the dose of aristolochic acid (counted by Mutong) was the only risk factor of malignancy (P=0.091), compared with the dose of Mutong less than 60 g, the patients with an accumulated dose of Mutong more than 200 g had a 4.26 folds（95%CI 1.02, 17.83）higher risk of malignancy. There was no statistic difference of the malignancy risk among different renal replacement therapies, which however might influence the pathogenic sites of the urinary cancer. The simple bladder cancer was the most common malignancy among the hemodialysis patients (72.72%), and the upper urinary tract cancer among the peritoneal dialysis patients (66.67%), while the complex of both were dominant among the renal transplantation patients(40.00%). Conclusions Among the end-stage of AAN patients undergoing renal replacement therapy in Wenzhou area, the incidence of urinary cancer is high, with a character of complex, multiple and repeated recurrences. The occurence of malignancy seems to be separated from the renal function, but turns out obviously dose-dependent. There was no statisticaldifference of cancer risk among hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation, which may induce different pathogenic sites of the urinary cancer.     

Pulmonary function in renal transplant recipients and end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance dialysis

The aim of this study was to reveal the pulmonary function status of renal transplant recipients and chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The study involved 73 subjects, including 49 patients who were either on peritoneal dialysis (n = 22) or hemodialysis (n = 27), and 24 renal transplant recipients. The spirometry results revealed significantly higher residual volume and total lung capacity in the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups than in the transplantation group. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity was slightly below normal in the dialysis patients. Preservation of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was noted in the hemodialysis group (112.4%). Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength was reduced in all groups. Only type of dialysis was correlated with this reduction. Inspiratory muscle strength in the peritoneal dialysis group (49.9%) was significantly lower than in the transplantation and hemodialysis groups (54.7% and 66.5%, respectively). The spirometry findings suggest that small-airway disease causes increased residual volume and total lung capacity (hyperinflation) in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients and that this airway obstruction subsides after renal transplantation. Preserved diffusion capacity in the hemodialysis group was attributed to the use of biocompatible dialyzer membranes. Renal failure complications may be the main explanation for global respiratory muscle weakness in dialysis patients, whereas corticosteroid therapy might be the primary cause in kidney graft recipients. Significantly lower inspiratory muscle strength in the peritoneal dialysis group suggests that presence of intra-abdominal dialysate might interfere with diaphragmatic contraction.