The Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry Annual Report 2002

Latin America is a conglomerate of adjacent countries having in common a Latin extraction and language (Spanish or Portuguese) and exhibiting extreme variations in socioeconomic status. The Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Registry was created in 1991. Annual data are sent by local societies in 3 forms: patient, center, and country. The prevalence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) (all modalities) increased from 119 patients per million population (pmp) in 1991 to 349 pmp in 2001; the acceptance rate was 91.7 pmp in 2001. Dialysis prevalence was 277 pmp; hemodialysis was the predominant modality, except in Mexico (86% on peritoneal dialysis). The highest dialysis prevalence and acceptance rates were reported by Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Chile. Among incident patients, diabetic nephropathy (33%) and nephroangioesclerosis (32%) were the primary causes; 38% were older than 65 years old. Renal transplants increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 13.7 pmp in 2001. In 2003, 6357 transplants were performed (55% living donor); the cumulative number performed since 1987 reached 55,947. Prevalence and incidence are low because not all patients with end-stage renal disease have access to RRT because of restricted availability, difficulties in referral, and inequities in coverage. The annual increase in the number of patients on RRT (8%-10%) is higher, proportionally, than the annual growth of the Latin American population in general (1.5%). Efforts must be focused on prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease, especially in diabetic and older patients, and in implementing better organ donation programs to improve the pool of cadaveric donors.     

The 2008 ERA-EDTA Registry Annual Report-a précis

Background. This study provides a summary of the 2008 ERA-EDTA Registry Report (this report is available at www.era-edta-reg.org).Methods. The data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) were available from 55 national and regional registries in 30 countries in Europe and bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Datasets with individual patient data were received from 36 registries, whereas 19 registries contributed data in aggregated form. We presented incidence and prevalence of RRT, and transplant rates. Survival analysis was solely based on individual patient records.Results. In 2008, the overall incidence rate of RRT for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among all registries reporting to the ERA-EDTA Registry was 122 per million population (pmp), and the prevalence was 644?pmp. Incidence rates varied from 264?pmp in Turkey to 15?pmp in Ukraine. The mean age of patients starting RRT in 2008 ranged from 69?years in Dutch-speaking Belgium to 44?years in Ukraine. The highest prevalence of RRT for ESRD was reported by Portugal (1408?pmp) and the lowest by Ukraine (89?pmp). The prevalence of haemodialysis on 31 December 2008 ranged from 66?pmp (Ukraine) to 875?pmp (Portugal) and the prevalence of peritoneal dialysis from 8?pmp (Montenegro) to 115?pmp (Denmark). In Norway, 70% of the patients on RRT on 31 December 2008 were living with a functioning graft (572?pmp). In 2008, the number of transplants performed pmp was highest in Spain (Catalonia) (64?pmp), whereas the highest transplant rates with living-donor kidneys were reported from the Netherlands (25?pmp) and Norway (21?pmp). In the cohort 1999-2003, the unadjusted 1-, 2- and 5-year survival of patients on RRT was 80.8% (95% CI: 80.6-81.0), 69.1% (95% CI: 68.9-69.3) and 46.1% (95% CI: 45.9-46.3), respectively.     

1996 Hong Kong Renal Registry Report

Summary: This report was based on the data from the Renal Registry of the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong and accounted for approximately 90-95% of all the patients on Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Hong Kong. Patients receiving treatment under the private sectors were not included in this report. the data were as of 31 December 1996. There were 15 renal units (2.4 unit per million population [pmp]) and four major renal transplant centres. the number of patients on RRT was 3337 (530 pmp), of which 56% (299 pmp) were on peritoneal dialysis (PD), 15% (79 pmp) on haemodialysis (HD) and 29% (152 pmp) with functioning kidney transplants (TX). the net increase in the number of patients on RRT was +12% from the previous year. the incidence of end stage renal failure was 640 (102 pmp). the median age of patients on RRT was 49 years, of which 27% were above the age of 61 years. For new patients who commenced on RRT during 1996, the median age was 56 years, of which 36% were above the age of 61 years. the causes of renal failure were glomerulonephritis 37%, unknown 30%, diabetes 13%, inherited and congenital 5%, infection/reflux 3%, hypertensive/renal vascular disease 3%, urolithiasis 2%, obstructive 1% and others 5%. For new patients entered into the programme during 1996, 25% were due to diabetic nephropathy. Ten per cent of all the patients on RRT were serologically positive for hepatitis B infection (PD 12%, HD 6%, TX 9%). 5% of all the patients on RRT were positive for hepatitis C infection (PD 3%, HD 12%, TX 7%). Seventy-nine per cent of all the patients on dialysis were on PD (1885 patients, 299 pmp), of which 96% were on CAPD. Thirty-eight per cent of the patients on CAPD were on straight-line systems, 35% on disconnecting systems and 20% on UV flash systems. Four-hundred and ninety-five patients (79 pmp) were on HD, of which 59% were on hospital based HD, 15% on satellite centre based HD, 10% on charitable centre based HD and 5% on home HD. Nine-hundred and fifty-seven patients (152 pmp) had a functioning kidney graft. 542 (57%) were transplanted in Hong Kong, of which 50% were cadaveric kidney transplantations. During 1996, 121 patients (19 pmp) received a kidney transplantation. Eighty-four transplants were performed in Hong Kong, of which 58 were with cadaveric kidneys and 26 with living related kidneys. the annual mortality rate for all RRT was 7.3% (10% for PD, 8% for HD and 1% with TX). the major causes of death were infection (28%), cardiovascular (26%) and cerebral vascular accident (9%). Outcome indicators were on patients entered into the RRT programme during 1995, thus allowing for 1 year of follow up. For CAPD as the first RRT, 1 year patient and technique survival (censored for death and non-technique failure) were 94% and 93%. For living related kidney transplants performed in Hong Kong, 1 year patient and graft survival (censored for death) were both 100%. For cadaveric kidney transplants, 1 year patient and graft survival were 98% and 96%     

The renal epidemiology and information network (REIN): a new registry for end-stage renal disease in France.

The French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN) registry began in 2002 to provide a tool for public health decision support, evaluation and research related to renal replacement therapies (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It relies on a network of nephrologists, epidemiologists, patients and public health representatives, coordinated regionally and nationally. Continuous registration covers all dialysis and transplanted patients. In 2003, 2070 patients started RRT, 7854 were on dialysis and 7294 lived with a functioning graft in seven regions (with a population of 16.5 million people). The overall crude annual incidence rate of RRT for ESRD was 123 per million population (p.m.p.) with significant differences in age-adjusted rates across regions, from 84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 74-94] to 155 [138-172] p.m.p. The principal causes of ESRD were hypertension (21%) and diabetic (20%) nephropathies. Initial treatment for ESRD was peritoneal dialysis for 15% of patients and a pre-emptive graft for 3%. The one-year survival rate was 81% [79-83] in the cohort of 2002-2003 incident patients. As of December 31, 2003, the overall crude prevalence was 898 [884-913] p.m.p, with 5% of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, 47% on haemodialysis and 48% with a functioning graft. The experience in these seven regions over these two years clearly shows the feasibility of the REIN registry, which is progressively expanding to cover the entire country.     

2017 Annual Report Digest of the Renal Epidemiology Information Network (REIN) registry

The French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (REIN) registry started in 2002 with the goal to provide a tool to evaluate renal replacement therapy (RRT) practices and outcomes, to provide data for research and to support public health decisions related to end‐stage renal disease ESRD. This summary presents the incidence and prevalence of RRT including kidney transplantation and wait‐listing activity in 2017, and patients’ survival and trends over 5 years. In 2017, 11 543 patients started RRT for ESRD, that is, incidence of 172 pmp. Between 2012 and 2017, the incidence of RRT increased by 1% per year [CI 95% (0.0; +2.0)]. On 31 December 2017, 87 275 patients were receiving RRT, that is, prevalence of 1294 pmp, 55% on dialysis, 45% with a functioning transplant. In 2017, 3782 kidney transplantations have been performed including 16% from a living donor, 13% being retransplantations and 15% pre‐emptive transplantations. The median time on the waiting list was 19.7 months when only taking into account active waiting periods on the list. In 2017, 5280 new patients were registered on the renal transplant waiting list (i.e. 78.7 pmp). The number of patients considered as ‘inactive’ represented 45% of the patients on the list.     

Renal replacement therapy for diabetic end-stage renal disease: data from 10 registries in Europe (1991-2000)

BACKGROUND: There is concern about the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of the resultant nephropathy. This study uses data from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry to provide information on the epidemiology and outcome of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: Data from the following 10 registries: Austria, French-speaking Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Scotland (UK), Catalonia (Spain), Sweden, and The Netherlands were combined. Average annual changes (%) were estimated by Poisson regression. Analyses of mortality were performed by Cox regression. RESULTS: An increase in patients with type 2 DN entering RRT has been observed (+11.9% annually, P < 0.05), while large differences in RRT incidence in this disease continue to exist between countries in Europe. There was a reduction in mortality during the first 2 years on dialysis therapy among patients with type 2 DN (AHR 0.96, 95%CI 0.94-0.97 annually). The mortality among transplant recipients decreased for both type 1 DN and nondiabetic ESRD (non DN) within the 1995-1998 cohort (type 1 DN: AHR 0.49, 95% CI 0.35-0.68; non DN: AHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90) compared to the 1991-1994 cohort. CONCLUSION: This report has shown that during the last decade there has been a marked increase in the incidence of RRT for type 2 DN. Survival analysis showed that over the period 1991-1999 the mortality rates of all dialysis patients and of type 1 diabetic and nondiabetic renal transplant recipients have fallen.     

Nephrology and renal replacement therapy in Romania--transition still continues (Cinderella story revisited).

INTRODUCTION. This report describes the current status of nephrology and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Romania, a country with previously limited facilities, highlighting national changes in the European context. METHODS: Trends in RRT development were analysed in 2003, on a national basis, using the same questionnaires as in previous surveys (1991, 1995). Survival data and prognostic risk factors were calculated retrospectively from a large representative sample of 2284 patients starting RRT between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2001 (44% of the total RRT population investigated). RESULTS: In 2003, RRT incidence [128 per million population (p.m.p.)] and prevalence (250 p.m.p.) were six and five times higher, respectively, than in 1995. The annual rate of increase in the stock of RRT patients (11%) was supported mainly by an exponential development of the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) population (+600%), while the haemodialysis (HD) growth rate was stable (+33%) and renal transplantation made a marginal contribution. Renal care infrastructure followed the same trend: nephrology departments (+100%) and nephrologists (+205%). The characteristics of RRT incident patients changed accordingly to current European epidemiology (increasing age and prevalence of diabetes and nephroangiosclerosis). The estimated overall survival of RRT patients in Romania was 90.6% at 1 year [confidence interval (CI) 89.4-91.8] and 62.2% at 5 years (CI 59.4-65.0). Patients' survival was negatively influenced (Cox regression analysis) by age >65 years (P < 0.001), lack of pre-dialysis monitoring by a nephrologist [P = 0.01, hazards ratio (HR) = 0.8], severe anaemia, lack of erythropoetin treatment (P < 0.001, HR = 0.6), and co-morbidity, e.g. cardiovascular diseases (P < 0.001, HR = 1.8) and diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001, HR = 2.2). CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of increase in RRT patient stock in 1996-2003 in Romania was the highest in Europe, the prevalence remained below the European mean. As CAPD had the greatest expansion, followed by HD, an effective transplantation programme must be set up to overcome the imbalance. The quality of RRT appears to be good and survival was similar to that in other registries. Further evolution implies strategies of prevention, based on national surveys, supported by the Romanian Renal Registry.     

End-stage renal disease in the Asian-Pacific region

Information on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is important in assisting health care providers in planning renal replacement therapy. A questionnaire was sent to various countries in the Asian Pacific region and 10 countries responded. Data from Australia and New Zealand was obtained from their registry report. The questionnaire requested information on incidence, prevalence, transplantation rate, demographic data, causes of ESRD, causes of death, and mortality rates for the years 1998 to 2000. All the countries surveyed had national registries and there was a greater than 90% response rate in 7 of 12 countries. The incidence and prevalence rates of ESRD were linked to funding of dialysis, with higher reported rates in countries where dialysis was totally or heavily subsidized by the government. There was an increase in both incidence and prevalence rates between 1998 and 2000, with the mean annual percentage increase of 1.2% to 14.1% for incidence and 4.2% to 17.3% for prevalence. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of ESRD in 9 of the 12 countries surveyed and 6 of the 12 countries had greater than 35% of their dialysis patients age 60 years and older. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) use varied between 3.9% to 81% of the dialysis population and reflected the health care policies of the individual countries. The transplantation rate was influenced by socioeconomic, religious, and cultural attitudes and varied between 3.1 per million population (pmp) to 32 pmp with the percentage of cadaveric transplants ranging between 0% of 85% of total transplants. Cardiovascular mortality remained the most common cause of death in the ESRD patients. Collaboration between the various national registries in the form of specific international studies may yield useful information of ESRD patients in the Asian-Pacific region.     

Renal replacement therapy among disadvantaged populations in Mexico: a report from the Jalisco Dialysis and Transplant Registry (REDTJAL)

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease represents a serious public health problem in Jalisco, Mexico. It is reported among the 10 leading causes of death, with an annual mortality rate of 12 deaths per 100,000 population. The state population is 6.3 million, and more than half do not have medical insurance. In this study, we report the population's access to renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: Patients > or =15 years of age, who started RRT between January 1998 and December 2000 at social security or health secretariat medical facilities, were included. Nine facilities participated in the study. At the start of treatment, the patient's facility, age, gender, cause of renal failure, and initial treatment modality were registered. RESULTS: Within the study period, 2456 started RRT, 1767 (72%) at social security facilities and 687 (28%) at health secretariat facilities, for an annual incidence rate of 195 per million population (pmp). The main cause of renal failure was diabetes mellitus (51% of patients). There were significant differences between the 2 populations. Patients with social security were older (53.1 +/- 17 vs. 45.1 +/- 20 years, P= 0.001) and had more diabetes (54% vs. 42%, P= 0.001) than those without social security. They had higher acceptance (327 pmp vs. 99 pmp, P= 0.001) and prevalence rates (939 pmp vs. 166 pmp, P= 0.001) than patients without medical insurance. Dialysis use was similar in both populations. Eighty-five percent of patients were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 15% on hemodialysis. Kidney transplant rate was higher among insured patients (72 pmp vs. 7.5 pmp, P= 0.001). The number of dialysis programs and nephrologists that offered renal care also differed. There were 10 dialysis programs in social security and 3 in health secretariat facilities. Fourteen nephrologists looked after the insured population, whereas 5 cared for the uninsured (7.7 pmp vs. 2.1 pmp, P= 0.001). The latter had access to 8 hemodialysis stations compared with 34 for the insured population (3.4 pmp vs. 18.8 pmp, P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Access to RRT is unequal in our state. Although it is universal for the insured population, it is severely restricted for the poor. Social and economical factors, as well as the limited number of understaffed, centralized dialysis facilities, could explain these differences.     

End-stage renal disease in the El-Minia Governorate, upper Egypt: an epidemiological study

We had earlier conducted two cross-sectional studies on the epidemiology of endstage renal disease (ESRD) in the El-Minia Governorate. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence, etiology and risk factors for ESRD in the El-Minia Governorate during the year 2006. Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), numbering 1356, were recruited into this study. A standardized questionnaire was completed including demographics, family history, risk factors for ESRD, environmental exposure to toxins, work conditions, social history and causes of death. Only 800 (59%) of the 1356 patients agreed to participate in this study. Their mean age was 46 ± 13 years, median 43 (range 18-80). The male vs. female ratio was 65% vs. 35%. The etiology of ESRD was unknown in 27%, hypertension in 20%, chronic glomerulonephritis in 11%, obstructive uropathy in 12%, bilhaziasis in 3%, analgesic nephropathy in 5%, chronic pyelonephritis in 5%, diabetic nephropathy in 8% and others, e.g. lupus in 9%. The overall prevalence of ESRD was 308 per million population (pmp). The modalities of RRT used on the study patients included hemodialysis (HD) in 1315 (97%), peritoneal dialysis (PD) in 27 (2%) and renal transplantation in 14 patients (1%). The death rate was 190/1000. Our study suggests that the epidemiology of ESRD in the El-Minia Governorate is different from that in European countries and the US and thus, region-specific interventions must be developed to control the epidemic of ESRD in the world.     

The health system in Chile: the nephrologist perspective

Chile is a country with 17 million inhabitants, 13% of them living in rural areas, and with a per capita income of approximately US $14,500. Three percent of national income is assigned to the health budget, with a mixed public and private system, with guaranteed medical benefits from the state to cover chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). Hemodialysis has reached in 2009 a prevalence of 857 patients per million population (pmp). Peritoneal dialysis is less developed, with a prevalence of 40 patients pmp. Both therapies show good quality indexes with a patient mortality rate close to 12% per year. A centralized national renal transplantation program registered 5,949 renal transplants performed up to 2009. Renal survival at 5 years is 86% for living and 76% for cadaveric donor transplants. Organ donation is relatively low with 7.1 cadaveric donors pmp in 2009, despite legal and educational strategies to increase it. Although the country demonstrates one of the highest standards for RRT indexes in Latin America, the proportion of resources invested makes it necessary to improve early diagnosis and renal prevention policies to avoid having the growing incidence of CKD constrain the national health budget.     

End-Stage Renal Disease and Its Treatment in Latin America in the Twenty-First Century

The Latin American Society of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension's Dialysis and Transplant Registry was chartered in 1991. It collects information on ESRD and its treatment in 20 countries of the region. The prevalence of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) increased from 129 pmp in 1992 to 447 pmp in 2004; in 2004, 56% of the patients were on hemodialysis, 23% on peritoneal dialysis, and 21% had a functioning kidney graft. The highest rates of prevalence were reported in Puerto Rico (1027 pmp), Chile (686 pmp), and Uruguay (683 pmp). Hemodialysis was widely used, except in El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, where peritoneal dialysis predominated. Incidence rate increased from 27.8 pmp to 147 pmp in the same period of observation; the lowest rate was reported in Guatemala (11.4 pmp) and the highest in Puerto Rico (337.4 pmp). Diabetes mellitus was the leading cause of renal failure in incident patients; the highest rates were reported in Puerto Rico (62.2%) and Mexico (60%). Forty-four percent of the incident population were older than 65 years. Access to renal replacement therapy was universal in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela, while was restricted in other countries. Main causes of death in dialysis were cardiovascular (44%) and infectious disease (26%). The rate of renal transplantation increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 14.5 in 2004; fifty-three percent of the organs came from cadavers. Overall, donation rate was 5.9 pmp. In conclusion, the prevalence and incidence rates have increased over the years, and diabetes mellitus has emerged as the leading cause of kidney disease in the region. Although the rate of kidney transplantation has increased, the number remains insufficient to match the growing demand. The implementation of renal health programs in the region is urgently needed.     

End-stage renal disease and its treatment in Latin America in the twenty-first century

The Latin American Society of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension's Dialysis and Transplant Registry was chartered in 1991. It collects information on ESRD and its treatment in 20 countries of the region. The prevalence of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) increased from 129 pmp in 1992 to 447 pmp in 2004; in 2004, 56% of the patients were on hemodialysis, 23% on peritoneal dialysis, and 21% had a functioning kidney graft. The highest rates of prevalence were reported in Puerto Rico (1027 pmp), Chile (686 pmp), and Uruguay (683 pmp). Hemodialysis was widely used, except in El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, where peritoneal dialysis predominated. Incidence rate increased from 27.8 pmp to 147 pmp in the same period of observation; the lowest rate was reported in Guatemala (11.4 pmp) and the highest in Puerto Rico (337.4 pmp). Diabetes mellitus was the leading cause of renal failure in incident patients; the highest rates were reported in Puerto Rico (62.2%) and Mexico (60%). Forty-four percent of the incident population were older than 65 years. Access to renal replacement therapy was universal in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela, while was restricted in other countries. Main causes of death in dialysis were cardiovascular (44%) and infectious disease (26%). The rate of renal transplantation increased from 3.7 pmp in 1987 to 14.5 in 2004; fifty-three percent of the organs came from cadavers. Overall, donation rate was 5.9 pmp. In conclusion, the prevalence and incidence rates have increased over the years, and diabetes mellitus has emerged as the leading cause of kidney disease in the region. Although the rate of kidney transplantation has increased, the number remains insufficient to match the growing demand. The implementation of renal health programs in the region is urgently needed.     

Renal replacement therapy in children: data from 12 registries in Europe

In June 2000 the ERA-EDTA Registry office moved to Amsterdam and started collecting core data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) entirely through national and regional registries. This paper reports the pediatric data from 12 registries. The analysis comprised 3,184 patients aged less than 20 years and starting RRT between 1980 and the end of 2000. The incidence of RRT rose from 7.1 per million of age-related population (pmarp) in the 1980–1984 cohort to 9.9 pmarp in the 1985–1989 cohort, and remained stable thereafter. The prevalence increased from 22.9 pmarp in 1980 to 62.1 in 2000. Hemodialysis was the commonest form of treatment at the start of dialysis, but peritoneal dialysis gained popularity during the late 1980s. Pre-emptive transplantation accounted for 18% of the first treatment modality in the 1995–2000 cohort. The relative risk of death of patients starting dialysis in the period 1995–2000 was reduced by 36% {adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–1.00]} and that of those receiving a first allograft by 42% [AHR 0.58 (95% CI 0.34–1.00)], compared with patients in the period 1980–1984. The prevalence of RRT in children has continued to rise, while its incidence has been stable for about 15 years. Patient survival has improved in both dialysis patients and transplant recipients. The development of this pediatric registry will form the basis for more-detailed and focused studies in the future.     

Parathyroidectomy in patients on renal replacement therapy: an epidemiologic study

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a frequent complication of long-term dialysis treatment, and despite recent advances in medical therapy, surgical parathyroidectomy (PTx) is necessary in a considerable number of uremic patients. A prevalence of PTx of 22% was reported in Europe in 1988 in patients on dialysis from 10 to 15 yr, but no large-scale epidemiologic study has been published since then. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for PTx in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Lombardy and to determine whether the incidence has changed over time. The study involved 14,180 patients included in the Lombardy Registry of Dialysis and Transplantation who received RRT for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) between 1983 and 1996. Cox-proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors of PTx, the explanatory covariates being age on admission to RRT, gender, underlying renal disease (nondiabetic or diabetic nephropathy), and dialysis modality (peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis). The prevalence of PTx in the 7371 ERSD patients who were alive on December 31, 1996, was 5.5% and increased with the duration of RRT (9.2% after 10 to 15 yr, 20.8% after 16 to 20 yr). Similarly, the incidence of PTx increased from 3.3 per 1000 patient-years in patients who had been on RRT for <5 yr to 30 per 1000 patient-years in those receiving RRT for >10 yr. The Cox regression models showed that the relative risk for PTx was significantly higher in women and lower in elderly and diabetic patients. The relative risk for PTx (adjusted for gender, age, and nephropathy) was higher in the patients on peritoneal dialysis than in those on hemodialysis and decreased after transplantation. During the course of a follow-up of 7 yr, the incidence of PTx in patients who started RRT between 1990 and 1992 was no different from that observed in patients who started RRT between 1983 and 1985. In conclusion, the prevalence and incidence of PTx in patients receiving RRT in Lombardy is lower than that in Europe and Italy as a whole, as reported by the 1988 European Dialysis and Transplantation Association Registry; its frequency has not changed significantly during the past few years. The need for PTx decreases markedly after successful transplantation. The epidemiologic finding that the rate of PTx is greater in women, young patients, and individuals who do not have diabetes suggests the need for a more aggressive medical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism particularly in such patients.     

Stabilized incidence of diabetic patients referred for renal replacement therapy in Denmark

Despite an improvement in diabetes care during the last 20 years, the number of diabetic patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) has continued to increase in the Western world. The aim was to study the incidence of patients starting RRT in Denmark from 1990 to 2004. Data were obtained from The Danish National Registry; Report on Dialysis and Transplantation, where all patients actively treated for end-stage renal disease have been registered since 1990. The incidence of end-stage renal disease increased until 2001. Thereafter the incidence stabilized on 130 per million people (pmp). The number of diabetic patients starting RRT increased steadily from: 52 (number of patients) in 1990, 113 in 1995, 150 in 2000, 168 in 2001, and 183 in 2002. However, during the years 2003 and 2004 this number was significantly reduced by 15% to 156 and 155, respectively. This was mainly due to a 22% reduction in the number of non-insulin- treated (type II) diabetic patients (number of patients): 98, 82, and 76 in 2002, 2003, and 2004, respectively. The mean age in the background population, the mean age in diabetic patients starting RRT and the incidence of type I and type II diabetes increased during the study period. The encouraging stabilization in the incidence of diabetic patients referred for RRT observed in Denmark could be the result of implementation of a multifactorial and more intensive renoprotective intervention in patients with diabetes and chronic progressive renal disease.     

Current structure and organization for renal patient assistance in Italy

Background. Given the public health challenge and burden ofchronic kidney disease, the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN)has compiled a national census of Renal Units (RU) existingin the twenty Italian regions related to the year 2004. Methods. An on-line questionnaire including 158 items exploredstructural and human resources, organization aspects, activitiesand epidemiological data in SIN, 2004. Results. The census identified 363 public RU, 303 satelliteDialysis Centres (DC) and 295 private DC totalling 961 DC [16.4per million population (pmp)]. The inpatient renal beds were2742 (47 pmp). Renal and dialysis activity was performed by3728 physicians (64 pmp), of whom 2964 (80%) were nephrologists.There was no permanent medical assistance in 41% of satelliteDC. There were 1802 renal admissions pmp and 99 renal biopsiespmp. The management of acute renal failure (13 456 cases;230 pmp) represented a relevant proportion of the activitiesconducted in public RU. In 2004 there were 9858 new cases ofend-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy(RRT) (169 pmp). On 31 December 2004, 60 058 patients wereon RRT (1027 pmp), 43 293 of which (740 pmp) were on dialysisand 16 765 (287 pmp) with renal graft. Conclusions. This census of the Italian RU and DC in 2004 providesdecision makers and healthcare stakeholders with detailed datafor benchmarking and has financial implications for the publichealth system. Similar analyses may be conducted in other countriespermitting standardization of medical and cost-related aspectsof renal care.     

Epidemiology of end-stage renal disease in an interregional perspective: Registries of Puglia and Basilicata, southern Italy

BACKGROUND: This report on the 1994-1998 Dialysis and Transplantation Registry (DTR) of Puglia and Basilicata provides the first epidemiological profile of ESRD in southern Italy. METHODS: Frequency measures of patients in renal replacement therapy (RRT) were computed for Puglia and Basilicata (inhabitants: 4,086,422 and 610,000 respectively). Hazard ratios (HR) of death in relation to sex, age, educational level, primary nephropathies, and modality of dialysis, were estimated by applying the Cox model to patients starting dialysis as first RRT in 1994-1998 in Puglia. RESULTS: The prevalence of treated ESRD in Puglia was 881 per million population (p.m.p.) (dialysis: 721 p.m.p.) in 1998, 713 p.m.p. (dialysis: 617 p.m.p.) in 1994. In Basilicata the prevalence of ESRD was 795 p.m.p. (dialysis: 669 p.m.p.) in 1998, 636 p.m.p. (dialysis: 575 p.m.p.) in 1994. Mean age at start of dialysis of incident cases of Puglia was 60 yr (median: 64 yr). Figures of diabetes, vascular diseases, and glomerulonephritis, were: 16%, 21%, 17%. Out of 2,152 incident patients on dialysis for at least one month, 293 started with peritoneal dialysis (PD). A 60-70% higher risk of death was observed for diabetic nephropathy and PD. In the Puglia/Basilicata DTR pooled analysis, lower educational level was associated with a 60% increased mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: The associations of PD and low education with the risk of death are very likely to be due to comorbid conditions, unavailable in these databases as in most regional and national DTR. By looking at variations of rates and outcomes among areas, potential improvements of local DTR for planning and research uses are discussed.     

REIN annual report 2005. Renal Epidemiology and Information Network & Agence de la biomédecine

In 2005, 6,021 patients with end-stage renal disease living in fourteen regions covering 45 millions inhabitants (73% of the French population), started renal replacement therapy (dialysis or preemptive graft): median age was 70 years; 3% had a preemptive graft. The overall crude annual incidence rate of renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease was 139 per million population (pmp) in thirteen regions that met exhaustivity, with significant differences in sex and age-adjusted incidence across regions (92 to 171 pmh). At initiation, 48% of the patients had at least one cardiovascular disease and 36% diabetes (89% Type 2 non-insulin-dependent diabetes). On December 31, 2005, 21,813 patients living in these fourteen regions were on dialysis: median age was 69 years. The overall crude prevalence rate of dialysis was 539 pmp in thirteen regions. On December 31, 2005, 19,491 patients were living with a functioning graft : median age was 53 years. The overall crude prevalence rate for these patients was 390 pmp in thirteen regions. The overall crude prevalence rate of renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease was 929 pmp in thirteen regions, with significant differences in age-adjusted prevalence across regions (732 to 1009 pmh). In the 2002-05 cohort of 11,632 incident patients, the overall one-year survival rate was 82%, 72% at 2 years and 62% at 3 years. Survival decreased with age, but remained above 50% at 2 years in patients older than 75 at RRT initiation. Among the 5,902 new patients starting dialysis in 2005 in the 14 regions, 7% had a BMI lower than 18,5 kg/m2 and 16% a BMI higher than 30. At initiation, 63% had an haemoglobin value lower than 11 g/ l and 9% an albumin value lower than 25 g/l. The first haemodialysis was started in emergency in 30% of the patients and with a catheter in 46%. On December 31, 2005, 8% treated in the dialysis units of the fourteen regions received peritoneal dialysis, of which 35% were treated with automated peritoneal dialysis. 94% of the patients on haemodialysis had 3 sessions per week, with a median duration of 4 hours. In 2005, 1,911 patients received a renal graft. On December 31, 2005, 4,634 patients were on the waiting List for a renal graft in the transplantation centres of the 14 regions.     

Rapport REIN 2005 — Synthèse

In 2005, 6,021 patients with end-stage renal disease living in fourteen regions covering 45 millions inhabitants (73% of the French population), started renal replacement therapy (dialysis or preemptive graft): median age was 70 years; 3% had a preemptive graft. The overall crude annual incidence rate of renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease was 139 per million population (pmp) in thirteen regions that met exhaustivity, with significant differences in sex and age-adjusted incidence across regions (92 to 171 pmh). At initiation, 48% of the patients had at least one cardiovascular disease and 36% diabetes (89% Type 2 non-insulin-dependent diabetes).On December 31, 2005, 21,813 patients living in these fourteen regions were on dialysis: median age was 69 years. The overall crude prevalence rate of dialysis was 539 pmp in thirteen regions. On December 31, 2005, 19,491 patients were living with a functioning graft : median age was 53 years. The overall crude prevalence rate for these patients was 390 pmp in thirteen regions. The overall crude prevalence rate of renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease was 929 pmp in thirteen regions, with significant differences in age-adjusted prevalence across regions (732 to 1009 pmh).In the 2002-05 cohort of 11,632 incident patients, the overall one-year survival rate was 82%, 72% at 2 years and 62% at 3 years. Survival decreased with age, but remained above 50% at 2 years in patients older than 75 at RRT initiation.Among the 5,902 new patients starting dialysis in 2005 in the 14 regions, 7% had a BMI lower than 18,5 kg/m² and 16% a BMI higher than 30. At initiation, 63% had an haemoglobin value lower than 11g/l and 9% an albumin value lower than 25 g/l. The first haemodialysis was started in emergency in 30% of the patients and with a catheter in 46%.On December 31, 2005, 8% treated in the dialysis units of the fourteen regions received peritoneal dialysis, of which 35% were treated with automated peritoneal dialysis. 94% of the patients on haemodialysis had 3 sessions per week, with a median duration of 4 hours.In 2005, 1,911 patients received a renal graft. On December 31, 2005, 4,634 patients were on the waiting list for a renal graft in the transplantation centres of the 14 regions.