Thirty-five years of hemodialysis: two case reports as a tribute to Nils Alwall

Two patients with long-term (35 years) survival on hemodialysis are described. Kidney replacement therapy for these patients was initiated by a pioneer in hemodialysis, Nils Alwall, in 1968 and 1971, respectively. Kidney transplantation was attempted twice in both patients; however, the dialysis-free interval was less than 18 months in both patients. These patients represent two of the longest known survivors on hemodialysis worldwide. Factors that may have influenced their survival are discussed, and the complications that have occurred over the years are presented.