[Dialysis and transplant. Spain in 2005]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Context:

• In 2005, approximately 40,000 individuals in Spain required renal replacement therapy (RRT), encompassing dialysis and transplantation.
• Accurate data on patient characteristics, treatment duration, modality, and changes were previously limited.
• The study utilizes data covering 76% of the Spanish population, a collaborative effort by registry technicians, nephrologists, and transplant coordinators.

Purpose:

• To present comprehensive data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Spain for the year 2005.
• To analyze incidence, prevalence, causes of renal failure, and outcomes of RRT.
• To compare Spain's RRT rates with other European countries.

Summary:

• In 2005, 4,125 individuals initiated RRT in Spain, with an estimated acceptance rate of 126 per million population (pmp), positioning Spain intermediately within Europe.
• The incidence rate remained stable, though regional variations existed (104–186 pmp). Diabetes Mellitus was the primary cause of renal failure (>20%), followed by vascular diseases.
• The prevalence of RRT was 903 pmp, with significant regional differences. 47% of prevalent RRT patients had a functioning transplant. Mortality rates were 13.7% for hemodialysis, 10.8% for peritoneal dialysis, and a low 1.3% for transplant recipients.

Impact:

• The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology of kidney failure and the status of renal replacement therapy in Spain.
• Highlights the significant impact of diabetes as a cause of end-stage renal disease.
• Demonstrates the effectiveness of kidney transplantation with a notably low mortality rate, informing future healthcare strategies and resource allocation.