UK Renal Registry 12th Annual Report (December 2009): chapter 16: international comparisons with the UK RRT programme

International comparisons between renal registries are important to highlight epidemiological and practice differences in RRT provision between countries. This report aims to compare the rates of RRT incidence and prevalence in the UK with a number of different countries.

Data from 19 countries or regions between 2003 and 2007 from four international renal registries were analysed. Rates of RRT incidence, prevalence, transplantation and dialysis modality were compared. A crude mortality rate for each country was calculated.

Despite continued growth, the UK ranked 16th highest in incidence rate and 15th in prevalence rate in 2007. This may partly be related to successful primary care preventing stage 5 CKD. The UK had the 8th fastest rate of increase in RRT prevalence of 18 countries (4.2%/ year). The age profile of UK RRT patients was comparable with other countries. The UK had the 6th highest use of home dialysis therapies. The UK has the 8th highest incidence and 9th highest prevalence rate of kidney transplantation of 16 countries.

Meeting the growing demand for RRT is a problem for all countries that choose to offer it. The UK continues to provide for growth in demand for RRT.