Factors associated with initiation of chronic renal replacement therapy for patients with kidney failure

Patients with kidney failure sometimes do not receive chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT), even though this may reduce their life expectancy. This study aimed to identify factors associated with initiation of chronic RRT.

This cohort study was conducted with Albertans aged >18 years between May 2002 and March 2009, using linked data from the provincial renal programs, clinical laboratories, and provincial health ministry. This study focused on those who developed kidney failure, defined by an estimated GFR (eGFR) <15 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at last measurement during follow-up, together with prior CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at least 90 days earlier). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine factors significantly associated with initiation of chronic RRT.

In total, 7901 participants had eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at last measurement. After adjustment, older participants were less likely to initiate chronic RRT. Remote residence location, dementia, and metastatic cancer also decreased the likelihood of initiating RRT. The cumulative probability of initiating RRT during follow-up was 76.8% for urban-dwelling men aged <50 years without comorbidity, but was only 3.2% among remote-dwelling women aged ≥70 years with dementia and metastatic cancer. In contrast, patients with diabetes and heavy/severe proteinuria were more likely to initiate chronic RRT.

There is substantial variability in the likelihood of RRT initiation for patients with eGFR <15 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Further studies are needed to delineate factors that influence this outcome.