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Published on: April 12, 2021
Renal replacement therapy in Slovenia: excerpts from 2011 data
Jadranka Buturović-Ponikvar1, Jakob Gubenšek, Miha Arnol
1Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia. jadranka.buturovic@mf.uni-lj.si
Summary
In 2011, Slovenia saw a slight decrease in renal replacement therapy (RRT) patients, the first in 40 years. However, the number of patients with functioning kidney grafts increased to 30%.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Slovenia, with approximately 2 million inhabitants, relies on 24 renal centers for patient care.
- Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is crucial for managing kidney failure in the Slovenian population.
- Accurate data collection is essential for understanding trends in RRT and kidney transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the 2011 Slovenian renal replacement therapy (RRT) data.
- To analyze patient demographics, treatment modalities, and outcomes.
- To track trends in RRT prevalence and kidney graft functioning.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 24 renal centers (23 dialysis, 1 RRT transplant center) with a 100% response rate.
- Analysis of patient data as of December 31, 2011.
- Inclusion of incident patient data (day one) for comprehensive outcome assessment.
Main Results:
- Total RRT patients: 2011 (980 per million population), a 0.4% decrease from 2010.
- Treatment distribution: 67.0% hemodialysis, 3.0% peritoneal dialysis, 30.0% functioning kidney graft.
- Incident RRT patients: 236 (115 pmp), median age 68, 64.8% male, 36.4% diabetic.
- Hemodialysis: 59.3% on-line hemodiafiltration, 86% using ultrapure dialysis fluid.
- Vascular access: 79% native arteriovenous fistula, 6% PTFE graft, 15% catheter.
- Crude death rates: 15.9% (dialysis), 1.9% (transplant recipients), 12.0% (all RRT patients).
- 46 kidney transplantations performed (all deceased donors); 30% of RRT patients had functioning grafts.
Conclusions:
- A slight decrease in prevalent RRT patients was observed in 2011, marking the first decline in 40 years.
- The number and proportion of patients with functioning kidney grafts are increasing, reaching 30%.
- Slovenia's RRT data provides valuable insights into kidney disease management and transplantation trends.
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