Kidney failure amongst Irish Travellers

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Kidney Failure with Replacement Therapy (KFRT) occurrence in the Irish Traveller population is not well-documented.
• This study investigates the burden of KFRT and associated health determinants within this specific demographic.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of KFRT among Irish Travellers.
• To identify demographic and clinical factors influencing KFRT in this population.
• To compare KFRT characteristics with the general Irish population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of self-identifying Irish Travellers with KFRT (1995-2022).
• Data sourced from the National Kidney Disease Clinical Patient Management System.
• Primary outcome: KFRT prevalence; Secondary outcomes: age at diagnosis, KRT modality, transplant times.

Main Results:

• A crude KFRT prevalence of 0.12% (11.9 per 10,000) was observed in Irish Travellers.
• Mean age at diagnosis was 43 years; mean age at KRT initiation was 45 years.
• Haemodialysis was the predominant KRT (89%), with central venous catheters common (79%); 45% received transplants with a mean wait time of 1.96 years.

Conclusions:

• Irish Travellers exhibit KFRT prevalence comparable to the national average.
• A short interval exists between diagnosis and KRT initiation.
• Home therapies are less utilized, but kidney transplant wait times are similar to national averages.