Long-term intermittent haemodialysis in Egypt

Area of Science:

• Nephrology and Public Health

Background:

• Genitourinary disease mortality patterns in Egypt were analyzed using official data.
• Estimates indicate a significant need for regular dialysis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the demand for dialysis in Egypt.
• To propose strategies for optimizing dialysis resource allocation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of mortality data and demographic factors.
• Estimation of the population requiring dialysis.
• Development of a computer-controlled national plan for dialysis organization.

Main Results:

• An estimated 37.7 per million people require regular dialysis.
• Current facilities in 1975 can only accommodate 5% of the estimated need.
• Limited expansion of dialysis facilities is expected due to other prevalent diseases.

Conclusions:

• A national computer-controlled plan is proposed for equitable and effective dialysis patient selection.
• Strategies to reduce end-stage renal failure incidence and maximize facility use are discussed.