SOME TRENDS IN CHRONIC RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW-ZEALAND, 1997

The incident and prevalent rate of renal failure treatment shows a tre nd towards an older patient population, with more diabetics and non-Ca ucasoid patients. A concurrent increase in comorbid risk factors (main ly vascular) has influenced outcome results. Comparison of outcome sho uld include allowance for the patient mix, and the trend to a trial of dialysis. Most patients have been dialysed at home or at free-standin g (satellite centres). The dialysis prescription for haemodialysis has shown a trend to faster blood flow, longer hours, and more 'biocompat ible' cellulose membranes. Most peritoneal dialysis has disconnection systems, and increasing daily volume of dialysate.