PATIENTS SURVIVING MORE THAN 10 YEARS ON HEMODIALYSIS - THE NATURAL-HISTORY OF THE COMPLICATIONS OF TREATMENT

Background. The purpose of this survey was to describe the natural his tory of complications in 52 long-surviving haemodialysis patients to o btain a clearer picture of the impact these patients have on the dialy sis population. This is important as they are often no longer suitable for transplantation and therefore are destined to remain on dialysis for the rest of their lives. Methods. The patients who survived for mo re than 10 years on haemodialysis alone were studied. Information was obtained from patients' records and from the renal unit computer. Resu lts. Mean age at start of dialysis was 43 years and mean duration of H D 14.5 years. Renal failure was most commonly due to polycystic kidney disease or glomerulonephritis. Sixty-two per cent of patients develop ed cardiovascular disease, 78% complained of joint pains, 72% had a pa rathyroidectomy, and 50% developed carpal-tunnel syndrome. Two hundred and forty-five episodes of infection were recorded, 41% related to va scular access acquired in hospital or on immunosuppression. Only three infections occurred which could be described as opportunistic. Twelve patients were hepatitis C positive. In the 37 patients who have died, cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death. Compared t o other patients who started on dialysis before 1986 but who had a suc cessful transplant the survival of patients on haemodialysis is much w orse. Conclusion. Long-term survival on renal replacement therapy is d ependent on successful transplantation. Complications, morbidity, and mortality are high after 10 years of dialysis.