Growth in children on kidney replacement therapy: a review of data from patient registries.

Growth retardation is a major complication in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Conversely, better growth in childhood CKD is associated with an improvement in several hard morbidity-mortality endpoints. Data from pediatric international registries has demonstrated that improvements in the overall conservative management of CKD, the search for optimal dialysis, and advances in immunosuppression and kidney transplant techniques have led to a significant improvement of final height over time. Infancy still remains a critical period for adequate linear growth, and the loss of stature during the first years of life influences final height. Preliminary new original data from the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ESPN/ERA-EDTA) Registry confirm an association between the final height and the height attained at 2 years in children on KRT.

Effect of comorbidities on survival in patients >80 years of age at onset of renal replacement therapy: data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is increasing. The survival and quality of life of these patients may be lower if they have multiple comorbidities at the onset of RRT. The aim of this study was to explore whether the effect of comorbidities on survival is similar in elderly RRT patients compared with younger ones. METHODS: Included were 9333 patients ≥80 years of age and 48 352 patients 20-79 years of age starting RRT between 2010 and 2015 from 15 national or regional registries submitting data to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplantation Association Registry. Patients were followed until death or the end of 2016. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and the relative risk of death associated with comorbidities was assessed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients ≥80 years of age had a greater comorbidity burden than younger patients. However, relative risks of death associated with all studied comorbidities (diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and malignancy) were significantly lower in elderly patients compared with younger patients. Also, the increase in absolute mortality rates associated with an increasing number of comorbidities was smaller in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities are common in elderly patients who enter RRT, but the risk of death associated with comorbidities is less than in younger patients. This should be taken into account when assessing the prognosis of elderly RRT patients.

Ten-year trends in epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric kidney replacement therapy in Europe: data from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: For 10 consecutive years, the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry has included data on children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD 5) receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Europe. We examined trends in incidence and prevalence of KRT and patient survival. METHODS: We included all children aged <15 years starting KRT 2007-2016 in 22 European countries participating in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry since 2007. General population statistics were derived from Eurostat. Incidence and prevalence were expressed per million age-related population (pmarp) and time trends studied with JoinPoint regression. We analyzed survival trends using Cox regression. RESULTS: Incidence of children commencing KRT <15 years remained stable over the study period, varying between 5.5 and 6.6 pmarp. Incidence by treatment modality was unchanged over time: 2.0 for hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 1.0 for transplantation. Prevalence increased in all age categories and overall rose 2% annually from 26.4 pmarp in 2007 to 32.1 pmarp in 2016. Kidney transplantation prevalence increased 5.1% annually 2007-2009, followed by 1.5% increase/year until 2016. Prevalence of PD steadily increased 1.4% per year over the entire period, and HD prevalence started increasing 6.1% per year from 2011 onwards. Five-year unadjusted patient survival on KRT was around 94% and similar for those initiating KRT 2007-2009 or 2010-2012 (adjusted HR: 0.98, 95% CI:0.71-1.35). CONCLUSIONS: We found a stable incidence and increasing prevalence of European children on KRT 2007-2016. Five-year patient survival was good and was unchanged over time. These data can inform patients and healthcare providers and aid health policy makers on future resource planning of pediatric KRT in Europe.

Supplemented ERA-EDTA Registry data evaluated the frequency of dialysis, kidney transplantation, and comprehensive conservative management for patients with kidney failure in Europe.

The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of dialysis and kidney transplantation and to estimate the regularity of comprehensive conservative management (CCM) for patients with kidney failure in Europe. This study uses data from the ERA-EDTA Registry. Additionally, our study included supplemental data from Armenia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Slovenia and additional data from Israel, Italy, Slovakia using other information sources. Through an online survey, responding nephrologists estimated the frequency of CCM (i.e. planned holistic care instead of kidney replacement therapy) in 33 countries. In 2016, the overall incidence of replacement therapy for kidney failure was 132 per million population (pmp), varying from 29 (Ukraine) to 251 pmp (Greece). On 31 December 2016, the overall prevalence of kidney replacement therapy was 985 pmp, ranging from 188 (Ukraine) to 1906 pmp (Portugal). The prevalence of peritoneal dialysis (114 pmp) and home hemodialysis (28 pmp) was highest in Cyprus and Denmark respectively. The kidney transplantation rate was nearly zero in some countries and highest in Spain (64 pmp). In 28 countries with five or more responding nephrologists, the median percentage of candidates for kidney replacement therapy who were offered CCM in 2018 varied between none (Slovakia and Slovenia) and 20% (Finland) whereas the median prevalence of CCM varied between none (Slovenia) and 15% (Hungary). Thus, the substantial differences across Europe in the frequency of kidney replacement therapy and CCM indicate the need for improvement in access to various treatment options for patients with kidney failure.

Treatment-resistant hypertension in the hemodialysis population: a 44-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring-based study.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled hypertension notwithstanding the use of at least three drugs or hypertension controlled with at least four drugs, the widely accepted definition of treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH), is considered as a common problem in the hemodialysis population. However, to date there is no estimate of the prevalence of this condition in hemodialysis patients. METHOD: We estimated the prevalence of TRH by 44-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in 506 hemodialysis patients in 10 renal units in Europe included in the registry of the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine (EURECAm,), a working group of the European Association, European Dialysis and Transplantation Association (ERA EDTA). In a sub-group of 114 patients, we tested the relationship between fluid overload (Body Composition monitor) and TRH. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension with 44-h ABPM criteria was estimated at 85.6% (434 out of 506 patients). Of these, 296 (58%) patients were classified as uncontrolled hypertensive patients by 44-h ABPM criteria (≥130/80 mmHg). Two hundred and thirteen patients had uncontrolled hypertension while on treatment with less than three drugs and 210 patients were normotensive while on drug therapy (n = 138) or off drug treatment (n = 72). The prevalence of TRH was 24% (93 among 386 treated hypertensive patients). The prevalence of predialysis fluid overload was 33% among TRH patients, 34% in uncontrolled hypertensive patients and 26% in normotensive patients. The vast majority (67%) of hemodialysis patients with TRH had no fluid overload. CONCLUSION: TRH occurs in about one in four treated hypertensive patients on hemodialysis. Fluid overload per se only in part explains TRH and the 67% of these patients show no fluid overload.

Data from the ERA-EDTA Registry were examined for trends in excess mortality in European adults on kidney replacement therapy.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the improvement in survival seen in patients on kidney replacement therapy reflects the enhanced survival of the general population. Patient and general population statistics were obtained from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry and the World Health Organization databases, respectively. Relative survival models were composed to examine trends over time in all-cause and cause-specific excess mortality, stratified by age and modality of kidney replacement therapy, and adjusted for sex, primary kidney disease and country. In total, 280,075 adult patients started kidney replacement therapy between 2002 and 2015. The excess mortality risk in these patients decreased by 16% per five years (relative excess mortality risk (RER) 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.83-0.84). This reflected a 14% risk reduction in dialysis patients (RER 0.86; 0.85-0.86), and a 16% increase in kidney transplant recipients (RER 1.16; 1.07-1.26). Patients on dialysis showed a decrease in excess mortality risk of 28% per five years for atheromatous cardiovascular disease as the cause of death (RER 0.72; 0.70-0.74), 10% for non-atheromatous cardiovascular disease (RER 0.90; 0.88-0.92) and 10% for infections (RER 0.90; 0.87-0.92). Kidney transplant recipients showed stable excess mortality risks for most causes of death, although it did worsen in some subgroups. Thus, the increase in survival in patients on kidney replacement therapy is not only due to enhanced survival in the general population, but also due to improved survival in the patient population, primarily in dialysis patients.

Sex Differences in Kidney Replacement Therapy Initiation and Maintenance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: More men than women undergo kidney replacement therapy (KRT) despite a larger number of women being affected by CKD. The aim of this multinational European study was to explore whether there might be historic and geographic trends in sex-specific incidence and prevalence of various KRT modalities. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We assessed sex-specific differences in KRT incidence and prevalence using data from nine countries reporting to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry for at least 40 years, during the period 1965-2015. Sex distribution data were compared with the European general population (Eurostat). Statistical methodology included basic descriptive statistics, incidence and prevalence calculations per million population (pmp), as well as their male-to-female ratios. Analyses were stratified by age group and diabetic status. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 230,378 patients receiving KRT (38% women). For all KRT modalities, the incidence and prevalence rates were consistently higher in men than women. For example, the KRT incidence increased from 8 pmp in 1965-1974 to 98 pmp in 2005-2015 in women, whereas it rose from 12 to 173 pmp in men during the same period. Male-to-female ratios, calculated for incident and prevalent KRT patients, increased with age (range 1.2-2.4), showing consistency over decades and for individual countries, despite marked changes in primary kidney disease (diabetes more prevalent than glomerulonephritis in recent decades). The proportion of kidney transplants decreased less with age in incident and prevalent men compared with women on KRT. Stratified analysis of patients who were diabetic versus nondiabetic revealed that the male-to-female ratio was markedly higher for kidney transplantation in patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Since the beginning of KRT programs reporting to the ERA-EDTA Registry since the 1960s, fewer women than men have received KRT. The relative difference between men and women initiating and undergoing KRT has remained consistent over the last five decades and in all studied countries.

Transition Between Different Renal Replacement Modalities: Gaps in Knowledge and Care-The Integrated Research Initiative.

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have different options to replace the function of their failing kidneys. The "integrated care" model considers treatment pathways rather than individual renal replacement therapy (RRT) techniques. In such a paradigm, the optimal strategy to plan and enact transitions between the different modalities is very relevant, but so far, only limited data on transitions have been published. Perspectives of patients, caregivers, and health professionals on the process of transitioning are even less well documented. Available literature suggests that poor coordination causes significant morbidity and mortality.This review briefly provides the background, development, and scope of the INTErnational Group Research Assessing Transition Effects in Dialysis (INTEGRATED) initiative. We summarize the literature on the transition between different RRT modalities. Further, we present an international research plan to quantify the epidemiology and to assess the qualitative aspects of transition between different modalities.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy in Europe: Results From the ERA-EDTA Registry.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Data for outcomes of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) are limited. We examined the incidence and prevalence of ESRD due to scleroderma in Europe and the outcomes among these patients following initiation of RRT. STUDY DESIGN: Registry study of incidence and prevalence and a matched cohort study of clinical outcomes. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Patients represented in any of 19 renal registries that provided data to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry between 2002 and 2013. PREDICTOR: Scleroderma as the identified cause of ESRD. OUTCOMES: Incidence and prevalence of ESRD from scleroderma. Recovery from RRT dependence, patient survival after ESRD, and graft survival after kidney transplantation. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Incidence and prevalence were calculated using population data from the European Union and standardized to population characteristics in 2005. Patient and graft survival were compared with 2 age- and sex-matched control groups without scleroderma: (1) diabetes mellitus as the cause of ESRD and (2) conditions other than diabetes mellitus as the cause of ESRD. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression. RESULTS: 342 patients with scleroderma (0.14% of all incident RRT patients) were included. Between 2002 and 2013, the range of adjusted annual incidence and prevalence rates of RRT for ESRD due to scleroderma were 0.11 to 0.26 and 0.73 to 0.95 per million population, respectively. Recovery of independent kidney function was greatest in the scleroderma group (7.6% vs 0.7% in diabetes mellitus and 2.0% in other primary kidney diseases control group patients, both P<0.001), though time required to achieve recovery was longer. The 5-year survival probability from day 91 of RRT among patients with scleroderma was 38.9% (95% CI, 32.0%-45.8%), whereas 5-year posttransplantation patient survival and 5-year allograft survival were 88.2% (95% CI, 75.3%-94.6%) and 72.4% (95% CI, 55.0%-84.0%), respectively. Adjusted mortality from day 91 on RRT was higher among patients with scleroderma than observed in both control groups (HRs of 1.25 [95% CI, 1.05-1.48] and 2.00 [95% CI, 1.69-2.39]). In contrast, patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation did not differ between patients with scleroderma and control groups. LIMITATIONS: No data for extrarenal manifestations, treatment, or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients with scleroderma who receive dialysis for more than 90 days was worse than for those with other causes of ESRD. Patient survival after transplantation was similar to that observed among patients with ESRD due to other conditions. Patients with scleroderma had a higher rate of recovery from RRT dependence than controls.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. Methods. We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results. In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. Conclusions. There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Comparar los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal (TSFR) para la nefropatía terminal en América Latina y Europa, así como estudiar las diferencias en cuanto a indicadores macroeconómicos, características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, tasas de mortalidad y causas de defunción entre estas dos poblaciones. Métodos. Utilizamos los datos de 20 registros renales latinoamericanos y 49 europeos, a nivel nacional y subnacional, que le habían proporcionado datos al Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal (RLADTR) y al Registro de la Asociación Europea Renal–Asociación Europea de Diálisis y Trasplantes (ERA-EDTA, por su sigla en inglés), respectivamente. Se calculó la incidencia y la prevalencia del TSFR en el 2013 por millón de habitantes, en total y por subcategoría (edad, sexo, nefropatía primaria y modalidad de tratamiento). Se analizó la correlación entre el producto interno bruto y la prevalencia de TSFR mediante regresión lineal. Se evaluaron las tendencias en la prevalencia de TSFR entre el 2004 y el 2013 mediante un análisis de regresiones lineales segmentadas. Resultados. En el 2013, la incidencia general al día 91 después de iniciar el tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal era de 181 por millón de habitantes en los países latinoamericanos y de 130 en los países europeos. La prevalencia general era de 660 por millón de habitantes para América Latina y de 782 para Europa. En los países latinoamericanos, el aumento anual promedio de la prevalencia fue de 4,0% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 2,5%-5,6%) entre el 2004 y el 2013, mientras que los países europeos registraron un aumento anual promedio de 2,2% (IC de 95%: 2,0%-2,4%) durante el mismo período. La tasa bruta de mortalidad fue mayor en América Latina que en Europa (112 defunciones por 1 000 años-paciente, en comparación con 100 defunciones), y las enfermedades cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en ambas regiones. Conclusiones. Hay considerables diferencias entre América Latina y Europa en cuanto a los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal para la nefropatía terminal. Es necesario hacer más investigaciones para explorar las razones de tales diferencias.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Comparar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com doença renal em estágio final (DREF) em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) na América Latina e na Europa e examinar as diferenças nos indicadores macroeconômicos, características demográficas e clínicas, taxas de mortalidade e causas de morte entre as duas populações de pacientes. Métodos. O estudo foi baseado em informação de 20 registros latino-americanos e 49 registros nacionais e subnacionais europeus que haviam fornecido dados ao Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal (RLADTR) e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante (ERA-EDTA), respectivamente. A incidência e a prevalência de TRS em 2013 foram calculadas por milhão de habitantes (pmh), geral e por subcategorias de idade, sexo, doença renal primária e modalidade de tratamento. A correlação entre o produto interno bruto (PIB) e a prevalência de TRS foi analisada com o uso de regressão linear. Tendências na prevalência de TRS entre 2004 e 2013 foram analisadas com o uso de regressão linear segmentada. Resultados. Em 2013, a incidência geral ao dia 91 do início de TRS foi 181 pmh nos países latino-americanos e 130 pmh nos países europeus. Observou-se uma prevalencia geral de TRS de 660 pmh na América Latina e 782 pmh na Europa. No período 2004–2013, o aumento médio anual da prevalência foi de 4,0% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 2,5%–5,6%) nos países latino-americanos, enquanto que houve um aumento médio anual de 2,2% (IC 95% 2,0%–2,4%) nos países europeus. A taxa de mortalidade bruta foi maior na América Latina que na Europa (112 versus 100 óbitos por 1.000 pacientes-anos) e doença cardiovascular foi a principal causa de morte em ambas as regiões. Conclusões. Existem diferenças consideráveis entre a América Latina e a Europa no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com DREF em TRS. Outras pesquisas devem ser realizadas para investigar mais a fundo estas diferenças.

Factors associating with differences in the incidence of renal replacement therapy among elderly: data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

Background: The incidence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the general population ≥75 years of age varies considerably between countries and regions in Europe. Our aim was to study characteristics and survival of elderly RRT patients and to find explanations for differences in RRT incidence. Methods: Patients ≥75 years of age at the onset of RRT in 2010-2013 from 29 national or regional registries providing data to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry were included. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess variation in patient characteristics and linear regression was used to study the association between RRT incidence and various factors. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were employed for survival analyses. Results: The mean annual incidence of RRT in the age group ≥75 years of age ranged from 157 to 924 per million age-related population. The median age at the start of RRT was higher and comorbidities were less common in areas with higher RRT incidence, but overall the association between patient characteristics and RRT incidence was weak. The unadjusted survival was lower in high-incidence areas due to an older age at onset of RRT, but the adjusted survival was similar [relative risk 1.00 (95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.03)] in patients from low- and high-incidence areas. Conclusions: Variation in the incidence of RRT among the elderly across European countries and regions is remarkable and could not be explained by the available data. However, the survival of patients in low- and high-incidence areas was remarkably similar.

Changes in co-morbidity pattern in patients starting renal replacement therapy in Europe-data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

Background: Patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease often present with one or more co-morbidities. This study explored the prevalence of co-morbidities in patients who started RRT in Europe during the period from 2005 to 2014. Methods: Using data from patients aged 20 years or older from all 11 national or regional registries providing co-morbidity data to the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry, we examined the prevalence of the following co-morbidities: diabetes mellitus (DM) (primary renal disease and/or co-morbidity), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and malignancy. Results: Overall, 70% of 7578 patients who initiated RRT in 2014 presented with at least one co-morbidity: 39.0% presented with DM, 25.0% with IHD, 22.3% with CHF, 17.7% with PVD, 16.4% with malignancy and 15.5% with CVD. These percentages differed substantially between countries. Co-morbidities were more common in men than in women, in older patients than in younger patients, and in patients on haemodialysis at Day 91 when compared with patients on peritoneal dialysis. Between 2005 and 2014 the prevalence of DM and malignancy increased over time, whereas the prevalence of IHD and PVD declined. Conclusions: More than two-thirds of patients initiating RRT in Europe have at least one co-morbidity. With the rising age at the start of RRT over the last decade, there have been changes in the co-morbidity pattern: the prevalence of cardiovascular co-morbidities decreased, while the prevalence of DM and malignancy increased.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. METHODS: We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS: In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. CONCLUSIONS: There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

Outcomes of renal replacement therapy in boys with prune belly syndrome: findings from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: As outcome data for prune belly syndrome (PBS) complicated by end-stage renal disease are scarce, we analyzed characteristics and outcomes of children with PBS using the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ESPN/ERA-EDTA) Registry data. METHODS: Data were available for 88 male PBS patients aged <20 years who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) between 1990 and 2013 in 35 European countries. Patient characteristics, survival, and transplantation outcomes were compared with those of male patients requiring RRT due to congenital obstructive uropathy (COU) and renal hypoplasia or dysplasia (RHD). RESULTS: Median age at onset of RRT in PBS was lower [7.0; interquartile range (IQR) 0.9-12.2 years] than in COU (9.6; IQR: 3.0-14.1 years) and RHD (9.4; IQR: 2.7-14.2 years). Unadjusted 10-year patient survival was 85% for PBS, 94% for COU, and 91% for RHD. After adjustment for country, period, and age, PBS mortality was similar to that of RHD but higher compared with COU [hazard ratio (HR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-3.74]. Seventy-four PBS patients (84%) received a first kidney transplant after a median time on dialysis of 8.4 (IQR 0.0-21.1) months. Outcomes with respect to time on dialysis before transplantation, chance of receiving a first transplant within 2 years after commencing RRT, and death-censored, adjusted risk of graft loss were similar for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study in the largest cohort of male patients with PBS receiving RRT to date demonstrates that outcomes are comparable with other congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, except for a slightly higher mortality risk compared with patients with COU.

The epidemiology of renal replacement therapy in two different parts of the world: the Latin American Dialysis and Transplant Registry versus the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry / Datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal en dos partes del mundo: el Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal frente al Registro de la Asociación Europea de Nefrología y Asociación Europea de Diálisis y trasplante / Epidemiologia da terapia renal substitutiva em dois pontos distintos do planeta: Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the epidemiology of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America and Europe, as well as to study differences in macroeconomic indicators, demographic and clinical patient characteristics, mortality rates, and causes of death between these two populations. Methods We used data from 20 Latin American and 49 European national and subnational renal registries that had provided data to the Latin American Dialysis and Renal Transplant Registry (RLADTR) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, respectively. The incidence and prevalence of RRT in 2013 were calculated per million population (pmp), overall and by subcategories of age, sex, primary renal disease, and treatment modality. The correlation between gross domestic product and the prevalence of RRT was analyzed using linear regression. Trends in the prevalence of RRT between 2004 and 2013 were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results In 2013, the overall incidence at day 91 after the onset of RRT was 181 pmp for Latin American countries and 130 pmp for European countries. The overall prevalence was 660 pmp for Latin America and 782 pmp for Europe. In the Latin American countries, the annual increase in the prevalence averaged 4.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5%-5.6%) from 2004 to 2013, while the European countries showed an average annual increase of 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-2.4%) for the same time period. The crude mortality rate was higher in Latin America than in Europe (112 versus 100 deaths per 1 000 patient-years), and cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death in both of those regions. Conclusions There are considerable differences between Latin America and Europe in the epidemiology of RRT for ESRD. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for these differences.

RESUMEN Objetivo Comparar los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal (TSFR) para la nefropatía terminal en América Latina y Europa, así como estudiar las diferencias en cuanto a indicadores macroeconómicos, características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, tasas de mortalidad y causas de defunción entre estas dos poblaciones. Métodos Utilizamos los datos de 20 registros renales latinoamericanos y 49 europeos, a nivel nacional y subnacional, que le habían proporcionado datos al Registro Latinoamericano de Diálisis y Trasplante Renal (RLADTR) y al Registro de la Asociación Europea Renal-Asociación Europea de Diálisis y Trasplantes (ERA-EDTA, por su sigla en inglés), respectivamente. Se calculó la incidencia y la prevalencia del TSFR en el 2013 por millón de habitantes, en total y por subcategoría (edad, sexo, nefropatía primaria y modalidad de tratamiento). Se analizó la correlación entre el producto interno bruto y la prevalencia de TSFR mediante regresión lineal. Se evaluaron las tendencias en la prevalencia de TSFR entre el 2004 y el 2013 mediante un análisis de regresiones lineales segmentadas. Resultados En el 2013, la incidencia general al día 91 después de iniciar el tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal era de 181 por millón de habitantes en los países latinoamericanos y de 130 en los países europeos. La prevalencia general era de 660 por millón de habitantes para América Latina y de 782 para Europa. En los países latinoamericanos, el aumento anual promedio de la prevalencia fue de 4,0% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 2,5%-5,6%) entre el 2004 y el 2013, mientras que los países europeos registraron un aumento anual promedio de 2,2% (IC de 95%: 2,0%-2,4%) durante el mismo período. La tasa bruta de mortalidad fue mayor en América Latina que en Europa (112 defunciones por 1 000 años-paciente, en comparación con 100 defunciones), y las enfermedades cardiovasculares fueron la principal causa de muerte en ambas regiones. Conclusiones Hay considerables diferencias entre América Latina y Europa en cuanto a los datos epidemiológicos del tratamiento sustitutivo de la función renal para la nefropatía terminal. Es necesario hacer más investigaciones para explorar las razones de tales diferencias.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com doença renal em estágio final (DREF) em terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) na América Latina e na Europa e examinar as diferenças nos indicadores macroeconômicos, características demográficas e clínicas, taxas de mortalidade e causas de morte entre as duas populações de pacientes. Métodos O estudo foi baseado em informação de 20 registros latino-americanos e 49 registros nacionais e subnacionais europeus que haviam fornecido dados ao Registro Latino-Americano de Diálise e Transplante Renal (RLADTR) e Registro da Associação Europeia de Nefrologia e Associação Europeia de Diálise e Transplante (ERA-EDTA), respectivamente. A incidência e a prevalência de TRS em 2013 foram calculadas por milhão de habitantes (pmh), geral e por subcategorias de idade, sexo, doença renal primária e modalidade de tratamento. A correlação entre o produto interno bruto (PIB) e a prevalência de TRS foi analisada com o uso de regressão linear. Tendências na prevalência de TRS entre 2004 e 2013 foram analisadas com o uso de regressão linear segmentada. Resultados Em 2013, a incidência geral ao dia 91 do início de TRS foi 181 pmh nos países latino-americanos e 130 pmh nos países europeus. Observou-se uma prevalência geral de TRS de 660 pmh na América Latina e 782 pmh na Europa. No período 2004-2013, o aumento médio anual da prevalência foi de 4,0% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 2,5%-5,6%) nos países latino-americanos, enquanto que houve um aumento médio anual de 2,2% (IC 95% 2,0%-2,4%) nos países europeus. A taxa de mortalidade bruta foi maior na América Latina que na Europa (112 versus 100 óbitos por 1.000 pacientes-anos) e doença cardiovascular foi a principal causa de morte em ambas as regiões. Conclusões Existem diferenças consideráveis entre a América Latina e a Europa no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com DREF em TRS. Outras pesquisas devem ser realizadas para investigar mais a fundo estas diferenças.

Mortality risk disparities in children receiving chronic renal replacement therapy for the treatment of end-stage renal disease across Europe: an ESPN-ERA/EDTA registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: We explored the variation in country mortality rates in the paediatric population receiving renal replacement therapy across Europe, and estimated how much of this variation could be explained by patient-level and country-level factors. METHODS: In this registry analysis, we extracted patient data from the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ESPN/ERA-EDTA) Registry for 32 European countries. We included incident patients younger than 19 years receiving renal replacement therapy. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and the explained variation were modelled for patient-level and country-level factors with multilevel Cox regression. The primary outcome studied was all-cause mortality while on renal replacement therapy. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2013, the overall 5 year renal replacement therapy mortality rate was 15·8 deaths per 1000 patient-years (IQR 6·4-16·4). France had a mortality rate (9·2) of more than 3 SDs better, and Russia (35·2), Poland (39·9), Romania (47·4), and Bulgaria (68·6) had mortality rates more than 3 SDs worse than the European average. Public health expenditure was inversely associated with mortality risk (per SD increase, aHR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52-0·91) and explained 67% of the variation in renal replacement therapy mortality rates between countries. Child mortality rates showed a significant association with renal replacement therapy mortality, albeit mediated by macroeconomics (eg, neonatal mortality reduced from 1·31 [95% CI 1·13-1·53], p=0·0005, to 1·21 [0·97-1·51], p=0·10). After accounting for country distributions of patient age, the variation in renal replacement therapy mortality rates between countries increased by 21%. INTERPRETATION: Substantial international variation exists in paediatric renal replacement therapy mortality rates across Europe, most of which was explained by disparities in public health expenditure, which seems to limit the availability and quality of paediatric renal care. Differences between countries in their ability to accept and treat the youngest patients, who are the most complex and costly to treat, form an important source of disparity within this population. Our findings can be used by policy makers and health-care providers to explore potential strategies to help reduce these health disparities. FUNDING: ERA-EDTA and ESPN.

Lifetime risk of renal replacement therapy in Europe: a population-based study using data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

Background: Upcoming KDIGO guidelines for the evaluation of living kidney donors are expected to move towards a personal risk-based evaluation of potential donors. We present the age and sex-specific lifetime risk of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease in 10 European countries. Methods: We defined lifetime risk of RRT as the cumulative incidence of RRT up to age 90 years. We obtained RRT incidence rates per million population by 5-year age groups and sex using data from the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) Registry, and used these to estimate the cumulative incidence of RRT, adjusting for competing mortality risk. Results: Lifetime risk of RRT varied from 0.44% to 2.05% at age 20 years and from 0.17% to 1.59% at age 70 years across countries, and was twice as high in men as in women. Lifetime RRT risk decreased with age, ranging from an average of 0.77% to 0.44% in 20- to- 70-year-old women, and from 1.45% to 0.96% in 20- to- 70-year-old men. The lifetime risk of RRT increased slightly over the past decade, more so in men than in women. However, it appears to have stabilized or even decreased slightly in more recent years. Conclusions: The lifetime risk of RRT decreased with age, was lower in women as compared with men of equal age and varied considerably throughout Europe. Given the substantial differences in lifetime risk of RRT between the USA and Europe, country-specific estimates should be used in the evaluation and communication of the risk of RRT for potential living kidney donors.

Timing of renal replacement therapy does not influence survival and growth in children with congenital nephrotic syndrome caused by mutations in NPHS1: data from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) of the Finnish type, NPHS1, is the most severe form of CNS. Outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in NPHS1 patients in Europe were analysed using data from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry. As NPHS1 is most prevalent in Finland and the therapeutic approach differs from that in many other countries, we compared outcomes in Finnish and other European patients. METHODS: NPHS1 mutations were confirmed in 170 children with CNS who initiated RRT (dialysis or renal transplantation) between 1991 and 2012. Finnish (n = 66) and non-Finnish NPHS1 patients (n = 104) were compared with respect to treatment policy, age at first RRT and renal transplantation (RTX), patient and graft survival, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and growth. Age-matched patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) served as controls. RESULTS: Finnish NPHS1 patients were significantly younger than non-Finnish patients, both at the start of RRT and at the time of RTX. We found similar overall 5-year patient survival on RRT (91 %) and graft survival (89 %) in both NPHS1 groups and CAKUT controls. At the start of RRT, height standard deviation score (SDS) was higher in Finnish patients than in non-Finnish patients (mean [95 % CI]: -1.31 [-2.13 to -0.49] and -3.0 [-4.22 to -1.91], p < 0.01 respectively), but not at 5 years of age. At 5 years of age height and body mass index (BMI) SDS were similar to those of CAKUT controls. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 5-year patient and graft survival of both Finnish and non-Finnish NPHS1 patients on RRT were excellent and comparable with CAKUT patients with equally early RRT onset and was independent of the timing of RRT initiation and RTX.

The changing trends and outcomes in renal replacement therapy: data from the ERA-EDTA Registry.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the time trends in incidence, prevalence, patient and kidney allograft survival and causes of death (COD) in patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Europe. METHODS: Eighteen national or regional renal registries providing data to the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry between 1998 and 2011 were included. Incidence and prevalence time trends between 2001 and 2011 were studied with Joinpoint and Poisson regression. Patient and kidney allograft survival and COD between 1998 and 2011 were analysed using Kaplan-Meier and competing risk methods and Cox regression. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2008, the adjusted incidence of RRT rose by 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6, 1.7) annually to 131 per million population (pmp). During 2008-2011, the adjusted incidence fell by 2.2% (95% CI: -4.2, -0.2) annually to 125 pmp. This decline occurred predominantly in patients aged 45-64 years, 65-74 years and in the primary renal diseases diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, renovascular disease and glomerulonephritis. Between 2001 and 2011, the overall adjusted prevalence increased from 724 to 1032 pmp (+3.3% annually, 95% CI: 2.8, 3.8). The adjusted 5-year patient survival on RRT improved between 1998-2002 and 2003-2007 [adjusted hazard ratio (HRa) 0.85, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.86]. Comparing these time periods, the risk of cardiovascular deaths fell by 25% (HRa 0.75, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.77). However the risk of malignant death rose by 9% (HRa 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16) in patients ≥65 years. CONCLUSION: This European study shows a declining RRT incidence, particularly in patients aged 45-64 years, 65-74 years and secondary to diabetic nephropathy. Encouragingly, the adjusted RRT patient survival continues to improve. The risk of cardiovascular death has decreased, though the risk of death from malignancy has increased in the older population.