Some trends in chronic renal replacement therapy in Australia and New Zealand, 1997.

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