Scand J Urol Nephrol 25: 59-63, 1991

CHANGING PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS B . Hylander,’ Helene Lundblad’ and C.-M. Kjellstrand’.’ From the ‘Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Knrolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden und the ’Division of Nephrologv, Department of Medicine. Hennepin County Medical Center. Minneapolis, USA

Scand J Urol Nephrol 1991.25:59-63. Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Otago on 12/30/14. For personal use only.

(Submitted September 14. 1989. Accepted for publication December 14, 1989)

Abstract. Patients accepted to chronic hemodialysis have changed. We analyzed these changes and survival. cause of death and other factors during 23 years at the Karolinska Hospital. Between 1965 and 1987, 274 patients were accepted: 60 are alive on dialysis. 75 died, 113 were transplanted, 25 sent to other units and one recovered renal function. The mean age increased from 44 to 55 years (p=O.oOl), the creatinine level at acceptance decreased from I 191 to 965 pmolll (p=O.OOI), the hemoglobin level rose from 70 to 85 g/l @=O.OOl) and the diastolic blood pressure decreased from 96 to 90 mmHg @=0.007). The number of co-morbid conditions increased from 1.2 to 1.4 @