[Choosing not to dialysis in chronic renal failure in stage V (Renal Failure). Evolution of the characteristics of patients between 1992-1995 and 2000-2003].

BACKGROUND: The incidence of chronic renal failure increase with the age. The selection of patient to dialysis has been increasing in spite of the high comorbidity. Moreover, in our clinical practice the aged patient is not contraindicated to dialysis. However, in the nephrology clinical practice not all the patients start the treatment with dialysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study has been to compare the characteristics of the patients who had not been dialyzed between the periods 1992-1995 and 2000-2003 to analyze the trend of the nephrology clinical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative study of the characteristics and the evolution of patients with chronic renal failure in stage V, (renal failure) not incorporated to dialysis in one hospital during four years between the periods the 1992-1995 ( period A) and 2000-2003 (period B).

RESULTS: Start dialysis (period A versus period B): 116 patients, age 59.9+15.5 years vs. 229 patients, age 64.0+15.8 years (p<0.05). Non-dialysis (period A versus period B): 38 patients, age 77.5+9.3 years vs. 37 patients, age 81.7+6.2 years (p<0.01). Renal function: serum creatinina 7.4+2.4 mg/dl vs. 5.3+1.2 mg/dl (p<0.001), MDRD estimate glomerular filtration 6.9+2.4 mg/dl ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 10.0+2.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p<0.001). Primary renal disease: unknown etiology 31.5 % vs. 24.3 %, nephroangiosclerosis 23.6 % vs. 32.4 %, diabetes 28.9 % vs. 21.6 %. Functional status: dependent patients 34.2 % vs 83.8 % (p<0.001). The principal reason for non-dialysis were: personal decision: 26.3 % vs. 35.1 %, dementia 15.8 % vs. 29.7 %, brief life expectancy because of serious co-existing diseases 13.1 % vs. 21.7 % and serious chronic illness with inability for themselves care 44.7 % vs. 13.1 %. Comorbid conditions: 2.3+1.0 vs. 3.0+1.5 (p<0.05). Survival: 55+168 days vs. 168+236 days (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Most of the patients that don't begin dialysis are elderly together with a poor functional capacity and with more autonomy in their decisions. The identification of patients with renal failure (stage V) was detected early in the last period than in the following one. The conservative management of non-dialyzed uremic patients is a significative nephrology clinical practice due to more survival of those persons.