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Tuesday, 31 January 2006 12:35

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Dialysis targets being missed

A study by the UK Renal Registry has revealed that most UK kidney disease care centres are falling short of a key standard for dialysis treatment.

The study, carried out for the Renal Association and Kidney Research UK, surveyed 62 out of the 72 centres and found infection rates were high, with many insufficiently prepared for treatment.

The survey also found that only 43 per cent of patients treated for kidney failure received ideal treatment – including those receiving kidney transplants.

Furthermore, the report revealed delays in diagnoses and operations, and high rates of MRSA in treatment centres.

Researchers looked at vascular dialyses – the way in which patients are connected to a dialysis machine. Vascular access can be through a surgically formed fistula or by a plastic tube (catheter).

A fistula is recommended for patients undergoing haemodialysis as it leads to improved efficiency and reduced infection rates. However, the survey found that only a third of dialysis patients overall were given a fistula.

The study also found that haemodialysis patients account for up to 10 per cent of all hospital MRSA infections.

Professor John Feehally, a leading nephrologist, and President of the Renal Association says: "These results highlight the need for improvements in treatment for kidney patients on dialysis.

"We already know some of the changes that are needed in the complex care pathway for kidney patients - and we are all committed to working together to make them happen."

Professor Charles Pusey, Chairman of Kidney Research UK says: "These results show that too many patients are starting haemodialysis without definitive vascular access.

"This is contributing to a high incidence of infection and to additional hospital stays.

"There is wide variability between different renal units, and there is clearly a need to improve performance nationally."

Professor Dame Carol Black, President of the Royal College of Physicians, said: "The evidence collected by this survey is vital to the future well-being of patients on dialysis.

"Now that we know the difficulties faced in gaining vascular access and the reasons why, we can work together to spread good practice across the NHS to ensure patients will not in future suffer from infections and increased stays in hospital."

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