Brazilian Dialysis Survey 2020

Abstract

Introduction: National data on chronic dialysis treatment are essential to support the development of health policies aimed at improving the treatment for thousands of people. Objective: To report epidemiological data from the 2020 Brazilian Dialysis Survey, sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Nephrology. Methods: A survey was carried out in Brazilian chronic dialysis centers using an online questionnaire for the year, covering clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients in a chronic dialysis program, data on dialysis therapy, characteristics of dialysis units and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 235 (28%) of the centers responded to the questionnaire. In July 2020, the estimated total number of patients on dialysis was 144,779. The estimated prevalence and incidence rates of patients per million population (pmp) were 684 and 209, respectively. Of the prevalent patients, 92.6% were on hemodialysis (HD) and 7.4% were on peritoneal dialysis (PD); 23% were on the transplant waiting list. A central venous catheter was used by a quarter of patients on HD. The incidence rate of confirmed COVID-19 between February and July 2020 was 684/10,000 dialysis patients, and the lethality rate was 25.7%. The estimated overall mortality and COVID-19 crude annual mortality rates were 24.5 and 4.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The absolute number of patients on chronic dialysis and prevalence rate continued to increase. The low use of PD as dialysis therapy was maintained and the use of long-term catheters for HD increased. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the increase in the overall mortality rate.

Use of probiotics in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a randomized clinical trial

“…The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Brazil has increased significantly. According to the 2020 Brazilian Dialysis Census, an estimated 144,779 individuals were on dialysis in the nation, in line with the increase seen in recent years 1 . An estimated 44,264 new patients sought care in dialysis centers in Brazil in 2020 1 .…”

Incremental peritoneal dialysis after unplanned start initiation

“…Besides allowing patients to choose between PD and HD when both treatments were indicated, the number of patients on PD increased by 150% and currently represents 30% of the dialysis patients in our clinic. According to a national survey, only 7.4% of chronic dialysis patients were on PD in Brazil in 2020 (19). Our outcomes in patients who started unplanned PD compared to planned PD were recently analyzed, and 30-day complications and first-year outcomes were similar in both groups (15).…”

The new Brazilian Dialysis Census

“…The 2020 Brazilian Dialysis Census published by Nerbass et al 2 shares relevant information and showcases comparisons against the findings of the census surveys published in 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2021. The Census shows that the absolute number of patients on chronic dialysis and prevalence continue to grow.…”

“…Notably, the article by Nerbass et al 2 contributed substantially to the comprehension of the impact of COVID-19 on the incidence and outcomes of patients on dialysis and described, albeit indirectly, the huge efforts made by dialysis teams to address this daunting public health crisis. The 2020 Census is a landmark document in the quality with which it presents relevant data and a must read for all active staff and healthcare workers training to work in dialysis centers.…”