P1517SURVIVAL ON DIALYSIS: SWITZERLAND IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER COUNTRIES - A FOLLOW UP
Abstract Background and Aims Survival in dialysis patients is substantially reduced compared to the general population. The aim of the present analysis was to compare the survival of Swiss dialysis patients with other countries with an additional year of follow up and a higher number of patients. Method Incident dialysis patients (hemo- or peritoneal dialysis; N=4525) from the Swiss dialysis registry were followed up from 2014 on until December 31, 2018 (mean follow up days=684). Deaths occurring during this time (N=976) were recorded and survival was examined using the Kaplan Meier method, censored for transplantation. Results Characteristics of the dialysis population stratified according to survival status are provided in Table 1. Dialysis patients in Switzerland have an approximately 8% higher survival in the first and second year after start of dialysis compared to other European countries (Annual ERA-EDTA Report 2016). In the oldest age group, it amounts to up to 13 and 14%, in the first and in the second year, respectively. The proportion in survival rates between genders is similar in Switzerland, as well as in Europe. Dialysis patients aged younger than 45 years have a worse survival in Switzerland compared to other European countries. Conclusion The markedly better survival in dialysis patients in Switzerland compared to other European countries could be confirmed with an additional year of follow up and more patients. Also, causes of death vary widely among European countries. With an additional year of follow up, data to analyze 5-year survival probability will be available for comparison with the ERA-EDTA report. In addition, we will be able to verify whether dialysis patients under 45 years in Switzerland have an increased mortality or whether this is due to the small number of patients in these two age groups.