UPDATE: A new report suggests that although there are an increasing amount of individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease the rates of Kidney Failure is declining as well as deaths related events in Kidney Failure patients. Reported by Health.com, new research from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) suggests that the over 637,000 Kidney Failure patients that are undergoing Dialysis or have received a Kidney Transplant are “faring better and living longer.”  

ORIGINAL: You should be reassured about your health as someone with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). A recent study stated that dialysis survival rates have “considerably” improved over the past two decades, despite increased comorbidities (two or more coexisting medical conditions or diseases). This difference in survival can be attributed to advancing technologies, earlier referrals, better management of comorbid diseases, and infection avoidance. Though medical advances have positively impacted the mortality rate of the dialysis population, self education and engagement have also contributed to increased life expectancy.

The rate of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) mortality, in particular, has fallen more rapidly compared to that of Hemodialysis due to major improvements in PD delivery, effectiveness, and safety. Specifically, five-year survival on PD has improved by 7.5% over a few decades, and now HD and PD are similar at 33.5% and 33.9%, respectively

Several recent studies indicate that PD is associated with better survival during the first 1-2 years of dialysis whereas HD is associated with better survival thereafter. Due to the difference in early and late survival, some have suggested using a “dual-modality” or “integrative-care” approach with initiation of PD, followed by timely transfer to HD. Even though some studies suggest that starting patients on PD might be beneficial, the absence of supportive data makes it impossible to offer concrete recommendations regarding “dual-modality.”

Your total life expectancy as an individual with ESRD on dialysis has significantly improved during the past two decades. KidneyBuzz.com, notes that age, gender, ethnicity, race, body mass index, educational background, health literacy, and comorbid conditions are specific variables that influence the outcomes of HD or PD treatment. Choosing the right type of dialysis treatment for you will have a great impact not only on health-related outcomes but also on your quality of life. Independent from personal characteristics and preference, the quality of general care will affect the outcomes of dialysis. Thus self education about ESRD, as well as working together with your healthcare team to thoroughly consider the impact of your personal characteristics and social preferences to determine the best treatment option for you, are your keys to leading an extended and improved life.

See the original article here.