Inequalities in chronic dialysis and transplantation in Sweden

Abstract

We studied the chance of receiving dialysis and transplantation in Sweden and Stockholm based on age and sex. The number of patients accepted for chronic dialysis, divided into men and women or five age groups, were set in relation to the number of patients who died of ESRD (end-stage renal disease) in the same groups. The transplanted patients were likewise related to patients waiting on chronic dialysis. Although older patients were increasingly accepted for treatment, age is still strongly inversely correlated to acceptance. Thus in 1985, young patients aged 16-39 years had an 85% chance of being dialyzed, but patients over age 70 had only a 17% chance. Of potential male candidates, 44% received dialysis, but only 38% of women received it. Similar age, but less sex inequality, existed in the selection of patients for transplantation. In Sweden, age and sex influence the selection of patients for dialysis and transplantation.