Integrated programme of dialysis and renal transplantation. Results in 155 patients

Abstract

155 patients were referred for treatment of irreversible renal failure between Jan. 1, 1970, and Oct. 31, 1974. 8 (5%) patients were not accepted for treatment. An integrated programme of dialysis and transplantation (based on finding a cadaver transplant for every patient) has achieved an actuarial survival-rate of 88% at 1 year and 79% at 4 years. Of those surviving at 4 years, 85% are maintained by a functioning transplant. Only 4/122 transplants have been from living related donors. It is suggested that these results demonstrate that cadaveric transplantation, closely integrated with dialysis, offers an acceptable chance of life and full rehabilitation while not demanding from the community an unacceptable percentage of health resources.