| Theme | Trends of Chronic Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation in the World | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Renal replacement therapy in Germany | |
| Publish Date | 2007/02 | |
| Author | Sumi Hidaka | Department of Internal Medicine, Obitsu Sankei Hospital |
| Author | Mitsumasa Nagase | Department of Internal Medicine, Obitsu Sankei Hospital |
| Author | Hiroaki Ogata | Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Most of those living in Germany have health insurance. Dialysis patients and transplant patients must pay 1 % of their gross income for coverage. As of December 31, 2004, a total of 82,305 German patients were being treated with renal replacement therapy, 74 % were treated with dialysis, the others having functioning renal transplants. In 2004, 16,027 patients commenced renal replacement therapy. This number is increasing yearly. The primary cause of renal disease, (34 %) was diabetes. A total of 10,992 patients were reported to have died in 2004. The prevalence of coronary artery disease is high in Germany. Most patients are dialyzed through arteriovenous fistula. Approximately 2,500 patients receive transplants every year. However, more than 9,000 dialysis patients are waiting for renal transplantation at any one time. |
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