The Sad Truth About Hemodialysis in Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Nine patients with renal failure resulting from diabetic nephropathy were treated by hemodialysis. Average duration of diabetes was 21 years, and mean duration of nephropathy was 26 months. One patient survives after more than three years. Others survived for 9, 20, 19, and 13 months, respectively. Overall mortality was 78% at the end of one year. All patients had problems with clotting or infection of bloodstream access routes or both. All had further visual deterioration. Neuropathy was not accelerated. Muscle-wasting, hypoproteinemia, and fluid overload were common. Dialysis for such patients may be considered as a palliative measure with little likelihood of long-term survival or improvement in quality of life.