Risk factors in chronic haemodialysis.

A survival analysis was performed in 1,453 patients treated by chronic haemodialysis and prospectively followed up in the computerised French Diaphane Dialysis Registry. Risk factors found for overall and cardiovascular mortality are age, male sex, high systolic of diastolic blood pressure, low body mass index and low predialysis values of cholesterol, triglycerides, haematocrit, urea, creatinine and potassium. These results confirm the importance of optimal blood pressure control. They indicate that the nutritional state may play a more vital role than certain cardio-vascular risk factors found in the general population.