The prognosis for end-stage renal failure in spinal cord injury and spina bifida--Australia and New Zealand, 1970-1991.

BACKGROUND

The outcome of patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) and spinal cord injury or disease has not been clearly documented.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to define the prognosis and social consequences for patients with spinal cord injury or spina bifida (SB) treated for ESRF in Australia and New Zealand from 1970 to 1991.

METHODS

Fifty patients (two groups: 25--spinal cord injury, 25--SB) were identified retrospectively by questionnaire to individual renal units. Additional information was obtained from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry. Dialysis and transplant history, degree of disability and cumulative survival with integrated treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Haemodialysis was the most common form of treatment (75.8% of total treatment time in the spinal cord injury group and 66.1% in the SB group). Home or self-care dialysis for a period of more than six months was achieved in 68% of patients in each group. Ten year cumulative survival with integrated treatment was statistically better in the SB group (p < 0.01). In the 42% of all patients who underwent renal transplantation cumulative patient survival was 94% at one year and 82% at five years, with allograft survival being 73% and 70% respectively. In conclusion ESRF and spinal cord injury or SB has a good prognosis in the longer term with an integrated approach to treatment.