Early referral to a nephrologist improved patient survival: prospective cohort study for end-stage renal disease in Korea.

ABSTRACT: The timing of referral to a nephrologist may influence the outcome of chronic kidney disease patients, but its impact has not been evaluated thoroughly. The results of a recent study showing an association between early referral and patient survival are still being debated. A total of 1028 patients newly diagnosed as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from July 2008 to October 2011 were enrolled. Early referral (ER) was defined as patients meeting with a nephrologist more than a year before dialysis and dialysis education were provided, and all others were considered late referral (LR). The relationship of referral pattern with mortality in ESRD patients was explored using a Cox proportional hazards regression models. Time from referral to dialysis was significantly longer in 599 ER patients t

SUBMITTER: Kim DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3555934 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature