Enfermedad renal permanente en Puerto Rico, tendencia de morbilidad y mortalidad 1970-1994 / Permanent renal disease in Puerto Rico, morbidity and mortality trends 1970-1994

To describe the characteristics and trends of the incidence and mortality of End-Stage Renal Diseases (ESRD) in Puerto Rico, a descriptive analysis of the data of all patients treated with dialysis between 1970 through 1994 was conducted. A total of 7,256 patients received dialysis treatment for ESRD in Puerto Rico. Of these, 61 percent were males and 39 percent were females. Diabetes (41.7 percent) and glomerulonephritis (18.3 percent) accounted for the largest number of cases followed by circulatory problems(8.3 percent). Hemodialysis was the predominant treatment modality (76 percent). The incidence trend was significant for the predictor variable period of time after adjusting by age and gender (Poisson). The mortality trend was significant for the predictor variables, period of time, gender and age (Poisson). A substantial increment in the incidence and mortality of persons receiving dialysis was found, particularly in the diabetics, males and elderly persons. The casual explanations of these findings requires further study

Incidence and prevalence of HIV-positive patients on chronic hemodialysis at the university and San Juan Hospital

There is controversy on whether or not patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on chronic hemodialysis (HD) should be routinely tested for the prsence of HIV-antibody (HIV-Ab) in their blood. Several reports have appeared in the literature reporting incidence from 0 to 11%. A total of 227 patients receiving chronic HD; at the University and San Juan City Hospital, from January to December 1987 were screened for the presence of HIV-Ab by the ELISA method. Those reported as positive were confirmed by the Western Blot method. HIV-Ab presence was reported and confirmed in 9 patients (4%). Five of these patients (2%) were IV drug abusers, 2 (0.9%) homosexual, 1 (0.4%) had history of sexual promiscuity and 1 (0.4%) had been exposed to multiple blood transfusion (MBT) prior to HIV testing of blood. Our prevalence was 7%. However when risk factors other than MBT were excluded the prevalence was 0.4%. The incidence and prevalence of HIV positive cases in our hemodialysis populations is comparable to that previously reported