More than 72 per cent of dialysis patients do not undergo prescribed treatment: Nephroplus Study

South India ahead in awareness and adoption of dialysis treatment; cross infection still rampant in the country

While three sessions per week is the globally accepted minimum treatment modality for kidney failure also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD), the majority, 72 per cent of patients in India opt for lesser frequency adversely affecting their longevity and quality of the life states NephroPlus Study. Of the 72 per cent, 65 per cent choose twice a week modality instead of thrice as prescribed and seven per cent opted for once a week modality. As per the findings, the patient behaviour to under-treat themselves is an outcome of their lack of affordability and also understanding of the implications of under-treatment. Clinically, worldwide, it is proven that under treatment puts the patients at risk with most common outcome being cardiac arrest.

The research analyses evolution of dialysis practices and current trends in India. The findings are a result of detailed study conducted amongst over 1,300 patients between January 2013 and July 2014 across 10 states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh). Out of the centres covered 84 per cent were hospital-based centres and 16 per cent were free-standing centres. Of these, 55 per cent, 28 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively were in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.

Elaborating about the research, Kamal Shah, Co-founder & Director of Patient Services, NephroPlus said, “With more than two lakh people developing Kidney failure every year, kidney disease is one of the most chronic epidemics to affect the country, but it is widely neglected. While there has been some improvement with few of the state government’s coming forward and subsidising the dialysis treatment, the situation calls for greater participation from state and central governments and also large employers.”

The research also threw light on the quality of treatment. As per the report, around 16 per cent of the dialysis patients across the country were affected by Hepatitis C calling for better quality treatment facilities across the country. Hepatitis C is one of the most dangerous cross infections that dialysis patients get infected.