There is little comparable information about hemodialysis practices in low-
and middle income countries, including Russia. Previously, Russian hemodialysis
practices were reflected only in national reports based on voluntary provision
of limited individual-level data from dialysis facilities, and available only in
the Russian language.
However, beginning in 2012, the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study
(DOPPS) has collected comprehensive data on hemodialysis in Russia. In a recent
article in Hemodialysis International, DOPPS researchers present
patterns of hemodialysis practice in Russia based on this data, and compare
those patterns to contemporary data for Europe, Japan, and North America.
The authors revealed several positive treatment patterns in hemodialysis in
Russia:
- Longer treatment time
- High fistula use
- High albumin
- Low C-reactive protein
- Low ESA resistance index
They also uncovered less favorable treatment patterns in Russia that
represent opportunities for improving patient care and outcomes:
- High calcium in dialysate
- Prescription of aluminum-based phosphate binders
- Insufficient correction of mineral and bone disorder parameters
- High prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C
By exchanging the best practices from each of the countries participating in
the DOPPS, these findings could help facilitate consensus on a variety of
controversial issues in dialysis treatment and lead to better care for
patients.