Epidemiologic and Economic Aspects Related to Hemodialysis and Kidney Transplantation in Santa Catarina in the Period of 2012-2013

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem and is expressed by increasing amounts of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), with significant economic and social impacts. The aim of this work was to analyze socioeconomic and mortality aspects of CKD patients in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. Methods. This was an ecologic study with the population of SC's CKD patients, who used RRT or underwent renal transplantation (RT) from 2012 to 2013. Data were obtained through electronic access to the information systems of the Brazilian Universal Health System, tabulated, and analyzed in the Statcalc software. Results. The predominant therapy was hemodialysis (HD)-1-3 times per week accounting for 97.62% of all procedures and 97.48% of the costs. RT from deceased donor (DD) was the most performed, with a frequency of 79.11%, and it was also responsible for the largest cost (81.78%). Mortality among patients in HD was higher in men (57.84%), and in the age group of 60-79 years (P < .0001). Among RT patients, mortality was also prevalent among men (75%) and in the age group of 50-64 years (P < .057). Conclusions. Men, as well as older age groups, presented more prevalent mortality in HD and in RT. The costs of RRT were higher in BD and in RT from deceased donors and associated with its high prevalence.