Functional Dependence and Mortality in the International Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS).

Abstract

Patients receiving long-term dialysis have among the highest mortality and hospitalization rates. In the nonrenal literature, functional dependence is recognized as a contributor to subsequent disability, recurrent hospitalization, and increased mortality. A higher burden of functional dependence with progressive worsening of kidney function has been observed in several studies, suggesting that functional dependence may contribute to both morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients.