Late referral for assessment of renal failure. Issue 5 (14th April 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kee, Frank; Reaney, Elizabeth A; Maxwell, A Peter; Fogarty, Damian G; Savage, Gerard; Patterson, C Christopher
• Other Names: group-author.
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 59:Issue 5(2005)
• Page Start: 386
• Page End: 388
• Publication Date: 2005-04-14
• Subjects: late referral renal failure; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2004.026658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : It has been recommended that adult patients with a serum creatinine above 150 μmol/l should be referred to a nephrologist for specialist assessment. This study ascertained all patients in Northern Ireland with creatinine above this concentration in 2001 (n = 19 286 ) to see if this triggered referral within the subsequent year. After exclusion of those who were already known to a nephrologist and those who had acute renal failure, it was found that younger patients and diabetic patients were more likely to be referred. There was no difference in referral rates between male and female patients. However, only 6.5% of all non-diabetic subjects and 19% of diabetic patients were referred within 12 months after a first increased serum creatinine test.