Death and Dialysis Following Discharge From Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary care is recommended for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). A formalized, risk-based approach to CKD management is being adopted in some jurisdictions. In Ontario, Canada, the eligibility criteria for multidisciplinary CKD care funding were revised between 2016 and 2018 to a 2 year risk of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) greater than 10% calculated by the 4-variable Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE). Implementation of the risk-based approach has led to the discharge of prevalent CKD patients. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of death and KRT initiation in patients discharged from CKD clinic. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Single center multidisciplinary CKD clinic in Ontario, Canada PATIENTS: Four hundred and twenty five patients seen at least once in 2013 at the multidisciplinary CKD clinic MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included discharge status, death, re-referral and KRT initiation. Reasons for discharge were recorded. METHODS: Outcomes were extracted from available electronic medical records and the provincial death registry between the patient’s initial clinic visit in 2013 and January 1, 2020. KFRE-2 scores were calculated using the 4-variable KFRE equation. The hazard rates of death and KRT after discharge due to stable eGFR/low KFRE were compared to patients who remained in the clinic. RESULTS: Of the 425 CKD patients, 69 (16%) and 19 (4%) were discharged to primary care and general nephrology, respectively. Of those discharged, 7 (8%) were re-referred to nephrology or CKD clinic, while only 2 (2%) discharged patients required subsequent KRT. The hazard of mortality was reduced after discharge from the clinic due to stable eGFR/low KFRE (adjusted HR = 0.45 [95% CI, 0.25-0.78, P = .005]). LIMITATIONS: Single center, observational retrospective study design and unknown kidney function over time post discharge for most patients CONCLUSIONS: Discharge of low risk patients from multidisciplinary CKD clinic appears feasible and safe, with fewer than 1 in 40 discharged patients subsequently initiated on KRT over the following 7 years.