Adherence to multidisciplinary care in a prospective chronic kidney disease cohort is associated with better outcomes

INTRODUCTION: The Renal Healthcare Program Uruguay (NRHP-UY) is a national, multidisciplinary program that provides care to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In this study, we report the global results of CKD patient outcomes and a comparison between those treated at the NRHP-UY Units, with those patients who were initially included in the program but did not adhere to follow up. METHODS: A cohort of not-on dialysis CKD patients included prospectively in the NRHP-UY between October 1(st) 2004 and September 30(th) 2017 was followed-up until September 30(th) 2019. Two groups were compared: a) Nephrocare Group: Patients who had at least one clinic visit during the first year on NRHP-UY (n = 11174) and b) Non-adherent Group: Patients who were informed and accepted to be included but had no subsequent data registered after admission (n = 3485). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and all patients signed an informed consent. Outcomes were studied with Logistic and Cox´s regression analysis, Fine and Gray competitive risk and propensity-score matching tests. RESULTS: 14659 patients were analyzed, median age 70 (60–77) years, 56.9% male. The Nephrocare Group showed improved achievement of therapeutic goals, ESKD was more frequent (HR 2.081, CI 95%1.722–2.514) as planned kidney replacement therapy (KRT) start (OR 2.494, CI95% 1.591–3.910), but mortality and the combined event (death and ESKD) were less frequent (HR 0.671, CI95% 0.628–0.717 and 0.777, CI95% 0.731–0.827) (p = 0.000) compared to the Non-adherent group. Results were similar in the propensity-matched group: ESKD (HR 2.041, CI95% 1.643–2.534); planned kidney replacement therapy (KRT) start (OR 2.191, CI95% 1.322–3.631) death (HR 0.692, CI95% 0.637–0.753); combined event (HR 0.801, CI95% 0.742–0.865) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary care within the NRHP-UY is associated with timely initiation of KRT and lower mortality in single outcomes, combined analysis, and propensity-matched analysis.