What is the world record for years on hemodialysis? I am preparing an article about a 35-year hemodialysis patient.

Jeff Sturgeon
Medical Reporter
Roanoke Times
201 W. Campbell Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24010
Toll-free (800) 346-1234, ext. 251
Direct (540) 981-3251
Fax (540) 981-3346
Email: jeffs@roanoke.com
Web: www.roanoke.com

Is the patient you are doing the story about a home dialysis patient or in-center?

I would carefully research your article. Thirty five years (although not impossible) would mean the patient starting dialyzing in 1966 the technology was in it's infancy then. Now it is not unheard of patients who have been dialyzing fifteen plus years, alot depends on the individual patient and their committment to their well being.

The patient underwent thrice weekly dialysis at a center before he died in December 2001. He began dialysis in Dec. 1966 at a university medical center. The question, again, is: Who would know if this is some kind of record? The Guinness Book of Records, 1994 edition, lists 28 years as the world hemodialysis record. Hemodialysis is not mentioned in the latest edition, and I can't reach the publishers to learn if 28 years was the last published record before hemodialysis was dropped from the book.

Jeff Sturgeon
Medical Reporter
Roanoke Times
201 W. Campbell Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24010
Toll-free (800) 346-1234, ext. 251
Direct (540) 981-3251
Fax (540) 981-3346
Email: jeffs@roanoke.com
Web: www.roanoke.com

Newsman,

Have you tried contacting the National Kidney Foundation? Their web address is http://www.kidney.org

Good luck in your search....let us know what you find out!

I know of two patients who have been on dialysis for over 3O years. Will email privately.

John K.

Please contact me about the patients you mention in your posting.

Jeff Sturgeon
Medical Reporter
Roanoke Times
201 W. Campbell Ave.
Roanoke, VA 24010
Toll-free (800) 346-1234, ext. 251
Direct (540) 981-3251
Fax (540) 981-3346
Email: jeffs@roanoke.com
Web: www.roanoke.comJ