Abstract： @@ Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy is the most visible outcome of CKD. In China, there is a rising incidence and prevalence of end stage renal diseases (ESRD), with poor outcomes and high cost. The registered number of individuals with ESRD treated by dialysis was 41 755 in 1999 and is expected to surpass 140 000 by 2009.1 It is important to note that, as many developing countries, the registered number of dialysis patients accounts only for less than 10% of total ESRD population in China.