Authors: Brunori G
Abstract
The elderly constitute the fastest-growing group of patients reaching end-stage renal disease and requiring renal replacement therapy. In this group of patients renal failure is only one of the many comorbidities affecting them, and for the nephrologist the decision whether to commence renal replacement therapy when patients present multiple comorbidity is a challenge. In fact, many elderly patients with severe comorbidity have a poor prognosis once dialysis is started, and a conservative management or a low protein diet can be less harmful. Information on survival of elderly patients on these therapies is limited, but in the last years a large body of literature has been published in this field. Rates of dialysis withdrawal are highest among the oldest ...