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Renal function in the oldest-old on an acute geriatric ward
N J Van den Noortgate1, W H Janssens, M B Afschrift
1University Hospital Ghent, Department of Internal Medicine, Belgium. nele.vandennoortgate@rug.ac.be
International Urology and Nephrology
|May 7, 2002
Summary
Renal failure affects over a quarter of elderly patients in acute geriatric care, particularly those experiencing failure to thrive. Reliable estimation of glomerular filtration rate is crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nephrology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Renal function assessment is critical in elderly patients admitted to acute geriatric wards.
- Identifying risk factors for renal failure in the oldest-old is essential for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate renal function in very old patients admitted to an acute geriatric ward.
- To determine the prevalence of renal failure and its associated risk factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patients aged 80 years and over.
- Data collected included demographics, medical history, medications, and laboratory values (serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes).
- Creatinine clearance estimated using Cockcroft-Gault formula and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by MDRD equation.
Main Results:
- 220 patients (60 males/160 females) were included.
- 26.4% of patients exhibited renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).
- A significant correlation was found between failure to thrive and renal failure (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of the oldest-old admitted to geriatric departments have renal failure.
- Failure to thrive is a key indicator for renal failure in the elderly.
- Reliable estimation of GFR is necessary due to weak correlations between different estimation methods in acutely ill elderly patients.
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