Aging veterans and the end-stage renal disease management dilemma in the millennium

The population of aging veterans with complex multiple medical problems is increasing steadily in developed nations. The life expectancy in an aging population with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is often compared with terminal malignancy. Renal failure in elderly patients often generates a myriad of complicated issues and the nephrologists are faced with the dilemma of conveying the prognosis of renal failure in elderly patients and also explain the pros and cons of offering a renal replacement therapy. Our objectives were to assess the cumulative survival in veterans with ESRD over 70 years of age and to evaluate the factors considered for either not initiating or withdrawing from dialysis. All veterans above age 70 years, who were being evaluated for possible dialysis therapy over a 5-year period, were included in the study. The cumulative survival rates at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 60%, 37%, and 20%, respectively. Tunneled cuffed catheter was the dialysis access in a third of these patients on dialysis adding to the morbidity. Twenty-four patients considered either not initiating or withdrawing from dialysis therapy after consensus agreement from either the patient or the power of attorney. The decision to initiate dialysis therapy should be made considering the social, ethical, and associated comorbid conditions. A decision to not initiate or withdraw dialysis is possible in critically ill elderly patients and if taken judiciously can reduce physical and mental stress of both the patient and their family members.