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Chronic kidney disease in the elderly

Thin Thin Maw1, Linda Fried

  • 1Renal-Electrolyte Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|July 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many elderly individuals, with recent standardization potentially overdiagnosing older adults. This review covers CKD definitions, staging, and management in seniors.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Geriatrics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly prevalent in the elderly population.
  • Standardization of CKD definitions may lead to overdiagnosis in older adults.
  • Aging significantly impacts renal function and disease presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current definitions and revised staging of CKD in the elderly.
  • To discuss the limitations of renal function assessment formulas in older individuals.
  • To outline management strategies, outcomes, and referral criteria for geriatric CKD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications on CKD in the elderly.
  • Analysis of revised CKD classification and risk stratification guidelines.
  • Discussion of evidence regarding CKD progression, non-renal outcomes, and prognosis in seniors.

Main Results:

  • Standardized CKD definitions may inflate prevalence in the elderly.
  • Formulas for renal function assessment have limitations in older adults.
  • CKD in the elderly presents unique challenges in management and prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • Careful consideration of CKD definitions and assessment is crucial in the elderly.
  • Management should focus on risk factors, non-renal outcomes, and appropriate nephrology referral.
  • Further research is needed to optimize CKD care for aging populations.

Keywords:
Chronic kidney diseaseDialysisElderlyGeriatricRenal function

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