[When is the right time point to start dialysis?]

The transition from CKD 5 to dialysis treatment (CKD 5 D) is characterized by a high mortality risk for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, the right time to start dialysis is of special interest. While there was a trend towards an earlier initiation of dialysis many years ago, new studies could not demonstrate a benefit on survivals for patients who start dialysis in a higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Delaying the start of dialysis to a lower GFR is possible in CKD patients with stable conditions when close nephrological supervision is provided. In patients with cardiorenal syndrom and acute on chronic renal failure, an earlier start of dialysis might be necessary as well as the re-evaluation after re-compensation. In elderly patients the possibilities and risks of a conservative treatment without dialysis should be discussed. Consequently, current guidelines define the optimal time to start dialysis on the basis of the individual risk of the patients, clinical symptoms and underlying disease and not only on the GFR alone.