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An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney
10:14

An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney

Published on: November 1, 2018

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Primary glomerular diseases in the elderly

Abdullah Sumnu1, Meltem Gursu1, Savas Ozturk1

  • 1Abdullah Sumnu, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, 34390 Istanbul, Turkey.

World Journal of Nephrology
|May 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Primary glomerular diseases present unique challenges in the elderly. Renal biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions in older adults with kidney conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Primary glomerular diseases (PGDs) pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the elderly.
  • Membranous nephropathy is the most common PGD in older adults, unlike IgA nephropathy in younger populations.
  • Membranous nephropathy is also the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the distinct characteristics and management considerations of PGDs in the elderly.
  • To emphasize the importance of renal biopsy in diagnosing and managing PGDs in older individuals.
  • To discuss factors influencing treatment decisions for PGDs in elderly patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical observations regarding PGDs in the elderly.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies specific to this demographic.
  • Emphasis on the role of renal biopsy and individualized treatment planning.

Main Results:

  • Membranous nephropathy and pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) are significant PGDs in the elderly.
  • Pauci-immune crescentic GNs are medical emergencies in the elderly due to risks of end-stage renal disease and mortality.
  • Elderly patients often present with worse renal function, higher rates of acute kidney injury, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Renal biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis and prognosis in elderly patients with PGDs, regardless of age.
  • Treatment decisions for PGDs in the elderly require careful consideration of comorbidities, drug interactions, and patient-specific factors.
  • Advanced age should not preclude renal biopsy or appropriate management of PGDs.

Keywords:
ElderlyMembranous nephropathyPauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritisPrimary glomerular diseaseRenal biopsy

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