[Survival of older patients starting hemodialysis in Chile]

The proportion of older people with end stage renal disease is increasing. Their prognosis is characterized by a high mortality and poor quality of life.

To analyze the survival of patients starting chronic hemodialysis (CHD) according to their age.

Patients admitted to CHD in the East Metropolitan Health Service of Santiago in a 2-year period were analyzed. Four age groups were created, separating patients older than 70 years in a special group.

During the study period, 459 patients were admitted to CHD and were followed for an average of 27 months. The frequency of cardiovascular comorbidity, cancer, and chronic renal disease of unknown cause (attributed to nephrosclerosis) increased along with age. Mortality was higher at older ages. There was a significant association between starting CHD with a catheter, Charlson comorbidity index and increasing age with mortality. For those aged over 80 years, mortality at three months and one year was 25 and 43% respectively.

Age, Charlson index and vascular access are predictors of mortality in older adults entering hemodialysis. This study suggests the importance of considering comorbidities, assessment by specialists and creating an arteriovenous fistula in this age group.