[Long-term dialysis treatment in advanced age]

In Europe 40% of patients under regular dialysis therapy (RDT) are aged over 55. In our hospital 40% of patients under RDT are aged over 70%. The causes of terminal renal failure in the aged are similar to those of the younger patients. 45% of patients between 60 and 70 years and 25% of those between 70 and 80 years survive 5 years after initiation of RDT. Quality of life under RDT is good enough for the elderly to be grateful for prolongation of their lives. A general upper age limit for RDT is difficult to set. In rare instances RDT may become questionable in the aged, mainly when cerebral dysfunction becomes prominent. In these cases it might be ethical not to start, or to withdraw from RDT.