Related Experiment Videos
Renal replacement therapy in patients aged over 60 years
J S Tapson1, R S Rodger, H Mansy
1Department of Medicine, Freeman Hospital, Tyne, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Elderly patients aged over 60 with end-stage renal failure can achieve good survival rates on dialysis. Age alone should not be a reason to deny these patients life-sustaining renal replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Dialysis availability in the UK has historically lagged behind Europe and the USA.
- Concerns regarding prognosis, quality of life, and facility shortages have led to elderly patients being denied renal replacement therapy.
- Recent years have seen improvements in dialysis provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of renal replacement therapy in elderly patients.
- To determine if age alone is a valid criterion for denying dialysis.
- To assess the quality of life for elderly patients undergoing dialysis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of all patients starting renal replacement therapy in Newcastle between 1974 and 1985.
- Comparison of five-year survival rates between patients aged over 60 and those under 60.
- A questionnaire survey of elderly patients surviving at the end of the follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Five-year survival for patients over 60 was 53% (n=122), compared to 68% for those under 60 (n=632).
- Surviving elderly patients were generally independent, active, lived at home, and reported satisfaction with their treatment.
- Most elderly patients were not lonely and enjoyed life.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients are suitable candidates for dialysis and should not be denied treatment based solely on age.
- Increased funding for renal services is required to support the inclusion of elderly patients in renal replacement therapy programs.
- The study highlights the importance of equitable access to dialysis for all age groups.