Dialysis in patients over 65 years of age

In 44 patients with end-stage renal disease, 24 on hemodialysis and 20 on CAPD, the survival was calculated using the life table method. Median survival for CAPD was 19 months and for hemodialysis 47 months. Using Cox's proportional hazards model, treatment modality and performance score were significant determinants of survival. Performance score was influenced by age and kidney disease. When survival was analyzed separately for patients with a good or a bad performance score, the survival was better in the hemodialysis group only in patients with a bad score (ECOG 3 and 4). Patients with a good score had similar prognoses, irrespective of treatment modality.