Geriatric Nephrology: A Paradigm Shift in the Approach to Renal Replacement Therapy

The population of elderly individuals diagnosed with CKD continues to grow. Many have multiple comorbid conditions that will impact life expectancy as well as decisions about whether to pursue renal replacement therapy. Nephrologists are uniquely positioned to assist their patients and caregivers in this regard and spend considerable time counseling them about the benefits and risks associated with dialysis therapy. This article presents an overview of many of the issues facing nephrologists, and provides tools to assist busy clinicians in helping their elderly patients in deciding whether to consider dialysis or intensive, nondialysis care.