Survival of patients ≥70 years with advanced chronic kidney disease: Dialysis vs. conservative care

AbstractIntroductionThe number of elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) has increased in recent years, and the best therapeutic approach has not been determined due to a lack of evidence.ObjectivesTo observe the progression of elderly patients with ACKD (stages 4 and 5) and to compare the survival of stage 5 CKD patients with and without dialysis treatment.Material and methodsAll patients ≥70 years who began ACKD follow-up from 01/01/2007 to 31/12/2008 were included, and their progression was observed until 31/12/2013. Demographic data, the Charlson comorbidity index, history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were assessed.ResultsA total of 314 patients ≥70 years with stages 4 and 5 CKD were studied. Of these patients, 162 patients had stage 5 CKD at the beginning of follow-up or progressed to stage 5 during the study, and 69 of these patients were treated with dialysis. In the stage 5 group, median age was 77 years (74–81); 48% had IHD; 50% had DM, Charlson 7 (6–9). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis: ≥70 years (93 vs. 69 patients with dialysis, log rank: 15 p