Dialysis May Not Be Optimal for All Older Adults with Kidney Failure, Study Reveals
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A recent study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that older adults who were not healthy enough for a kidney transplant, starting dialysis when their kidney function fell below a certain threshold — rather than waiting — afforded them roughly one more week of life.
Patients with kidney failure who are in good enough health to undergo transplantation can benefit from a donated kidney, which helps remove toxins and excess fluid from their blood. However, this option is not available to many older adults who have additional health issues such as heart disease, lung disease, or cancer.
For patients who cannot undergo a kidney transplant, physicians frequently recommend dialysis, a treatment that performs the blood-cleaning functions of healthy kidneys. Kidney failure is diagnosed when a patient’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), an indicator of kidney function, drops below 15.
The researchers aimed to assess the impact of dialysis on older adults who are not eligible for a kidney transplant, focusing on its effects on life extension and the number of days spent in inpatient settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.
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