Hemodialysis access in the elderly: Planning to execution

Abstract

The definition of “elderly” is rapidly changing with increasing life span, at least in the developed countries. Being 75 years of age, or above, is commonly accepted definition for an “elderly” and is the fastest growing cohort of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. In the United States, since 2000, the adjusted ESRD incident rate among elderly patients has increased by 11 percent [1]. Similarly, a higher incidence of elderly needing dialysis has been seen in other developed countries. The decision to initiate renal replacement therapy in this age group is complex and challenging.