Nephrotic Syndrome in Very Elderly: Should We Treat Aggressively?

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury are being increasingly recognized in very elderly patients, aged 80 or more. In cases of suspected glomerulonephritis with or without nephrotic syndrome, the clinical decision-making of whether to obtain a renal biopsy and treat with immunosuppressive therapy should not be based on advanced age alone but take into consideration the patient’s functional status and overall prognosis. Herein, we report a case of an elderly patient with minimal change disease who benefitted from a timely renal biopsy and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy.