Chronic dialysis in advanced age patients: a reasonable therapeutic alternative?
Duclos, J.; Cubillos, B.; Salgado, M.C.; Olea, C.; Casanova, D.
Revista Medica de Chile 119(11): 1259-1263
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 9723077 Document Number: 372222
Thirty two elderly patients (mean age 68.8 +/- 6.95 years) were treated by maintenance hemodialysis or intermittent peritoneal dialysis. 28.1% were diabetics and no survivors in this group were observed after 24 months. Median survival for non diabetic patients was 72.4 months vs 9.03 months in diabetics (p < 0.01). The main cause of death was discontinuation of dialysis (33%) or cardiovascular disease. Thus, chronic dialysis is a reasonable treatment for elderly patients with end stage renal disease. However, diabetes is associated to a poor prognosis.