Optimizing renal replacement therapy in older adults: a framework for making individualized decisions

Abstract

It is often difficult to synthesize information about the risks and benefits of recommended management strategies in older patients with end-stage renal disease since they may have more comorbidity and lower life expectancy than patients described in clinical trials or practice guidelines. In this review, we outline a framework for individualizing end-stage renal disease management decisions in older patients. The framework considers three factors: life expectancy, the risks and benefits of competing treatment strategies, and patient preferences. We illustrate the use of this framework by applying it to three key end-stage renal disease decisions in older patients with varying life expectancy: choice of dialysis modality, choice of vascular access for hemodialysis, and referral for kidney transplantation. In several instances, this approach might provide support for treatment decisions that directly contradict available practice guidelines, illustrating circumstances when strict application of guidelines may be inappropriate for certain patients. By combining quantitative estimates of benefits and harms with qualitative assessments of patient preferences, clinicians may be better able to tailor treatment recommendations to individual older patients, thereby improving the overall quality of end-stage renal disease care.

Figure 1

Quartiles of life expectancy after dialysis initiation by age group.

Figure 2

Initial renal replacement therapy modality in the United States in 2008, according to age group.

Figure 3

Time required for cumulative survival after kidney transplantation to exceed cumulative survival on the waiting list, by age group. Data are adapted from Wolfe et al. and Rao et al.