Renal function in the elderly

Abstract

Renal mass, glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow decline with age. Since the renal tubules also decrease in mass, the aging kidney is less able to compensate for changes in fluid balance. Because of changes in the renin-aldosterone system, the elderly may have problems maintaining sodium and potassium balance. Physicians must be aware of the implications of these changes in renal function when they prescribe medications or order intravenous fluids for elderly patients.