Effects of aging on the kidney

Abstract

A host of abnormalities of renal structure and function accompany advancing age. This presentation briefly surveys the renal anatomical and functional changes associated with senescence. Four areas of renal functional change have been selected for in-depth discussion: a) renal blood flow; b) glomerular filtration rate; c) renal sodium handling; and d) renal concentrating ability. The methodologic considerations including population selection which confound the assessment of the effects of aging on renal function are discussed. In addition, the functional changes associated with senescence are discussed in the context of longitudinal studies and studies utilizing appropriate patient cohorts, including potential kidney transplant donors. The clinical implications of senescent changes with regard to adjusting "normative" standards to fit the age of the patient are addressed. Furthermore, the implications of age-related renal functional alterations in predisposing the elderly patient to a number of fluid and electrolyte derangements are considered.--Epstein, M. Effects of aging on the kidney.