Review Looks at Elderly Patients' Health and Survival With and Without Dialysis.

A new review highlights the latest research regarding the survival of elderly patients with and without dialysis, the prognostic factors associated with kidney disease progression and survival, and prognostic models to predict short-term and long-term prognosis. The information in the Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension review can be integrated into an individualized approach to shared decision-making regarding treatment. The authors note that a patient's goal of care and acceptable quality of life can impact whether or not dialysis is chosen, and in some cases multidisciplinary supportive care can make the choice of 'no dialysis' a better choice.