| [ Summary ] |
According to statistics from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, in 2013 those receiving initial dialysis who were aged 75 years old or older numbered 13,865. This accounted for approximately 38.4 % of the total number of those receiving initial dialysis. At of the end of December 2013, there were 92,519 dialysis patients 75 years old or older, accounting for approximately 30.3 % of the total number of dialysis patients. One in three patients on maintenance dialysis is 75 years old or older. This clearly reveals the aging of the dialysis population. However, it is known that not all patients 75 years old or older already receiving dialysis necessarily obtain subjectively or objectively desired ADL or QOL. For these patients, the existence of serious organ disorders other than chronic renal failure must be considered. It must also be considered whether the particular dialysis method is compatible with the patient's characteristics. Patients who are able to continue conservative therapy from stages CKD 2 (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2) or CKD 3 (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2), should continue in that manner. Taking short-cutts at the introduction of dialysis is not the best policy. |