Geriatric nephrology

Geriatric nephrology is the branch of internal medicine and geriatric medicine that deals with diseases of the kidney

Dialysis-machine

As more and more people suffer from chronic kidney disease, especially among the elderly, the demand for geriatric nephrology also increases. As a field, geriatric nephrology is a growing subspecialty of geriatrics. Patients who are living longer may acquire diseases that accelerate chronic kidney disease, which often remains undetected until patients are confronted with the sudden need for dialysis.

International society

International Society for Geriatric Urology and Nephrology<ref>Geriatric nephrology & urology</ref> is dedicated to this issue and has its own journal.<ref>Geriatric Nephrology and Urology journal</ref>

Geriatrics

Books

A book about geriatric nephrology was published in 1986<ref>Geriatric Nephrology</ref> by Bernard Davis, M. Michelis.

American society of nephrology

The American Society of Nephrology has a grant in Geriatric Nephrology.<ref>ASN-ASP Junior Development Grant in Geriatric Nephrology</ref>

Median age for dialysis

In the United States, the median age of patients starting dialysis is 64.8 years old, yet the fastest growing segment of the dialysis population is 75 years and older.<ref>Geriatric nephrology at Mount Sinai Hospital</ref>

Role of geriatric nephrology

Geriatric nephrology emphasizes early identification and aggressive intervention, as well as the incorporation of geriatric and palliative care principles that emphasize independence and functionality.

Fast facts

Fast Stats 15% of US adults—37 million people—are estimated to have CKD. Most (9 in 10) adults with CKD do not know they have it. 1 in 2 people with very low kidney function who are not on dialysis do not know they have CKD.

According to current estimates:

CKD is more common in people aged 65 years or older (38%) than in people aged 45–64 years (13%) or 18–44 years (7%). CKD is more common in women (15%) than men (12%). CKD is more common in non-Hispanic blacks (16%) than in non-Hispanic whites (13%) or non-Hispanic Asians (12%).

References

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