End-Stage Kidney Disease in the Elderly Population

End-Stage Kidney Disease in the Elderly Population. The prevalence of ESKD in the US population has increased over the past decade, in parallel with advancing population age. Patients over the age of 65 make up close to 50% of the ESKD population with octogenarians and nonagenarians representing a growing demographic. ESKD among this population is associated with a high annual mortality rate in large part due to the comorbidity burden. In this chapter we will review the epidemiology of ESKD in the elderly as well as explore tools and methods to enhance shared decision making. Kidney replacement therapy, dialysis, carries additional strain on the patient and their families. Therefore, informed consent and shared decision making including a conservative management, hospice, and palliative care will be reviewed.