Health-related quality of life and symptoms of conservative care versus dialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Non-dialytic conservative care (CC) has been proposed as a viable alternative to maintenance dialysis for selected older patients to treat end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). This systematic review compares both treatment pathways on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms, which are major outcomes for patients and clinicians when deciding on preferred treatment. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Plus and PsycINFO from inception to 1 October 2019 for studies comparing patient-reported HRQoL outcomes or symptoms between patients who chose either CC or dialysis for ESKD. RESULTS: Eleven observational cohort studies were identified comprising 1718 patients overall. There were no randomized controlled trials. Studies were susceptible to selection bias and confounding. In most studies, patients who chose CC were older and had more comorbidities and worse functional status than patients who chose dialysis. Results were broadly consistent across studies, despite considerable clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Patient-reported physical health outcomes and symptoms appeared to be worse in patients who chose CC compared with patients who chose dialysis but had not yet started, but similar compared with patients on dialysis. Mental health outcomes were similar between patients who chose CC or dialysis, including before and after dialysis start. In patients who chose dialysis, the burden of kidney disease and impact on daily life increased after dialysis start. CONCLUSIONS: The available data, while heterogeneous, suggest that in selected older patients, CC has the potential to achieve similar HRQoL and symptoms compared with a dialysis pathway. High-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm these provisional findings.

A closer look at the trajectory of physical functioning in chronic hemodialysis.

Background: in chronic hemodialysis, physical functioning (PF) is known to be poor. We set out to assess to what extent chronic dialysis patients are able to maintain a good physical condition over time and what the influence of age is on the trajectory of PF. Methods: we used data form 714 prevalent hemodialysis patients, enrolled in the CONvective TRAnsport STudy (CONTRAST). The PF subscale of the KDQOL SF-36 was assessed at baseline (n = 679) and during 2 years of follow-up (n = 298). Baseline PF score (0-100) was categorized into tertiles (good, intermediate and low). Change of PF of ≥ 5 points was considered clinically relevant. A regression model was applied to assess factors related to 'decline of PF (≥5 points)/low PF (0-33) at follow-up'. Results: during follow-up, only 15.3 % (1 out of 6) of patients succeeded in maintaining a good physical condition, the remainder deteriorated or died. Of the older patients (≥75) only 3.6% remained in a good physical condition. Factors related to decline/low PF were increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96 [95% CI: 1.03-3.72] for 65-74 years and OR = 2.38 [95%CI: 1.17-4.84] for ≥75 years compared to <65 years) and albumin (OR = 1.10 [95%CI: 1.01-1.18] per g/L decrease). Conclusion: very few hemodialysis patients maintain a good physical condition over a 2-year time span. Especially in older patients, physical performance is poor and decline is faster than in the healthy population. These findings should be taken into account when considering dialysis in older patients and more emphasis should be placed to attempts for improving physical condition.

[No need for an age-adjusted formula for glomerular filtration rate]. / Leeftijdsafhankelijke afkapwaarde voor eGFR is niet nodig.

A study of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggests that the current criteria for CKD may result in overestimation of the CKD burden in an aging population with age-related loss of kidney function. Therefore, an age-adjusted formula for GFR (glomerular filtration rate) should be implemented in clinical practice. We agree that in older patients physiological loss of kidney function should be taken into account, however an age-adjusted formula would not be superior. Even in older patients with mild chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2) dose adjustments are necessary for renally excreted drugs. So far, an age-adjusted formula for older patients does not better predict clinically relevant renal outcomes. Based on the current Dutch guideline older patients with mildly impaired GFR without albuminuria will not be referred to specialized nephrology care, unless there is rapid deterioration. Finally, an age-adjusted formula may unnecessarily complicate the current categories of CKD.

[Conservative therapy in kidney failure]. / Conservatieve therapie bij nierfalen.

At a certain point, patients with kidney failure will need to decide whether or not to start kidney replacement therapy, i.e. dialysis or kidney transplantation. An increasing number of patients choose to forgo dialysis or transplantation and opt for conservative care. In part, this trend is explained by the ageing population of patients with kidney failure and a more limited survival benefit for dialysis in older patients. Conservative care is a holistic, patient-orientated treatment, aimed at quality of life, advance care planning, reducing symptom burden, and slowing the deterioration of kidney function. As such, conservative care is an active treatment and not merely forgoing kidney replacement therapy. This article will summarize the various aspects of the decision- and treatment phase of conservative care for patients with kidney failure for healthcare providers, both in hospital- and primary care.

The prevalence and impact of falls in elderly dialysis patients: Frail elderly Patient Outcomes on Dialysis (FEPOD) study.

BACKGROUND: As the numbers of older patients on dialysis rise, geriatric problems such as falling become more prevalent. We aimed to assess the prevalence of falls and the impact on mortality and quality of life in frail elderly patients on assisted PD (aPD) and hemodialysis (HD) from the FEPOD Study. METHODS: Data on falls and quality of life were collected with questionnaires at baseline and every six months during 2-year follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with falls. Additionally, we performed a review of literature concerning the relation between falls and poor outcome. RESULTS: Baseline fall data were available for 203 patients and follow-up data for 114 patients. Dialysis modality was equally distributed (49% HD and 51% aPD). Mean (SD) age was 75 ± 7 years. Fall rate was 1.00 falls/patient year, comparable in HD and aPD. Falls led to fear of falling, resulting in less activities in 68% vs 42% (p < 0.01) and leaving the house less in 59% vs 31% (p < 0.01) of patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus were twice as likely to report falls at baseline (OR 1.91 [95%CI 1.00-3.63], p = 0.05) and falls at baseline were associated with falls during follow-up (OR 2.53 [95%CI 1.06-6.04] p = 0.03). Literature revealed frailty was a strong risk factor for falling and falling results in a higher mortality and hospitalization rate. CONCLUSION: Falls were frequent in older dialysis patients and have a negative impact on quality of life. Fall incidence is comparable between aPD and HD.

Geriatric Assessment in Elderly Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Decision-making in elderly patients considering dialysis is highly complex. With the increasing number of elderly with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), it may be important to assess geriatric impairments in this population. The aim of the Geriatric assessment in OLder patients starting Dialysis (GOLD) study was to assess the prevalence of geriatric impairments and frailty in the elderly ESKD population by means of a geriatric assessment (GA), which is a comprehensive tool for overall health assessment. METHODS: This study included 285 patients ≥65 years: 196 patients at the time of dialysis initiation and 89 patients who chose maximal conservative management (MCM). The GA assessed cognition, mood, nutritional status, (instrumental) activities of daily living (ADL), mobility, comorbidity burden, quality of life and overall frailty. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 78 years and 36% were women. Of the incident dialysis patients, 77% started haemodialysis and 23% started peritoneal dialysis. Geriatric impairments were highly prevalent in both dialysis and MCM patients. Most frequently impaired geriatric domains in the dialysis group were functional performance (ADL 29%, instrumental ADL (iADL) 79%), cognition (67%) and comorbidity (41%). According to the GA, 77% in the dialysis group and 88% in the MCM group had 2 or more geriatric impairments. In the MCM group, functional impairment (ADL 45%, iADL 85%) was highly prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric impairments are highly prevalent in the elderly ESKD population. Since impairments can be missed when not searched for in regular (pre)dialysis care, the first step of improving nephrologic care is awareness of the extensiveness of geriatric impairment.

Geriatric Assessment and the Relation with Mortality and Hospitalizations in Older Patients Starting Dialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A geriatric assessment (GA) is a structural method for identifying frail patients. The relation of GA findings and risk of death in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is not known. The objective of the GA in OLder patients starting Dialysis Study was to assess the association of GA at dialysis initiation with early mortality and hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients ≥65 years old were included just prior to dialysis initiation. All participants underwent a GA, including assessment of (instrumental) activities of daily living (ADL), mobility, cognition, mood, nutrition, and comorbidity. In addition, a frailty screening (Fried Frailty Index, [FFI]) was applied. Outcome measures were 6- and 12-month mortality, and 6-month hospitalization. Associations with mortality were assessed with cox-regression adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity burden, smoking, residual kidney function and dialysis modality. Associations with hospitalization were assessed with logistic regression, adjusting for relevant confounders. RESULTS: In all, 192 patients were included, mean age 75 ± 7 years, of whom 48% had ≥3 geriatric impairments and were considered frail. The FFI screening resulted in 46% frail patients. Mortality rate was 8 and 15% at 6- and 12-months after enrolment, and transplantation rate was 2 and 4% respectively. Twelve-month mortality risk was higher in patients with ≥3 impairments (hazard ratio [HR] 2.97 [95% CI 1.19-7.45]) compared to less impaired patients. FFI frail patients had a higher risk of 12-month mortality (HR 7.22 [95% CI 2.47-21.13]) and hospitalization (OR 1.93 [95% CI 1.00-3.72]) compared to fit patients. Malnutrition was associated with 12-month mortality, while impaired ADL and depressive symptoms were associated with 12-month mortality and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty as assessed by a GA is related to mortality in elderly patients with ESKD. Individual components of the GA are related to both mortality and hospitalization. As the GA allows for distinguishing between frail and fit patients initiating dialysis, it is potentially of added value in the decision-making process concerning dialysis initiation.

Association of Initiation of Maintenance Dialysis with Functional Status and Caregiver Burden.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the functional course after initiating dialysis in elderly patients with ESKD. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the initiation of dialysis in an elderly population with functional status and caregiver burden. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS & MEASUREMENTS: This study included participants aged ≥65 years with ESKD who were enrolled in the Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients Starting Dialysis study. All underwent a geriatric assessment and a frailty screening (Fried Frailty Index and Groningen Frailty Indicator) at dialysis initiation. Functional status (activities of daily life and instrumental activities of daily life) and caregiver burden were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Decline was defined as loss of one or more domains in functional status, stable as no difference between baseline and follow-up, and improvement as gain of one or more domains in functional status. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the combined outcome functional decline/death and potential risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 196 included participants functional data were available for 187 participants. Mean age was 75±7 years and 33% were women. At the start of dialysis, 79% were care dependent in functional status. After 6 months, 40% experienced a decline in functional status, 34% remained stable, 18% improved, and 8% died. The prevalence of high caregiver burden increased from 23%-38% (P=0.004). In the multivariable analysis age (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.10 per year older at baseline) and a high Groningen Frailty Indicator compared with low score (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 3.68) were associated with functional decline/death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients aged ≥65 years, functional decline within the first 6 months after initiating dialysis is highly prevalent. The risk is higher in older and frail patients. Loss in functional status was mainly driven by decline in instrumental activities of daily life. Moreover, initiation of dialysis is accompanied by an increase in caregiver burden.

Frailty Screening Tools for Elderly Patients Incident to Dialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A geriatric assessment is an appropriate method for identifying frail elderly patients. In CKD, it may contribute to optimize personalized care. However, a geriatric assessment is time consuming. The purpose of our study was to compare easy to apply frailty screening tools with the geriatric assessment in patients eligible for dialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A total of 123 patients on incident dialysis ≥65 years old were included <3 weeks before to ≤2 weeks after dialysis initiation, and all underwent a geriatric assessment. Patients with impairment in two or more geriatric domains on the geriatric assessment were considered frail. The diagnostic abilities of six frailty screening tools were compared with the geriatric assessment: the Fried Frailty Index, the Groningen Frailty Indicator, Geriatric8, the Identification of Seniors at Risk, the Hospital Safety Program, and the clinical judgment of the nephrologist. Outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. RESULTS: In total, 75% of patients were frail according to the geriatric assessment. Sensitivity of frailty screening tools ranged from 48% (Fried Frailty Index) to 88% (Geriatric8). The discriminating features of the clinical judgment were comparable with the other screening tools. The Identification of Seniors at Risk screening tool had the best discriminating abilities, with a sensitivity of 74%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 91%, and a negative predictive value of 52%. The negative predictive value was poor for all tools, which means that almost one half of the patients screened as fit (nonfrail) had two or more geriatric impairments on the geriatric assessment. CONCLUSIONS: All frailty screening tools are able to detect geriatric impairment in elderly patients eligible for dialysis. However, all applied screening tools, including the judgment of the nephrologist, lack the discriminating abilities to adequately rule out frailty compared with a geriatric assessment.

The Relevance of Geriatric Impairments in Patients Starting Dialysis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With aging of the general population, patients who enter dialysis therapy will more frequently have geriatric impairments and a considerable comorbidity burden. The most vulnerable among these patients might benefit from conservative therapy. Whether assessment of geriatric impairments would contribute to the decision-making process of dialysis initiation is unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A systematic Medline and Embase search was performed on December 1, 2015 to identify studies assessing the association between risk of mortality or hospitalization and one or more geriatric impairments at the start of dialysis therapy, including impairment of cognitive function, mood, performance status or (instrumental) activities of daily living, mobility (including falls), social environment, or nutritional status. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were identified that assessed one or more geriatric impairments with respect to prognosis. The quality of most studies was moderate. Only seven studies carried out an analysis of elderly patients (≥70 years old). Malnutrition and frailty were systematically assessed, and their relation with mortality was clear. In addition, cognitive impairment and functional outcomes at the initiation of dialysis were related to an increased mortality in most studies. However, not all studies applied systematic assessment tools, thereby potentially missing relevant impairment. None of the studies applied a geriatric assessment across multiple domains. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric impairment across multiple domains at dialysis initiation is related to poor outcome. However, information in the elderly is sparse, and a systematic approach of multiple domains with respect to poor outcome has not been performed. Because a geriatric assessment has proved useful in predicting outcome in other medical fields, its potential role in the ESRD population should be the subject of future research.