[Renal replacement or conservative treatment in end-stage renal disease in elder patients?] / Nierenersatz oder konservative Therapie bei chronischem Nierenversagen im Alter?

ABSTRACT

When elder individuals develop chronic kidney failure, doctors, patients, and family members are faced with the decision Should dialysis (still) be initiated, or should a conservative-palliative therapy strategy be chosen? A prerequisite for shared decision-making is structured education about the various options, ensuring all necessary information and consequences are communicated. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, as well as conservative-palliative therapy. Additionally, it discusses the option of a trial dialysis and the choice to discontinue ongoing dialysis.