The influence of changing age and referral for end-stage renal failure in Newcastle upon Tyne

This paper reports a retrospective analysis of renal replacement therapy in patients over 60 years-of-age admitted to regional unit in Newcastle upon Tyne during a 7-year period. The changing age patterns of referral for management of end-stage renal failure have been reviewed, including the morbidity and mortality of this age-group managed for end-stage renal failure by haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation. The results show an alarming increase in the number of referrals aged over 60 years (> 36% in 4 years). Associated medical problems, methods of treatment and management (including special needs), and the effects of the rapidly increasing proportion of elderly patients on renal services are described.