Peritoneal dialysis in older adults: evaluation of clinical, nutritional, metabolic outcomes, and quality of life

The number of older adults requiring dialysis is increasing worldwide, whereas the use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in this population is lower respect to younger patients, despite the theoretical advantages of PD respect to hemodialysis. This is most likely due to the concern that older patients may not be able to correctly and safely manage PD. We aimed to prospectively compare clinical, nutritional and metabolic outcomes and measures of quality of life between younger (<65years old) and older (≥65years old) patients on PD. PD patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to age (Group A < 65 years, Group B ≥ 65 years). Clinical and instrumental parameters, and quality of life were evaluated at baseline (start of PD) (T0) and at 24 months (T1). Technique survival, mortality, total number of hospitalizations, and the index of peritonitis (episodes of peritonitis/month) were also evaluated. Fifty-one patients starting PD were enrolled. Group A included 22 patients (48.7±8.3 years), and Group B consisted of 29 patients (74.1 ± 6.4 years). At baseline, the 2 groups showed no differences in cognitive status, whereas Group A showed higher total cholesterol (p=0.03), LDL (p=0.03), and triglycerides (p=0.03) levels and lower body mass index (p=0.02) and carotid intima media thickness (p<0.0001) with respect to Group B. At T1 Group B showed, compared to baseline, a significant reduction in albumin (p<0.0001) and phosphorus (p=0.045) levels, while no significant differences on body composition, technique survival, total number of hospitalizations, index of peritonitis and quality of life indices were observed. Our data do not show clinically relevant barriers to use PD in older adult patients, supporting its use in this population. Nutritional and metabolic parameters should be carefully monitored in older PD patients.