Peritoneal Dialysis in the Elderly: Modality of Choice During COVID-19 Pandemic |Biomedgrid

At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly is one of the vulnerable patient groups for whom treatment at home would be most beneficial. Adding to this the fact that elderly people are under stay-at-home orders in a considerable number of countries as of now, the need for home dialysis becomes even more pronounced. The number of older patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing renal replacement therapy is increasing worldwide. Elderly patients with additional comorbidities are now surviving long enough to be started on dialysis [1]. According to most endstage renal disease (ESRD) data registries, elderly patients account for about 25% to 30% of dialysis patients around the globe [2]. In the United States, 49% of patients initiating renal replacement therapy are 65 years of age or older [3]. In Canada, Europe, and Australia/ New Zealand, a significant percentage of patients initiating dialysis are 65 years of age or older (84%, 56%, and 46%, respectively [4].