Improved overall survival of elderly patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Clinical complications and outcome of 50 patients, age 65 or older, on dialysis during 1985-1990 were studied. There were three groups: Peritoneal Dialysis (PD-10 pts.), Hemodialysis (HD-28 pts.), and both for at least one month each (PD-HD 12 pts.) (8 HD to PD and 4 PD to HD). Analysis included sex, age, bacteremia associated to acute vascular accesses (AVA), peritonitis (PD), other illnesses, hospital days, blood chemistries, quality of life (active, sedentary or bedridden). The most frequent causes of death were septicemia and cardiac failure. No difference was found in age, chemistries, hemoglobin, illnesses or quality of life. The results showed a significant improved overall survival for those in the PD group (77.8%, p less than 0.05) as compared to HD or PD-HD group. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on using PD for elderly patients.