Acute and chronic kidney disease

The presentation of many renal diseases in older adults is remarkably similar to that in younger patients, although the symptoms and clinical findings are frequently attributed to diseases of aging. Since older patients often respond to treatment as well as younger patients do, they deserve a thorough investigation, including renal biopsy when indicated. It is important to base decisions regarding access to evaluation and treatment, quality of life, and initiation of termination of dialysis on strong moral and ethical grounds.