Geriatric nephrology
Encyclopedia
Geriatric nephrology is the branch of internal medicine
and geriatric medicine that deals with diseases of the kidney
It is a growing subspecialty of geriatrics. Patients who are living longer may acquire diseases that accelerate chronic kidney disease, which often remains undetected until patients are confronted with the sudden need for dialysis
.
International Society for Geriatric Urology and Nephrology is dedicated to this issue and has its own journal.
A book about geriatric nephrology was published in 1986 by Bernard Davis, M. Michelis.
The American Society of Nephrology
has a grant in Geriatric Nephrology.
In the United States, the median age of patients starting dialysis is 64.8 years old, yet the fastest growing segment of the dialysis population is 75 years and older. Geriatric nephrology emphasizes early identification and aggressive intervention, as well as the incorporation of geriatric and palliative care principles that emphasize independence and functionality.
Internal medicine
Internal medicine is the medical specialty dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Physicians specializing in internal medicine are called internists. They are especially skilled in the management of patients who have undifferentiated or multi-system disease processes...
and geriatric medicine that deals with diseases of the kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
It is a growing subspecialty of geriatrics. Patients who are living longer may acquire diseases that accelerate chronic kidney disease, which often remains undetected until patients are confronted with the sudden need for dialysis
Dialysis
In medicine, dialysis is a process for removing waste and excess water from the blood, and is primarily used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function in people with renal failure...
.
International Society for Geriatric Urology and Nephrology is dedicated to this issue and has its own journal.
A book about geriatric nephrology was published in 1986 by Bernard Davis, M. Michelis.
The American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Nephrology
Founded in 1966, the American Society of Nephrology is the world’s largest professional society devoted to the study of kidney disease. Composed of 11,000 physicians and scientists, ASN promotes expert patient care, advances medical research, and educates the renal community...
has a grant in Geriatric Nephrology.
In the United States, the median age of patients starting dialysis is 64.8 years old, yet the fastest growing segment of the dialysis population is 75 years and older. Geriatric nephrology emphasizes early identification and aggressive intervention, as well as the incorporation of geriatric and palliative care principles that emphasize independence and functionality.