title: [Geriatric nephrology: an overview].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent condition and its prevalence is increasing worldwide, particularly in adults aged 70 years. Epidemiological studies showed that as many as 2054% of the older adults suffer from CKD in stages 3-5. Nevertheless the question whether this lower eGFR is a consequence of kidney disease or if it is the result of a physiological aging is still debated, even if it implies a reduced renal reserve and vulnerability to drugs overdose with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed search was conducted for available English literature, describing the actual knowledge about specific and frequent issues reported in the acute and chronic kidney disease in older adults. Prospective and retrospective studies, as well as meta-analyses and latest systematic reviews were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the studies examined and reviewed were discarded for wrong population or intervention or deemed unfit. Only 103 met the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies included in the review were grouped into two areas: chronic and acute kidney disease in older adults and we have analysed the peculiar and frequently found issues in this population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The geriatric population is increasing worldwide. We should consider peculiar aspects of this population, such as sarcopenia, malnutrition, psychological and cognitive deficits and increased risk of AKI, in order to reach a good quality of life, with improved doctor / patient relationship, a greater adherence to therapy, a reduction in health care costs, and if possible, adequate "end of life", as far as it is approved by the patient and his family. The achievement of these objectives requires an organized work in multidisciplinary teams that evaluate overall the geriatric patient.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Gesualdo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campolo
authors.forename: Flora
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrazzoli
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bainotti
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Tania Gnerre
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Musto
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mastroluca
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amato
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aucella
authors.forename: Giuliano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brunori
authors.forename: Anna Rita
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: D'Angelo
authors.forename: Gaspare Elios
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Russo
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D000375:Aging; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009398:Nephrology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index