[Chronic hemodialysis treatment of patients older than 74 years. An epidemiological study in 16 renal units in Northern Greece].

In a review of 1057 patients who started receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment during the last decade in 16 renal units of Northern Greece only 25 patients (2.36%) were found to be older than 74 years at start of haemodialysis treatment. The most common cardiovascular problems in these elderly patients were angina pectoris in 9 and difficulties in fistula creation in 10 patients. Arterial hypertension was present in 7 patients. The first year survival rate was 55.5%. Cardiovascular episodes were the commonest cause of death among the 14 patients who died. We conclude that during the last decade in Northern Greece, among patients receiving chronic haemodialysis treatment, only a few started treatment after the age of 74 years and although they had significant cardiac and vascular problems their first year survival rate was acceptable.