Frailty and Related Factors in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease and frailty are two crucial clinical conditions increasing in prevalence globally. Both lead to severe complications that increase mortality and morbidity in patients. Conditions that may potentiate frailty in chronic kidney disease patients may complicate the follow-up of chronic disease and complicate long-term survival in this patient group. In this study, we aimed to evaluate frailty and related factors in chronic kidney disease patients over 65 years of age who were on dialysis and who were not. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in geriatric chronic kidney disease patients followed in nephrology outpatient clinics or undergoing routine hemodialysis. Frailty was assessed using a scoring scale. Laboratory findings and their relationship with demographic and epidemiological data were investigated. Results: One hundred eighty-eight patients aged 65 and over were included in our study. Of the patients, 92 were female, and 96 were male. The mean age was 72.86 years. We found frailty in 82 patients (43.6%). Female gender, over 75 years old, under dialysis treatment, low-income status, and low education level were parameters significantly associated with frailty. In the regression analysis, we found that economic status and dialysis were variables that independently affected frailty in chronic kidney disease patients. Conclusions: In our study, the frequency of frailty was found to be high. Practical management and early assessment of frailty seem rational with the basic nephrological approach in patients with chronic kidney disease. Considering the high mortality rate among frail patients, we think these patients should be followed up more closely.