The epidemic challenge of chronic kidney disease in older patients.

Since the introduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has considerably increased. This is particularly true for elderly patients as the majority have a low GFR. Chronic kidney disease has a significant impact on a patient's outcome. We have reviewed important aspects of CKD in older patients, with emphasis on diagnosis and management, as well as explored decision-making regarding specialist-care referral and renal replacement therapy.