Background The number of elderly (≥75?years) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased markedly, including in the Limousin region, which has the oldest population in France. We retrospectively compared outcomes in elderly and non-elderly ESRD patients who started dialysis during two time periods. Methods Baseline clinical characteristics, care, and survival rates were assessed in 557 ESRD patients aged ≥75 and Results Of the 557 patients, 343 and 214 were vs 69.5?years [IQR 57.4-77.4?years] p?=?0.001) and the proportion aged ≥75?years (44.7% vs 32.8%, p?=?0.004) were significantly higher in 2005–2007 than in 2002–2004. Improved initial status during 2005–2007 was observed only in patients ≥75?years, with a decrease in some co-morbidities, improved walking and better preparation for dialysis. Mortality rates were significantly lower in 2005–2007 than in 2002–2004 (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.95; p?=?0.008), with the difference due to factors associated with clinical status and care. Conclusions Improved initial clinical status and better preparation for dialysis, accompanied by increased survival, were observed for patients ≥75?years who started dialysis more recently, perhaps because of early referral to a nephrologist.
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