Abstract

RENAL FUNCTION STATUS IN THE ELDERLY

*Obodo B. N., Iyevhobu K. O., Omolumen L. E., Oaikhena F. R., Alleh O. A., Asibor E. and Ifada S. E.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the renal function status in the elderly. A total number of One Hundred (100) Subjects were recruited for this study which consists of 50 elderly subjects between 65-100 years old and 50 young adults between 18-30 years which served as the control. Five (5) milliliters of venous blood samples were taken from all the subjects to estimate the levels of creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, chloride, potassium and sodium. There was significant difference (P< 0.05) in the serum creatinine levels when the elderly subjects (0.41 ± 0.29 mg/dl) were compared with the control (0.54 ± 0.21 mg/dl). Similarly, there was significant difference (P< 0.05) when the levels of serum urea in the elderly (25.22 ± 11.11 mg/dl) were compared with that of the control (33.15 ± 6.72 mg/dl). Similarly, there was significant difference (P< 0.05) when the levels of serum bicarbonate in the elderly (22.23 ± 2.39 mmol/L) were compared with that of the control (23.12 ± 1.82 mmol/L). Also, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) when the levels of serum chloride in the elderly (98.60 ± 3.43 mmol/L) were compared with that of the control (97.11 ± 4.12 mmol/L). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) when the levels of serum potassium in the elderly (4.72 ± 3.59 mmol/l) were compared with that of the control (4.30 ± 0.53 mmol/l). Also, there was significant difference (P< 0.05) when the levels of serum sodium in the elderly (137.22 ± 11.34 mmol/l) were compared with that of the control (142.44 ± 3.01 mmol/l). The result of this study showed that serum creatinine, urea and electrolytes in the elderly were altered and hence supports the fact that renal function status could depreciate as one gets older. This calls for more critical attention on the care and support of the elderly.

Keywords: Aging, Kidney, Renal function, Renal diseases.