Ethical issues in the care of vulnerable chronic kidney disease patients: The elderly, cognitively impaired, and those from different cultural backgrounds

Numerous ethical issues such as the appropriate initiation or withdrawal of dialysis are inherent when one cares for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Conflicts concerning decisions to withhold or withdraw dialysis often involve particularly vulnerable CKD patients such as the elderly, those with cognitive impairment, or those who come from different cultural backgrounds. Issues related to renal replacement therapy in vulnerable or special CKD populations will be explored within an ethical framework based on the principles of autonomy (self-determination), beneficence (to maximize good), nonmaleficence (to not cause harm), and justice (what is due or owed). (c) 2008 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.