The use of elderly living donors in renal transplantation

The safety and the results of using living donors above the age of 60 years were studied. In 235 consecutive donors the complications were not different in elderly (n = 70) compared to younger donors. Graft survival and function were studied in 232 consecutive 1-HLA-haplotype mismatched grafts. Graft survival at 1 year was equivalent (87% vs. 92%), but after 2-6 years graft survival was inferior in recipients of older grafts (n = 62). The recipients of older grafts were 10 years older, and patient death with functioning graft was a more frequent cause of graft loss. Up to 4 years serum creatinine levels were significantly higher, but stable, in recipients of older grafts; at 5 years the difference was not significant. It is concluded that the use of elderly living donors is safe. Taking recipient age into consideration, graft survival is not different in the two groups. Graft function in older grafts is some what inferior, but stable.