Related Experiment Videos
[Age related changes in the liver. Consequences for drug therapy]
Fortschritte Der Medizin
|November 30, 1990
Summary
Liver function remains largely intact in old age, but drug elimination capacity decreases due to reduced liver size and blood flow. Geriatric patients may require lower initial drug doses.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Aging leads to significant liver morphological changes, including brown atrophy (reduced weight and volume).
- Despite structural changes, fundamental metabolic liver functions are well-preserved in advanced age.
Purpose:
- To investigate the functional changes in the aging liver, particularly concerning the elimination of exogenous substances.
- To identify the physiological basis for altered drug metabolism and excretion in elderly individuals.
Summary:
- The aging liver exhibits brown atrophy, characterized by decreased organ weight and volume.
- Hepatic perfusion, liver volume, and the number of functioning hepatocytes decline with age.
- Impaired elimination of exogenous substances and drugs is observed in the elderly due to reduced hepatic function.
Impact:
- Reduced hepatic and renal elimination capacity in geriatric patients necessitates cautious drug dosing.
- Lower initial drug dosages are recommended for elderly patients to mitigate risks associated with impaired drug clearance.