Transplanting the elderly: Balancing Ageing with Histocompatibility

Across the world, the proportions of senior citizens (i.e. those ≥65 years) increase rapidly and are predicted to constitute over 25% of the general population by 2050. In 2012 already 48% of the population with end stage renal disease (ESRD) was aged 65 years or older. Transplantation is considered the preferred treatment option for ESRD offering survival advantage over long-term dialysis in the majority of patients. Indeed, acceptable outcomes have been documented for selected patients over the age of 70 years or even cases over 80 years.

Source: Transplantation Reviews - September 2, 2015 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: G.J. Dreyer, A.C. Hemke, M.E.J. Reinders, J.W. de Fijter Source Type: research