Long-Term Graft Function in Elderly Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Background: Donor age adversely affects graft survival in kidney transplantation. The aim of our study is to evaluate long-term graft function in elderly living-donor kidney transplantation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed graft function of living-donor kidney transplant between June 1984 and February 2010. A total of 2,687 living-donor kidney transplants were performed at our center during this period. Donor age was classified into 5 groups; 1) < 25 yrs (n=337) 2) 25-34 yrs (n=959) 3) 35-44 yrs (n=694) 4) 45-54 yrs (n=473) 5) ≥55 yrs (n=224) Graft survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Graft function was evaluated using MDRD estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: Ten-year graft survival rates were as follows according to donor age; 1) < 25 yrs (75.4%) 2) 25-34 yrs (74.9%) 3) 35-44 yrs (78.5%) 4) 45-54 yrs (68.5%) 5) ≥55 yrs (63.5%). Graft survival was significantly lower among older donor recipients (≥ 45yrs) than that among younger donor recipients. At 1, 5, 10, and 15 year post-transplant, values of eGFR were significantly lower among older donor recipients (≥ 45yrs) (Figure 1).[Figure 1.]Conlusion: Long-term graft function as well as graft survival in older living donor (≥ 45yrs) recipients was inferior to those in younger living donor recipients.