Outcomes of liver transplantation in patients 70 years or older: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Introduction and ObjectivesThe rate of liver transplantation is increasing among the elderly population; however, data is limited on the post-liver transplantation outcomes in patients ≥70 years. Given the scarcity in liver allograft resources, a meta-analysis on the outcomes of liver transplantation in patients ≥70 years is warranted. Materials and MethodsMultiple databases were searched through March 2022 for studies that reported on the outcomes of liver-transplantation in patients ≥70 years. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics. ResultsTen studies were included that analyzed 162,725 patients. The pooled rate of 1-year, 3-years and 5-years post liver transplant survival for patients ≥70 years was 78.7% (72.6–83.7; I2=74%), 61.2% (52.3–69.5; I2=87%), and 48.9% (39.3–58.6; I2=96%), respectively. The corresponding 1-year, 3-years and 5-years survival for patients <70 years were 86.6% (82.4–89.9; I2=99%), 73.2% (63–81.3; I2=99%), and 70.1% (66.8–73.2; I2=99%); respectively. Descriptive p-values of comparison were statistically significant at 1-year and 5-years (p = 0.02 and <0.001). The pooled rate of perioperative complications in patients ≥70 years was 40.7% (26.2–57; I2=93%). The pooled rate of graft failure in patients ≥70 years was 6.7% (3.3–13.1; I2=93%) and in patients <70 years was 3.7% (1–12.4; I2=99%). The pooled rate of perioperative mortality in patients ≥70 years was 16.6% (7.6–32.5; I2=99%) and in patients <70 years was 0.8% (0–33.1; I2=88%). ConclusionPatients ≥70 years undergoing liver transplantation seem to demonstrate significantly lower 1-year and 5-year survival rates as compared to patients <70 years, albeit limited by heterogeneity.