ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Observations of minimal pathophysiological changes in the liver with healthy aging represent the rationale for expanding the donor pool with older donors. However, a debate exists for their upper age limit. The aim of this study is to examine the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplants from older patients (>or= 60 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) data, we retrospectively analyzed graft and patient survivals of orthotopic liver transplants done with octogenarian grafts (n=197) and compared them with orthotopic liver transplants done with donors aged between 60 and 79 years (n=4003) and < 60 years (n=21 290) during 2003 to 2007. RESULTS: One- and 3-year graft and patient survival rates among recipients of hepatic allografts from donors < 60 years of age were significantly superior to recipients of octogenarian grafts (graft: 84% vs 75.5% at 1 year; 74.2% vs 61.2% at 3 years; P < .001; patient: 87.8% vs 81.0% at 1-year; 79.3% vs 69.1% at 3 years; P < .001). However, there was no survival difference between recipients of allografts from donors aged > 80 years and 60-79 years (graft: 75.5% vs 77.4% at 1 year; 61.2% vs 64.2% at 3 years; P = .564; patient: 81.0% vs 83.8% at 1 year; 69.1% vs 71.8% at 3 years; P = .494). It correlates well with hepatitis C virus-seronegativity and relatively lower model for end-stage liver disease score among recipients of octogenarian grafts (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Careful donor evaluation, avoidance of additional donor risk factors, and their pairing with appropriate recipients offer acceptable functional recovery, even with donors > 80 years.
Subject(s)
Donor Selection , Graft Survival , Liver Transplantation , Tissue Donors/supply & distribution , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chi-Square Distribution , Databases as Topic , Female , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Time Factors , Tissue and Organ Procurement , Transplantation, Homologous , Treatment Outcome , United StatesABSTRACT
We report a case series of 11 patients with excessive sweepstakes participation on initial geriatric consultation in Honolulu. Ten of these patients had dementia, mostly Alzheimer's disease, with Folstein MiniMental Status Exam scores ranging from 17-29/30. Money lost ranged from 6,600 dollars to 200,000-400,000 dollars. Physicians need to have a high index of suspicion and the public needs to be educated about simple preventive strategies.
Subject(s)
Dementia/complications , Gambling , Aged , Dementia/ethnology , Ethnicity , Female , Hawaii/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
Obesity is an important health problem for the growing elderly segment of the population. Age-related changes in body composition should be taken into account when considering morbidity. Today, sarcopenic obesity, which is defined as excess fat with loss of lean body mass, is a highly prevalent problem. Obesity in the elderly is related to morbidity; e.g., sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes and hypertension. The advantages and disadvantages of using BMI, waist circumference, waist: hip ratio, and body weight to measure age-related changes in obesity are discussed. In addition, the merits of treatment options for obesity; e.g., behavioral modifications, diet, and exercise--are described. One important conclusion derived from a review of these treatments is that age itself is not a contraindication for pharmacotherapy or even surgery for morbid obesity.
