Older Patients More Likely to Die While Awaiting Kidney Transplant

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Nearly half the patients over age 60 who are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant will die before they receive an organ from a deceased donor.

"Our results emphasize the particular need to consider living donation as an alternative source for some older patients—or alternatively, the critical importance of navigating the steps to receive a deceased donor transplant as rapidly as possible," Jesse D. Schold, Ph.D.. University of Florida, Gainesville, is quoted as saying.
 
Researchers analyzed data on nearly 55,000 patients over age 60 who were placed on the U.S. waiting list for a kidney transplant from 1995 to 2007. Projections indicated that 46 percent of patients wait-listed in 2006-07 would die before receiving a deceased-donor transplant.

Certain groups at even higher risk included African Americans and patients aged 70 or older. Medical factors like blood type and being on dialysis at the time of listing also affected risk. The study found wide variations among different geographic regions as well.

The need for kidney transplants is increasing, while donor rates remain stable, leading to longer waiting times and increased rates of death among those on the waiting list. "We have now reached a notable benchmark in which nearly half of newly listed older candidates will not survive the interval to receive a deceased donor transplant," according to Dr. Schold.

Research results will help provide patients with information on their chances of receiving a transplant, based on such factors as age, race, and transplant region, in addition to their medical status. "Patients and their caregivers should understand their specific circumstances in their decision-making process," Dr. Schold adds.
 
SOURCE: Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, June 18, 2009

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