TRANSPLANTATION IN THE ELDERLY

Studies show that at present fewer patients aged >60 are on the waitin g list for transplantation than would be predicted from their proporti on on renal replacement therapy by dialysis. Evidence to date shows th at in these older subjects loss of grafts by rejection is less common than it is in younger subjects; there is also absolutely a greater los s of grafts due to death of the patient while the graft still function s. Well-matched grafts should be available to older subjects in whom t horough clinical assessment makes unlikely early death, particularly f rom cardiovascular causes, following transplantation. If this is to be achieved, ageed approaches to the assessment of such patients and to their inclusion on transplant waiting lists must be established.