Outcome of pancreas transplantation in recipients older than 50 years: a single-centre experience

Elijah Ablorsu, Abbas Ghazanfar, Sanjay Mehra, Babatunde Campbell, Hany Riad, Ravi Pararajasingam, Neil Parrott, Michael Picton, Titus Augustine, Afshin Tavakoli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation (PT) remains the only treatment that can restore insulin independence among insulin-dependent diabetics. An ageing population in developed countries has led to an increasing number of older patients who may be suitable for PT. Some investigators argue that PT in recipients older than 50 years has an inferior outcome compared with the younger group.

METHODS: The object of this study was to compare the outcomes of 31 PT in patients aged 50 and above 105 PT in recipients below 50 years performed between June 2001 and December 2007.

RESULTS: The incidence of general posttransplant complications were similar in both; 60% in less than 50 vs. 58% in more than or equal to 50, P=0.539. So, as the incidence of other surgical complication in the more than or equal to 50 group compared with less than 50 (graft thrombosis 13% vs. 11.5%; bleeding 19% vs. 6.7%; abdominal abscess 23% vs. 19%; pancreatic leak 13% vs. 9.6%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of urinary tract infection and early rejection in either group. However, the incidence of respiratory tract infection was significantly higher in more than or equal to 50 (38.7% in >or=50 vs. 9.6% in <50, P=0.003). One-year patient survival was 88% in more than or equal to 50 vs. 92% in less than 50 group, P=0.399; and pancreas graft survival rate was similar (79% in the >or=50 and 74% in <50, P=0.399).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that it is feasible to safely transplant potential PT recipients aged 50 and above. However, good medical assessment and careful patient selection is strongly recommended.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1511-4
Number of pages4
JournalTransplantation
Volume86
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas Transplantation
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Respiratory System
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Journal Article

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