Changing Landscape of Solid Organ Transplantation for Older Adults: Trends and Post-Transplant Age-Related Outcomes

The prevalence of older adults with end organ failure is increasing. This review summarizes recent trends in waitlisting of patients age 65 years and older for solid organ transplantation. Recent data on post-transplantation outcomes in this population are also reviewed. Waitlisting and transplantation rates in older adults are increasing across all categories of solid organ transplantation. Though survival is worse when compared with that in a younger population, survival remains robust and many patients in this population benefit from transplantation. Compared with younger adults, acute rejection is lower; however, 5-year graft survival is worse. Data is sparse on other outcomes such as quality of life and functional status. The population of older adults being listed for solid organ transplantation is likely to continue to grow. Research is needed to evaluate what subgroups will benefit most from this treatment.