Selection Protocol for Liver Transplantation in Patients Aged Over 70 Years

Prospective Evaluation of a Selection Protocol for Patients Over 70 Years Old for Liver Transplantation

Increased life expectancy and aging population has led to a trend of increasing liver transplant (LT) volume in the elderly. Nowadays, advanced age is not considered an absolute contraindication for LT but elderly LT candidates typically have an age-associated burden of comorbid conditions that can pose several clinical challenges during the selection/evaluation process for LT. Specific algorithms for elderly patient selection for LT are not well established; however, consensus agreement is that elderly LT candidates need a more rigorous selection process.

This study proposes a "step by step" algorithm of selection for liver transplant candidates more than 70 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >70 years and ≤ 75 years
• Liver transplant from cadaveric donor
• First liver transplant
• End stage liver disease or liver tumor

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age ≤ 70 years
• Living donor liver transplant
• Previous liver transplant
• Liver transplant for acute liver failure