Age limits for heart transplantation: Medical aspects

Cristina Opasich, Massimo Sisti, Oreste Febo, P. Giorgio Riccardi, Soccorso Capomolla, Jole Assandri, Franco Cobelli, Mario Viganò, Luigi Tavazzi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To contribute to the analysis of the medical issue of aging as a selection criteria for heart transp/antation (HT). METHODS. Elderly candidates (52 subjects, aged > 60) were compared with younger patients (64 candidates, aged 50-55) in: clinical pattern (sex, etiology, duration of disease); laboratory and instrumenta/ data (multiple organ function, hemodynamics, maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, nutritional status); follow-up (death, transplantation, status I, decompensations, complications) of at least 6 months. RESULTS. When compared with younger candidates, over 60 patients did not differ in clinical pattern, in all instrumental data, in end-organ function, in transplantation rate, in fatal and non-fatal cardiac events, in both groups the medicaf management was si-milarly complex. CONCLUSION. In regard to the medical issue, no reasons emerged to exclude older patients suitable from HT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)557-562
Number of pages6
JournalGiornale Italiano di Cardiologia
Volume27
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Heart transplantation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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