Avoiding death of the liver transplant candidate who depends on the inadequate organ supply requires careful strategy. Nevertheless, transplantation of livers from potential donors older than 80 years has been rare in the U.S. We performed a retrospective analysis of potential organ donors referred to a single Organ Procurement Organization from 1/1/2002 – 11/15/2014 to identify the pattern of liver transplantation from donors >84 years together with the outcomes of those organs that were utilized.

During this period 2926 patients older than 84 years were referred. 24/2926 (0.8%) were transplanted. The oldest donor was 93 years; 6 were >89 years. 16/24 (67%) were female. Retransplantation was required in 3 cases at postoperative day 0, day 369, day 34.

Early patient survival was excellent (see table); 100% of recipients of livers >89 years survived 30 days; 75% longer than 3 years. The primary function rate was 23/24 (96%). 6/24 (25%) of organs have functioned longer than 5 years.

We conclude that a very small proportion of potential donors older than 84 years were considered suitable liver donors. Those old livers that were transplanted saved lives. Livers from very old donors should be considered as a strategic approach for patients otherwise unlikely to reach transplantation.

CITATION INFORMATION: Friedman A, Marquez E, DelliCarpini K. Really Old (>84 Years) Deceased Donor Livers Can Save Lives. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).

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