Purpose: To compare and evaluate 5-year outcomes of graft function for younger (Y) versus elderly (E) kidney transplant recipients (KTR).

Introduction: As the number of elderly KTR increases, differences between this population and younger are unknown.

Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of medical records of 318 first-time KTR from 2003-10 on mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and steroid regimen was performed. The study population was divided into two cohorts: (Y: ≤59 yrs; n=172; E: ≥65 yrs; n=146). KTR aged 60-64 were excluded to distinguish groups. Baseline characteristics, first biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) at discharge and annually up to 5 yrs were analyzed. BPAR were graded using Banff schema (≥2A = severe). Time to BPAR was demonstrated using Kaplan-Meier plots (KM) and reliability was tested using a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model and log-rank test.

Results: There was no statistical difference between demographics, induction therapy, maintenance immunotherapy, type of transplant, immediate graft function, BMI, length of stay, or median follow-up days [Y, 2132 (1770, 2729); E, 2048 (1540, 2538); p>0.05]. There was no difference in eGFR at yrs 0-5 (p>0.05). BPAR is described in table 1. KM exhibit less and earlier BPAR among E [0.376 (0.23, 0.615), p<0.001]. The log rank tests indicate time to BPAR are indeed different in Y and E (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Elderly KTR experience less rejection in incidence and severity. These patients also maintain excellent long-term graft function that is comparable to younger KTR.

CITATION INFORMATION: Bajjoka I., Yaldo A., Crombez C., Abouljoud M. Long-Term Outcomes of Graft Function in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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