%0 Journal Article
%T Consequences of kidney donation by age in Japanese living kidney donors: a single-center study.
%A Ogata M
%A Osako K
%A Terashita M
%A Miyauchi T
%A Sakurai Y
%A Shinoda K
%A Sasaki H
%A Shibagaki Y
%A Yazawa M
%J Clin Exp Nephrol
%V 28
%N 7
%D 2024 Jul 4
%M 38436901
%F 2.617
%R 10.1007/s10157-024-02476-9
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Elderly living kidney donors (LKDs) are becoming increasingly important in countries with a high prevalence of living-donor kidney transplants and an aging society. This study explored the features of elderly LKDs, focusing on their subsequent outcomes.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This single-center, retrospective, observational study included eligible LKDs who donated their kidneys between April 2008 and July 2022. LKDs were categorized into an elderly (≥70 years at donation) or a non-elderly group (<70 years). We examined pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes, such as kidney function, complications, development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and mortality.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of the 188 LKDs observed for a median of 5.7 years, 31 were in the elderly group (16.5%) and 157 (83.5%) were in the non-elderly group (mean age 72.5 ± 2.7 and 58.2 ± 7.3 years, respectively). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay length or peri-operative complications between groups. Both groups experienced a similar decline in post-donation estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-approximately 37%. In the elderly group, four LKDs died, and one progressed to ESKD. In the non-elderly group, two LKDs died, and none progressed to ESKD. The cause of death was not strongly suspected to be associated with the donation.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>eGFR was maintained even in elderly LKDs post-donation. Prioritizing LKDs' safety is paramount; however, donations from elderly people would be acceptable, considering their life expectancy. This can expand the pool of living kidney donors and address the growing demand for kidney transplants.