Age limits for heart transplantation: medical aspects.
OBJECTIVE
To contribute to the analysis of the medical issue of aging as a selection criteria for heart transplantation (HT) METHODS: Elderly candidates (52 subjects, aged > or = 60) were compared with younger patients (64 candidates, aged 50-55) in: clinical pattern (sex, etiology, duration of disease); laboratory and instrumental data (multiple organ function, hemodynamics, maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, nutritional status); follow-up (death, transplantation, status I, decompensation, 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 medical management was similarly complex.


CONCLUSIONS
In regard to the medical issue, no reasons emerged to exclude older patients suitable from HT.
Opasich
C
C
Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Institute of Care and Scientific Research Medical Center of Montescano.
Sisti
M
M
Febo
O
O
Riccardi
P G
PG
Capomolla
S
S
Assandri
J
J
Cobelli
F
F
Viganò
M
M
Tavazzi
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018579:Patient Selection; D015996:Survival Rate