Liver transplantation in elderly patients: a systematic review and first meta-analysis

Perioperative Considerations in Older Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review

With the growth of the older adult population, the number of older adults waitlisted for and undergoing kidney and liver transplantation has increased. Transplantation is an important and definitive treatment for this population. We present a contemporary review of the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that patients older than 65 y face when they undergo kidney or liver transplantation. We focus on geriatric syndromes that are common in older patients listed for kidney or liver transplantation including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive dysfunction; discuss important considerations for older transplant recipients, which may impact preoperative risk stratification; and describe unique challenges in intraoperative and postoperative management for older patients. Intraoperative challenges in the older adult include using evidence-based best anesthetic practices, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure, and using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Postoperative concerns include controlling acute postoperative pain; preventing cardiovascular complications and delirium; optimizing immunosuppression; preventing perioperative kidney injury; and avoiding nephrotoxicity and rehabilitation. Future studies are needed throughout the perioperative period to identify interventions that will improve patients' preoperative physiologic status, prevent postoperative medical complications, and improve medical and patient-centered outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

Immunosuppression for older liver transplant recipients

Older liver transplant recipients have a lower risk of acute rejection than younger patients (9% for patients aged ≥65 years versus 23% for those aged 18-34 years) and are more vulnerable to immunosuppression-related complications. The number of liver transplant recipients ≥65 years has risen to 22% in Europe and the US, but limited information is available on the optimal immunosuppressive regimen for these patients. In this review, we discuss the appropriate management of immunosuppressive agents in older adults to minimize adverse events while avoiding acute rejection. The way the body processes drugs greatly depends on age. In the case of calcineurin inhibitor drugs, aging reduces hepatic metabolism, leading to changes in their pharmacokinetics. Corticosteroids also show decreased clearance as the patient ages. In severe cases of hypoalbuminemia, dose adjustment of mycophenolate acid derivatives may be necessary. However, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, basiliximab, and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin remain unaffected by age. Furthermore, age-related frailty may impact drug metabolism and require tailored interventions and closer follow-up. Although there is limited research, elderly liver transplant recipients require less immunosuppression with double or triple-agent regimens, lower exposure to calcineurin inhibitors, and a shorter course of corticosteroids. The usage of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in older transplant populations has not been specifically investigated, and thus their usage should align with indications for younger patient groups.

Survival after LDLT in recipients ≥70 years old in the United States. An OPTN/UNOS liver transplant registry analysis

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the elderly population is currently not well studied. There are single-center studies indicating that patient age should not be a barrier to LDLT, with similar outcomes compared to younger recipients.

METHODS

Using UNOS/STAR data from 2010 to 2022 we retrospectively analyzed patients ≥70 years old receiving a living donor graft (LDLT ≥70y group) versus a deceased donor graft (DDLT ≥70y group). In addition, we compared recipients ≥70 years old undergoing LDLT versus patients 18-69 years old also undergoing LDLT. Donor and recipient baseline characteristics, as well as postoperative outcomes including graft and patient survival were analyzed and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Recipients in the LDLT ≥70y group showed less disease burden and spent significantly less time on the waitlist when compared to recipients in the DDLT ≥70y group (102 [49-201] days versus 170 [36-336] days) respectively; p = .004. With the exception of a longer length of stay (LOS) in the LDLT ≥70y group (p ≤ .001), postoperative outcomes were comparable with recipients in the DDLT ≥70y group, including similar graft and patient survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years. When compared to younger recipients of a graft from a living donor, patients in the LDLT ≥70y group had similar post-transplant functional status, re-transplant rates and similar causes contributing to graft failure. However, significantly lower graft and patient survival rates were observed.

CONCLUSION

LDLT for recipients aged 70 or greater represents a faster access to transplantation in a safe and feasible manner when compared to similar- aged recipients undergoing DDLT.

Liver Transplantation: Contraindication and Ineligibility

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapeutic modality for patients with various advanced liver diseases. It is crucial to identify that the patient's illness is sufficiently advanced and unlikely to improve with medical management to justify the need for transplantation. At the same time, it is crucial to identify patients with comorbidities and far advanced disease that would result in an unacceptable outcome after LT. Specific care also is required before deciding on LT in the elderly, acute on chronic liver disease, patients with comorbidities, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Transplantation needs to be timed appropriately to avoid unnecessary LT and ensure that the decision is not left too late to avoid losing the patient without a transplant. Also, important is the decision as to when not to transplant. The current review explores some of these issues of contraindications and ineligibility for LT.

Survival benefit of second line therapies for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: repeated hepatectomy, thermoablation and second-line transplant referral in a real life national scenario

BACKGROUND

Despite second-line transplant(SLT) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(rHCC) leads to the longest survival after recurrence(SAR), its real applicability has never been reported. The aim was to compare the SAR of SLT versus repeated hepatectomy and thermoablation(CUR group).

METHODS

Patients were enrolled from the Italian register HE.RC.O.LE.S. between 2008 and 2021. Two groups were created: CUR versus SLT. A propensity score matching (PSM) was run to balance the groups.

RESULTS

743 patients were enrolled, CUR = 611 and SLT = 132. Median age at recurrence was 71(IQR 6575) years old and 60(IQR 53-64, p < 0.001) for CUR and SLT respectively. After PSM, median SAR for CUR was 43 months(95%CI = 37 - 93) and not reached for SLT(p < 0.001). SLT patients gained a survival benefit of 9.4 months if compared with CUR. MilanCriteria(MC)-In patients were 82.7% of the CUR group. SLT(HR 0.386, 95%CI = 0.23 - 0.63, p < 0.001) and the MELD score(HR 1.169, 95%CI = 1.07 - 1.27, p < 0.001) were the only predictors of mortality. In case of MC-Out, the only predictor of mortality was the number of nodules at recurrence(HR 1.45, 95%CI= 1.09 - 1.93, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

It emerged an important transplant under referral in favour of repeated hepatectomy or thermoablation. In patients with MC-Out relapse, the benefit of SLT over CUR was not observed.

Liver Transplantation and the Elderly Candidate: Perioperative Considerations

Pioneered by Thomas Starzl in the early 1970s, liver transplant (LT) is nowadays often considered a final intervention and standard of care to cure many forms of acute and chronic end-stage liver diseases. Started in recipients younger than 60 years old, LT indications are now much broader, and at least, one-fifth of the candidates are older than 65 years. Problems associated with ageing and frailty in LT recipients and their impact on the entire perioperative course are discussed according to a modern anesthesiological perspective and the anesthesiologist covering the role of the perioperative (transplant) physician.

Can the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) be a predictive instrument for mortality in older adult liver transplant candidates?

PURPOSE

The most recent guidelines recommend that selection of liver transplant recipient patients be guided by a multidimensional approach that includes frailty assessment. Different scales have been developed to identify frail patients and determine their prognosis, but the data on older adult candidates are still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the Liver Frailty Index (LFI) and the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) as predictors of mortality in a cohort of older people patients being evaluated for liver transplantation.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted on 68 patients > 70 years being followed at the University Hospital of Padua in 2018. Clinical information on each patient, Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Body Mass Index (BMI), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), LFI, MPI, and date-of-death, were recorded. The observational period was 3 years.

RESULTS

We studied 68 individuals (25 women), with a mean age 72.21 ± 1.64 years. Twenty-five (36.2%) patients died during the observational period. ROC curve analysis showed both MPI and LFI to be good predictors of mortality (AUC 0.7, p = 0.007, and AUC 0.689, p = 0.015, respectively). MELD (HR 1.99, p = 0.001), BMI (HR 2.34, p = 0.001), and poor ADL (HR 3.34, p = 0.04) were risk factors for mortality in these patients, while male sex (HR 0.1, p = 0.01) and high MNA scores (HR 0.57, p = 0.01) were protective factors.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the prognostic value of MPI in older adult patients awaiting liver transplantation. In this cohort, good nutritional status and male sex were protective factors, while high MELD and BMI scores and poor functional status were risk factors.

Modified Charlson comorbidity index as a survival prediction tool for older patients after liver transplantation

Purpose

An increasing number of older patients now undergo liver transplantation (LT). Although the overall outcomes in older patients are not different from those of younger patients, there is no tool to predict LT prognosis in older patients. We hypothesized that a modified Charlson comorbidity index (mCCI) and 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) can predict outcomes in older patients after LT.

Methods

This retrospective study included 155 patients (aged >65 years) who underwent LT at Seoul National University Hospital. The recipients were subcategorized into 2 groups based on the mCCI score and mFI-5: the low (0-1) and high (2-5) mCCI groups, and low (≤0.4) and high (>0.4) mFI-5 groups. The independent effect of each variable on post-LT survival was determined using the mCCI subgroup, age at transplantation, sex, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and mFI-5 subgroup.

Results

The high-mCCI group (41 patients) showed significantly lower 1- and 3-month and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival than the low-mCCI group. Using the Cox regression model, the mCCI, sex, and MELD score remained significant. The mFI-5 was not a significant factor to predict patients' survival.

Conclusion

The mCCI and MELD scores could be used to predict post-LT survival in older patients.

Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context

Owing to population ageing, a growing number of kidney transplants (KTs) in elderly population are being performed. KT is the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, in older patients, the decision between dialysis and KT can be difficult due to potential inferior outcomes. Few studies have been published addressing this issue, and literature outcomes are controversial.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise the evidence about outcomes of KT in elderly patients (>70 yr).

Evidence acquisition

A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022337038) was performed. Search was conducted on PubMed and LILACS databases. Comparative and noncomparative studies addressing outcomes (overall survival [OS], graft survival [GS], complications, delayed graft function [DGF], primary nonfunction, graft loss, estimated glomerular filtrate rate, or acute rejection) of KT in people older than 70 yr were included.

Evidence synthesis

Of the 10 357 yielded articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria (18 observational studies, one prospective multicentre study, and no randomised controlled trials), enrolling a total of 293 501 KT patients. Comparative studies reporting enough quantitative data for target outcomes were combined. There were significant inferior 5-yr OS (relative risk [RR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-2.35) and 5-yr GS in the elderly group (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.14-1.65) to those in the <70-yr group. Short-term GS at 1 and 3 yr was similar between groups, and similar findings occurred with DGF, graft loss, and acute rejection rates. Few data about postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusions

Elderly recipients have worse OS at all time points and long-term GS compared with younger recipients (<70 yr). Postoperative complications were under-reported and could not be assessed. The DGF, acute rejection, death with functioning graft, and graft loss were not inferior in elderly recipients. Geriatric assessment in this setting might be useful for selecting better elderly candidates for KT.

Patient summary

Compared with younger population, kidney transplant in elderly patients has inferior patient and graft survival outcomes in the long term.

Impact of Recipient Age at Liver Transplant on Long-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The age of a liver transplant (LT) candidate is one of many variables used in the transplant selection process. Most research about the age at transplant has used prespecified age ranges or categories in assessing associations with transplant outcomes. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the age at transplant and survival. This study aimed to examine associations of age at transplant as a continuous variable, in conjunction with other patient and disease-related factors, with patient and graft survival after LT.

METHODS

We used the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research data to identify LT recipients between January 2002 and June 2018. Cox regression models with a restricted cubic spline term for age examined associations with graft and patient survival after LT. We assessed the interactions of age with recipients' sex, race/ethnicity, region, indication for transplant, body mass index, model for end-stage liver disease score, diabetes, functional status at transplant, and donor risk index.

RESULTS

Age at the time of LT showed a nonlinear association with both graft and patient survival. Each demographic, clinical, transplant-related, and donor-related factor influenced these relationships differently.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that some older LT candidates may be better than some younger candidates and that clinicians should not exclusively use age to determine who receives LT.

Outcome of liver transplantation in elderly patients: an Italian multicenter case-control study

Despite the controversial results of liver transplantation (LT) in elderly recipients, the proportion of patients continues to increase. This study investigated the outcome of LT in elderly patients (≥ 65 years) in an Italian, multicenter cohort. Between January 2014 and December 2019, 693 eligible patients were transplanted, and two groups were compared: recipients ≥ 65 years (n = 174, 25.1%) versus 50-59 years (n = 519, 74.9%). Confounders were balanced using a stabilized inverse probability therapy weighting (IPTW). Elderly patients showed more frequent early allograft dysfunction (23.9 versus 16.8%, p = 0.04). Control patients had longer posttransplant hospital stays (median: 14 versus 13 days; p = 0.02), while no difference was observed for posttransplant complications (p = 0.20). At multivariable analysis, recipient age ≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for patient death (HR  1.76; p = 0.002) and graft loss (HR  1.63; p = 0.005). The 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year patient survival rates were 82.6, 79.8, and 66.4% versus 91.1, 88.5, and 82.0% in the elderly and control group, respectively (log-rank p = 0.001). The 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year graft survival rates were 81.5, 78.7, and 66.0% versus 90.2, 87.2, and 79.9% in the elderly and control group, respectively (log-rank p = 0.003). Elderly patients with CIT > 420 min showed 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year patient survival rates of 75.7%, 72.8%, and 58.5% versus 90.4%, 86.5%, and 79.4% for controls (log-rank p = 0.001). LT in elderly (≥ 65 years) recipients provides favorable results, but inferior to those achieved in younger patients (50-59), especially when CIT > 7 h. Containment of cold ischemia time seems pivotal for favorable outcomes in this class of patients.

Effect of Age on Liver Transplantation Recipient Outcomes: Two Centers' Experience

BACKGROUND

Liver diseases epidemiology has changed with advances in perioperative care. Transplantation at large centers is favorable among older and younger recipients. Local limitations on transplantation for recipients older than 65 years were cancelled in 2014. This study evaluates the effects of age on the transplantation outcome of Israeli patients in the era after removal of the limitations on recipient age.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis examined prospective data on patients older than 18 years who underwent liver or liver-kidney transplantation between 2014 and 2019 at 2 transplantation centers. Patients were divided into 4 age groups (group 1: ≤59 years; group 2: 60-64 years; group 3: 65-69 years; and group 4: ≥70 years). Each group's associations of pretransplantation factors with outcome and survival were examined.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-one recipients underwent 269 transplantations (mean age: 53 ± 12.61 y). There were 181 male (67.8%) and 88 female recipients (67.28%). Overall, 207 patients (79.6%) survived ≥12 months. One-year survival rates were 82.9%, 73.2%, 71.4%, and 93.8% for groups 1 to 4, respectively (not statistically significant; P = .11). One-year graft survival was similar between groups. More patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, or ischemic heart disease tended to survive <12 months. Cardiovascular complication was more common in older groups and affected survival.

CONCLUSION

Patient age alone should not be used to deny access to transplantation, which could benefit older nonfrail individuals. However, risk factors such as male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and concomitant kidney-liver transplantation should be carefully considered.

Outcomes of liver transplantation in patients 70 years or older: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The rate of liver transplantation is increasing among the elderly population; however, data is limited on the post-liver transplantation outcomes in patients ≥70 years. Given the scarcity in liver allograft resources, a meta-analysis on the outcomes of liver transplantation in patients ≥70 years is warranted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multiple databases were searched through March 2022 for studies that reported on the outcomes of liver-transplantation in patients ≥70 years. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistics.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included that analyzed 162,725 patients. The pooled rate of 1-year, 3-years and 5-years post liver transplant survival for patients ≥70 years was 78.7% (72.6-83.7; I²=74%), 61.2% (52.3-69.5; I²=87%), and 48.9% (39.3-58.6; I²=96%), respectively. The corresponding 1-year, 3-years and 5-years survival for patients <70 years were 86.6% (82.4-89.9; I²=99%), 73.2% (63-81.3; I²=99%), and 70.1% (66.8-73.2; I²=99%); respectively. Descriptive p-values of comparison were statistically significant at 1-year and 5-years (p = 0.02 and <0.001). The pooled rate of perioperative complications in patients ≥70 years was 40.7% (26.2-57; I²=93%). The pooled rate of graft failure in patients ≥70 years was 6.7% (3.3-13.1; I²=93%) and in patients <70 years was 3.7% (1-12.4; I²=99%). The pooled rate of perioperative mortality in patients ≥70 years was 16.6% (7.6-32.5; I²=99%) and in patients <70 years was 0.8% (0-33.1; I²=88%).

CONCLUSION

Patients ≥70 years undergoing liver transplantation seem to demonstrate significantly lower 1-year and 5-year survival rates as compared to patients <70 years, albeit limited by heterogeneity.

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who are 70 years or older

Background

Although liver transplantation has been done successfully in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, these are likely well-selected patients. This study uses a large database of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma to explore treatment and potential candidacy for liver transplantation in the elderly.

Methods

Retrospective review of 1,533 hepatocellular carcinoma cases identified 2 groups: 475 patients 70 years or older (70 +) and 1,058 patients < 70 years. Demographics, risk factors, tumor characteristics, treatments, and survival were compared. Three- and 5-year survival rates were determined, and logistic regression was used to identify factors predictive of 3-year survival.

Results

Patients 70 + were more likely to have metabolic factors and less likely to have viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance (21.7% vs 28.4%, P = .005), and hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria (37.3% vs 43.8%, P = .019). Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was similar, but patients 70 + had higher mean creatinine and lower mean bilirubin. Patients 70 + were equally likely to undergo liver resection but less likely to undergo liver transplantation (0.4% vs 10.2%, P < .001). Three- and 5-year survival rates were significantly worse in 70 +, and predictors of 3-year survival included hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance, meeting Milan criteria, and normal alpha fetoprotein.

Discussion

Elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were less likely to undergo liver transplantation potentially due to metabolic factors and advanced disease. Although there is no age cutoff for liver transplantation, elderly patients should be given realistic expectations of liver transplantation candidacy. Continued surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients may allow for earlier diagnosis and improved liver transplantation candidacy.

Key Message

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who are 70 years or older can be managed with liver transplantation in select cases, but more patients will be managed with liver resection and nonoperative therapies.

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Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are older than 70 years will not undergo liver transplant.

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Older patients are more likely to have metabolic risk factors and comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

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Older patients have similar Model for End-stage Liver Disease score as younger patients; their scores are based on having more renal dysfunction and a lower bilirubin.

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Older patients are less likely to have their hepatocellular carcinoma found with surveillance and are more likely to have cancer that is beyond Milan criteria which are generally used for transplant candidacy.

Prognostic factors of elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: should we be more courageous in treatment?

OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer with a poor prognosis, its incidence increases with age. The risk of developing HCC is highest in the seventh decade. In this study, we aimed to determine the clinicopathological differences, treatment choices, survival times, and effective prognostic factors of HCC in the elderly and young populations.

METHODS

All patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed histologically between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: <70 years and ≥70 years. The clinicopathological differences, treatment choices, survival times, and effective prognostic factors of HCC were compared in the elderly and young populations.

RESULTS

A total of 407 patients were evaluated. There were 164 patients (40.3%) in the geriatric age group. There was no significant difference in the female/male ratio, the laboratory values, survival time between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of tumor focality and portal vein invasion ( P > 0.05). The presence of NAFLD, maximal tumor diameter (MTD), and portal invasion were found to be significant for survival according to the univariate analysis in elderly group ( P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, presence of NAFLD etiologically, and MTD independent risk factors were observed in elderly group ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

If the clinicomorphological features of the tumor and prognostic risk factors can be determined by examining the patients in detail, all treatments can be easily applied in the geriatric group.

Liver Transplantation in Sexagenarian Patients Using Grafts From Uncontrolled Circulatory Death Versus Grafts From Brain Death Donation

BACKGROUND

An increased number of older recipients underwent liver transplantation in recent years, and consequently needing to obtain more liver grafts. In order to increase this pool, in 2006, we initiated the use of livers from uncontrolled circulatory death (uDCD). We analyzed the use of uDCD livers in sexagenarian recipients and their effect on overall survival.

METHODS

A retrospective and comparative study was performed among 4 groups according to recipient age (less or greater than 60 years) and donor type (donor brain death [DBD] or uDCD): Group A: DBD livers in recipients aged <60 years (n = 169); Group B: uDCD livers in recipients aged <60 years (n = 36); Group C: DBD livers in recipients aged >60 years (n = 96); and Group D: uDCD livers in recipients aged >60 years(n = 39).

RESULTS

Intraoperative transfusion, biliary complications, primary non-function, acute rejection, chronic renal dysfunction, retransplantation, and mortality during follow-up (cardiovascular diseases in 3 patients, hepatitis C virus recurrence in 4 patients, and de novo malignancies in 3 patients) were significantly higher, and 5-year patient and graft survival was significantly lower in sexagenarian recipients. Bilirubin and packed red blood cells transfusion were risk factors for patient survival, whereas hepatocelular carcinoma, creatinine, and packed red blood cells transfusion were risk factors for patient survival. Recipient age (<60 years) was confirmed as protective factor for patient and graft survival, whereas the use of uDCD was not a risk factor for patient or graft survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a uDCD liver did not demonstrate as a risk factor for patient and graft survival, and recipient age (<60 years) was a protective factor for patient and graft survival.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the most common indication for liver transplantation among the elderly: Data from the United States Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients

As the US population ages, more elderly patients may need liver transplantation. Our aim was to assess recent trends among elderly individuals requiring liver transplant in the United States. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data (2002-2020) were used to select elderly (≥65 years) liver transplant candidates and assess on-list and posttransplant outcomes. During the study period, 31,209 liver transplant candidates ≥65 years were wait listed. Common etiologies included nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; 31%), hepatitis C (23%), and alcoholic liver disease (18%); 30% also had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Over time, the proportion of patients ≥65 years among all adult liver transplant candidates increased from 9% (2002-2005) to 23% (2018-2020) (trend, p < 0.0001). The proportion of NASH among elderly candidates increased from 13% (2002-2005) to 39% (2018-2020). Of the elderly candidates, 54% eventually received transplants. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of a higher chance of receiving a transplant for the elderly included more recent years of listing, male sex, higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and HCC (all p < 0.01). Posttransplant mortality in elderly transplant recipients was higher than in younger patients but continued to decrease over time. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of higher posttransplant mortality for elderly transplant recipients were earlier years of transplantation, older age, male sex, higher MELD score, history of diabetes, retransplantation, and having HCC (all p < 0.01). The proportion of elderly patients in need of liver transplantation in the United States is sharply increasing. NASH is the most common indication for liver transplantation among the elderly. The outcomes of these patients have been improving in the past 2 decades.

The impact of advanced patient age in liver transplantation: a European Liver Transplant Registry propensity-score matching study

BACKGROUND

The futility of liver transplantation in elderly recipients remains under debate in the HCV eradication era.

METHODS

The aim was to assess the effect of older age on outcome after liver transplantation. We used the ELTR to study the relationship between recipient age and post-transplant outcome. Young and elderly recipients were compared using a PSM method.

RESULTS

A total of 10,172 cases were analysed. Recipient age >65 years was identified as an independent risk factor associated with reduced patient survival (HR:1.42 95%CI:1.23-1.65,p < 0.001). After PSM, 2124 patients were matched, and the same association was found between elderly recipients and patient survival and graft survival (p < 0.001). As hepatocellular carcinoma and alcoholic cirrhosis were independent prognostic factors for patient and graft survival a propensity score-matching was performed for each. Patient and graft survival were significantly worse (p < 0.05) in the alcoholic cirrhosis elderly group. However, patient and graft survival in the hepatocellular carcinoma cohort were similar (p > 0.05) between groups.

CONCLUSION

Liver transplantation is an acceptable and safe curative option for elderly transplant candidates, with worse long-term outcomes compare to young candidates. The underlying liver disease for liver transplantation has a significant impact on the selection of elderly patients.

Clinical Outcomes of Liver Transplantation for Patients Over 60 Years Old: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES

Although advanced age is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant, transplant in elderly patients with comorbid diseases remains debatable because of high risks with surgery. Here, we report patient outcomes in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 276 liver transplant recipients, grouped by age. Group 1 (≤59 years old) consisted of 247 recipients, and group 2 (≥60 years old) consisted of 29 recipients. Reviewed data included age, sex, cause of liver disease, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, survival, and posttransplant complications.

RESULTS

In both groups, most patients (n = 108) required liver transplant for hepatitis B virus. Mean age was 40 ± 12.3 and 63 ± 2.3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with more men than women in both group 1 (71.7% vs 28.3%) and group 2 (75.9% vs 24.1%). No significant differences were shown between groups for patient characteristics, except group 1 had significantly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Group 1 mean survival time was 10.2 ± 0.6 years, with patient survival rates at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years of 65.5%, 53%, 46.3%, and 40%, respectively. In group 2, respective results were 10.6 ± 1.3 years and 75.9%, 68.6%, 61%, and 48.8% (no significant difference vs group 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplant recipients >60 years of age had survival rates, acute rejection rates, and complications similar to younger recipients. Liver transplant should not be withheld from older recipients on the basis of age alone. However, comprehensive screening for comorbidities should be performed.

Evaluation of rejection, infection, and malignancy outcomes in elderly liver transplant recipients receiving a similar level of immunosuppression compared to a younger group

Elderly liver transplant (LTx) recipients at a lower risk of acute rejection compared to younger recipients due to immunosenescence. As such, they may benefit from reduced immunosuppression (IS) to minimize infectious and malignant complications. We aimed to evaluate outcomes in LTx recipients ≥60 years compared to a younger group of LTx recipients aged 18-59 years maintained on a similar level of IS. This was a single-center retrospective evaluation of adult LTx recipients from 2013 to 2018 who received methylprednisolone induction and were maintained on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and a prednisone taper. A total of 143 LTx recipients were evaluated. Mean age in the older group was 65 ± 3.8 compared to 49 ± 10.4 years in the younger group (p < 0.0001). Mean tacrolimus levels and the duration of MMF and steroids were comparable. Both groups had a similar incidence of first rejection within 1 year (19.2% in the elderly group vs. 23.1% in the younger group, p = 0.57). There were no statistical difference in terms of infection, malignancy, or patient survival. In conclusion, our data suggests that elderly LTx recipients, when treated with a similar level of IS, had similar 1 year incidence of rejection, infection, malignancy, and patient survival as younger LTx recipients.

Age disparities in transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to outline disparities in liver and kidney transplantation across age spectrum. Disparities do not involve only recipients whose age may severely affect the possibility to access to a potentially life-saving procedure, but donors as well. The attitude of transplant centers to use older donors reflects on waiting list mortality and drop-out. This review examines which age categories are currently harmed and how different allocation systems may minimize disparities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Specific age categories suffer disparities in the access to transplantation. A better understanding of how properly evaluate graft quality, a continuous re-evaluation of the most favorable donor-to-recipient match and most equitable allocation system are the three key points to promote 'justice and equality' among transplant recipients.

SUMMARY

The duty to protect younger patients waiting for transplantation and the request of older patients to have access to potentially life-saving treatment urge the transplant community to use older organs thus increasing the number of available grafts, to evaluate new allocation systems with the aim to maximize 'utility' while respecting 'equity' and to avoid 'futility' thus minimizing waiting list mortality and drop-out, and improving the survival benefits for all patients requiring a transplant.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COOT/A9.

Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of Posttransplant Outcomes in Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Older Adult Recipients

The impact of increasing recipient age on morbidity and mortality following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains controversial. The study aims to analyze the impact of recipient age on outcomes following LDLT. Data on adult LDLTs performed between November 2009 and February 2020 were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on recipient age: 18 to 65 years (younger adults) and >65 years (older adults). Propensity score matching (PSM) using nearest-neighbor matching was used to match each older recipient with up to 2 younger adult recipients using multiple preoperative parameters. Outcomes evaluated were duration of ventilation, need for reintubation, tracheostomy, intensive care unit (ICU) readmission, length of ICU and hospital stays, postoperative complications, reoperation within 90 days, and patient survival. A total of 801 adult LDLT recipients were included in the study; 751 (93.7%) were younger adults, and 50 (6.3%) were older adults. Older recipients were more likely to be diabetic (60.0% versus 39.7%) and hypertensive (44.0% versus 20.4%) with preexisting cardiac disease (28.0% versus 11.2%). However, their pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was significantly lower (14.5 versus 17.7), and they were more likely to receive a transplant because of hepatocellular carcinoma (38.0% versus 17.7%). Older recipients had longer durations of ventilation after LT both before (3.7 versus 1.9 days) and after PSM (4.0 versus 1.5 days). After PSM, the 30-day (13.0% versus 2.4%), 90-day (15.2% and 2.4%), and overall mortality rates (21.7% versus 7.1%) were significantly higher for older recipients when compared with younger recipients. There was no difference between the younger and older recipients with respect to other postoperative outcomes. This propensity score-matched study shows that the older LDLT recipients have higher 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality rates when compared with matched younger counterparts.

Hospice care for end stage liver disease in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have impaired physical, psychological, and social functions, which can diminish patient quality of life, burden family caregivers, and increase health-care utilization. For those with a life expectancy of less than six months, these impairments and their downstream effects can be addressed effectively through high-quality hospice care, delivered by multidisciplinary teams and focused on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing of patients and caregivers, with a goal of improving quality of life.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we examine the evidence supporting hospice for ESLD, we compare this evidence to that supporting hospice more broadly, and we identify potential criteria that may be useful in determining hospice appropriateness.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the potential for hospice to improve care for those at the end of life, it is underutilized for patients with ESLD. Increasing the appropriate utilization of hospice for ESLD requires a better understanding of patient eligibility, which can be based on predictors of high short-term mortality and liver transplant ineligibility. Such hospice criteria should be data-driven and should accommodate the uncertainty faced by patients and physicians.

A Review of the Current State of Liver Transplantation Disparities

Equity in access is one of the core goals of the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN). However, disparities in liver transplantation have been described since the passage of the National Organ Transplant Act, which established OPTN in the 1980s. During the past few decades, several efforts have been made by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to address disparities in liver transplantation with notable improvements in many areas. Nonetheless, disparities have persisted across insurance type, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic area, and age. African Americans have lower rates of referral to transplant centers, females have lower rates of transplantation from the liver waiting list than males, and public insurance is associated with worse posttransplant outcomes than private insurance. In addition, pediatric candidates and older adults have a disadvantage on the liver transplant waiting list, and there are widespread regional disparities in transplantation. Given the large degree of inequity in liver transplantation, there is a tremendous need for studies to propose and model policy changes that may make the liver transplant system more just and equitable.

Liver transplantation and aging

An increase in the average life expectancy, paralleled by a demographic shift in the population with end-stage liver disease lies behind the rising demand for liver transplantation (LT) among the elderly. Some of the most common indications for LT including hepatocellular carcinoma, alcohol-related liver disease, chronic hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease tend to affect older patients. Transplant professionals are faced with an increasing demand for LT among elderly patients in an age of organ shortage and it is important that risk and benefits are carefully weighed in order to achieve the optimum use of precious liver grafts.

Eligibility for Liver Transplantation in Patients with Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) has been performed in a select group of patients presenting with unresectable or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-associated perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) in the Mayo Clinic with a reported 5-year overall survival (OS) of 53% on intention-to-treat analysis. The objective of this study was to estimate eligibility for LT in a cohort of pCCA patients in two tertiary referral centers.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with pCCA between 2002 and 2014 were included from two tertiary referral centers in the Netherlands. The selection criteria used by the Mayo Clinic were retrospectively applied to determine the proportion of patients that would have been eligible for LT.

RESULTS

A total of 732 consecutive patients with pCCA were identified, of whom 24 (4%) had PSC-associated pCCA. Overall, 154 patients had resectable disease on imaging and 335 patients were ineligible for LT because of lymph node or distant metastases. An age limit of 70 years led to the exclusion of 50 patients who would otherwise be eligible for LT. After applying the Mayo Clinic criteria, only 34 patients (5%) were potentially eligible for LT. Median survival from diagnosis for these 34 patients was 13 months (95% CI 3-23).

CONCLUSION

Only 5% of all patients presenting with pCCA were potentially eligible for LT under the Mayo criteria. Without transplantation, a median OS of about 1 year was observed.

Recipient Age for Liver Transplantation: Should It Be Limited? A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of a Large European Series

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The demand for older patients not to be denied access to liver transplantation (LT) has intensified as the European population continues to live longer and maintains better health.

AIM

This study aims to ascertain the impact of recipient age on the post-LT survival in 2 well-balanced populations at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital.

METHODS

From January 1990 to December 2016, LT recipients (young group: 50-65 years of age; elderly group: >65 years of age) were compared by means of a propensity score matching (PSM) method.

RESULTS

Prior to PSM, graft survival and patient survival were worse for the elderly group (P < .001). In 1126 LT recipients, a caliper width of 0.01 was used based on the donor (age, sex, cause of donor death, and donor intensive care unit stay) and recipient covariates (sex, body mass index, indication for LT, intraoperative blood transfusion, cardiovascular risk factors, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD]-Era). After PSM, 206 patients were matched; 1-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 77%, 63%, and 52% vs 80%, 64%, and 45% (P = .50) for young vs elderly recipients, respectively. Similar graft survival rates were observed in both groups (P = .42).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age alone should not exclude patients from LT.

Liver transplantation in elderly patients: what do we know at the beginning of 2020?

An aging population has prompted us to evaluate the indications of liver transplantation (LT) in elderly patients more frequently. In this review, we summarize the short- and long-term results after LT in elderly patients and also discuss the criteria used to select patients and how recipient age can challenge current allocation systems. Briefly, the feasibility and early outcomes of LT in elderly patients compare favorably with those of younger patients. Although long-term survival is less than satisfactory, large-scale studies show that the transplant survival benefit is similar for elderly and younger patients. Therefore, age alone does not contraindicate LT; however, screening for cardiopulmonary comorbidities, and asymptomatic malignancies, evaluating nutritional status, and frailty, is crucial to ensure optimal results and avoid futile transplantation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in older adults: A comprehensive review by Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology

Given the prevalence and the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in older adults worldwide, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the implications of treatment modalities in this population. The care of older patients with HCC is challenging due to the lack of evidence-based recommendations in this population. The current treatment approach for older patients relies on extrapolation of data from clinical trials conducted mostly in younger patients or fit older adults. Further, in the last few years, the arsenal of systemic treatments has increased with currently seven FDA-approved therapies available for patients with advanced HCC. Therefore, understanding how to apply current data to this unique and diverse patient population is necessary. This review will aim to shed light on the approach to older adults with HCC through an assessment of available data in the literature.

Evolving Role of Liver Transplantation in Elderly Recipients

The need for liver transplantation (LT) among older patients is increasing, but the role of LT in the elderly (≥70 years) is not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed all primary LTs from 1998 through 2016 at our center. Survival and associated risk factors were analyzed with Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods for LT recipients in 3 age groups: <60, 60-69, and ≥70 years. Among 2281 LT recipients, the median age was 56 years (range, 15-80 years), and 162 were aged ≥70 years. The estimated 5- and 10-year patient survival probabilities for elderly LT recipients were lower (70.8% and 43.6%) than for recipients aged 60-69 years (77.2% and 64.6%) and <60 years (80.7% and 67.6%). Patient and graft survival rates associated with LT improved over time from the pre-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease era to Share 15, pre-Share 35, and Share 35 for the cohort overall (P < 0.001), but rates remained relatively stable in septuagenarians throughout the study periods (all P > 0.45). There was no incremental negative effect of age at LT among elderly patients aged 70-75 years (log-rank P = 0.32). Among elderly LT recipients, greater requirement for packed red blood cells and longer warm ischemia times were significantly associated with decreased survival (P < 0.05). Survival of LT recipients, regardless of age, markedly surpassed that of patients who were denied LT, but it was persistently 20%-30% lower than the expected survival of the general US population (P < 0.001). With the aging of the population, select older patients with end-stage liver diseases can benefit from LT, which largely restores their expected life spans.

Survival Outcomes After Liver Transplantation in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

AIM

This study aims to evaluate survival rates in elderly patients after liver transplantation (LT) and to analyze the factors associated with mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study includes 535 patients over the age of 18 who had undergone LT in our clinic between June 2004 and January 2018. Data were collected prospectively and scanned retrospectively. Data concerning the patients' age, sex, LT indication, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, presence of hepatocellular cancer (HCC), coexisting disease, LT types, and post-transplant survival were investigated. The patients were grouped under 2 categories (18-59 years of age and 60 years of age and over) and were compared in terms of their characteristics. In patients aged 60 and over, the causes of mortality and related factors were investigated.

RESULTS

The study included 535 patients, 458 (85.6%) of whom were between 18 and 59 years of age and 77 (14.4%) were over 60 years of age. The median follow-up period was 86.7 (1 to 247) months. The elderly group's survival rate was significantly lower than that of the younger group (P = .002). In elderly patients, survival rates of 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 67.4%, 56.4%, 53.8%, and 46.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients, factors that increase post-LT mortality require thorough consideration. Equally important is the physiological status of the candidates for transplantation. Correct patient selection in the preoperative stage and good postoperative care can provide successful survival results in elderly patients.