Results of renal transplantation using grafts from cadaveric donors over 50 years of age.

In view of the persistent shortage of organ donors, the usability for transplantation of cadaveric kidneys from donors over 50 years of age was studied. Out of 5546 cadaveric kidneys, transplanted in the Eurotransplant area in the past ten years, 149 were from donors over 50 years of age. Apart from an increased early graft loss in the advanced age donor group, comparison of cumulative graft survival showed no negative influence of progressing donor age. It is concluded that donors over 50 years of age can be a valuable source of cadaveric kidneys for tranplantation. Inclusion of these donors in harvesting programmes will result in a considerable increase in the amount of potential kidney donors.