Donor age in living donor liver transplantation

Background. We sought to elucidate the influence of donor age in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using either left lobe (LL) or right lobe (RL) grafts. Methods. Recipients (n = 232) were categorized as: group O/LL (LL, donor age >50, n = 20); group Y/LL (LL, donor age <= 50, n = 140); Group O/RL (RL, donor age >50, n = 12); and group Y/RL (RL, donor age <= 50, n = 61). We compared post-LDLT graft functions. Results. Among LL LDLT, the incidence of small-for-size syndrome was significantly greater for group O/LL compared with group Y/LL (60.0% vs 16.3%, P < .01). However, the cumulative 5-year graft survivals were 73.8% in group 0 and 76.7% in group Y without substantial difference. In RL LDLT, the post-LDLT morbidity and mortality were similar for group O/RL and group Y/RL. Conclusion. Partial liver grafts, even though LL grafts, from older donors can be used safely with caution in LDLT.