Influence of donor age on survival in liver transplantation due to hepatitis C virus.

Cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most frequent indications for liver transplantation. During recent years, the age of donors has increased, which has led to a worse prognosis for persons undergoing transplantations because of this virus. In this study, we analyzed the 93 transplantations performed during a 6-year period (2000-2005) due to HCV, dividing them into 2 groups according to donor age: <60 years (group A) and >/=60 years (group B). We examined graft and recipient survivals with a mean follow-up of 34 months. Recipient survival among group A was 61% compared with 57% among Group B, the difference being greater if we excluded the initial months after transplantation, since this eliminated the complications inherent to the intervention. Graft survival, according to the Knodell histological activity index, was summarized as: 55.7% histological recurrence, 16.7% fibrosis, and 21% cirrhosis among group A versus 65.6%, 25%, and 18.7%, respectively, among group B. In conclusion, there was improved survival and disease progression was slower among group A compared with group B, suggesting that donor age was an important factor; patient and graft survivals fell progressively with increased donor age.