Lung Transplantation Outcomes in Recipients Aged 70 Years or Older and the Impact of Center Volume

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate trends and outcomes of lung transplants (LTx) in recipients ≥ 70 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the UNOS database identifying all patients undergoing LTx (May 2005–December 2022). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared by age (p p p < 0.08). HVCs were more likely to perform a bilateral LTx (BLT) for obstructive lung diseases compared to LVCs, but there was no difference in BLT and single LTx likelihood for restrictive lung diseases. Conclusions: Careful consideration is needed for recipient ≥ 70 selection, donor assessment, and post-transplant care to improve outcomes. Further research should explore strategies that advance perioperative care in centers with low long-term survival for recipients ≥ 70.

Keywords

• lung transplantation
• age
• elderly
• center volume