I am not in favor of sharp limits on who gets the best kidney-at least not strictly defined by age. What is old? In many countries, that age is 55. That’s why, if they can afford it and have a donor, people from countries with these limits who need a transplant come here.(tough to do) Often, limits exist, in such places, on a variety of medical procedures.
From a purist standpoint, if they qualify to be listed, all patients should have a crack at the kidney that comes up when their number is called, so to speak. Why not? We have determined they will live a reasonable time by virtue of the fact they passed rigorous testing and were listed. And show me the nephrologist who has NOT had a few young patients squander this precious gift of a new kidney due to non-compliance borne of “I am just too young to get it”. Not all young patients,of course, but you remember the ones who fall into this category. Do older folks ever do this? Well, I cannot think of one, although there is an exception, certainly, to every rule.
Now we have transplanted a fair number of patients in their 70’s, with 78 being the oldest here at The Kidney Group. Ted. He lived to 89, and died of a cause unrelated to either the transplant or kidney disease. 11 years. Of course Ted was offered a 64 year old kidney. And was happy to get it. That happens frequently with an older patient because not every 37 year old waiting wants a 64 year old kidney. So the old guy gets it. And we understand that.
Do we need more organs? Yes. Is this the way to approach the problem? I am going to say “no”. Age limits? It’s a slippery slope, folks. And I, for one, don’t like the thought of that.
