THE POTENTIAL FOR ELDERLY DONORS TO INCREASE RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION RATES IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the potential increase in renal donation rates if elderly donors (those over 60 years of age) were considered. DESIGN: Patients dying from acute brain damage resulting from stroke were identified using the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Stroke Service Register. Their records were retrospectively analysed to assess their eligibility as potential renal donors. SETTING: One hundred and ninety-eight patients dying from acute brain damage caused by stroke at a large metropolitan teaching hospital (RMH), from May 1987 to December 1990 inclusive. PATIENT ASSESSMENT: Patients were considered "eligible", "ineligible" or "possibly eligible" (requiring further assessment) as dono..