OBJECTIVE
To contribute to the analysis of the medical issue of aging as a selection criteria for heart transplantation (HT) METHODS: Elderly candidates (52 subjects, aged > or = 60) were compared with younger patients (64 candidates, aged 50-55) in: clinical pattern (sex, etiology, duration of disease); laboratory and instrumental data (multiple organ function, hemodynamics, maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, nutritional status); follow-up (death, transplantation, status I, decompensation, complications) of at least 6 months.
RESULTS
When compared with younger candidates, over 60 patients did not differ in clinical pattern, in all instrumental data, in end-organ function, in transplantation rate, in fatal and non-fatal cardiac events. In both groups the medical management was similarly complex.
CONCLUSION
In regard to the medical issue, no reasons emerged to exclude older patients suitable from HT.