Older living liver donors can enlarge the donor pool: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the best option for end-stage liver disease patients. Older potential donors are increasingly requesting donation. This study aims to systematically assess the differences in donor peri- and postoperative complications, mortality, and quality of life (QoL) between younger and older living liver donors. Materials and Methods: Embase, Medline, and Cochrane were searched for studies published between 2002 and June 2, 2023. Donor complications, major complications, biliary complications, mortality, and QoL were systematically reviewed, including meta-analyses. Donors aged >50 years were considered older. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale. Results: The search yielded 8,320 studies, of which 17 were included. The risk ratio (RR) for complications in younger donors was 1.08 [0.90, 1.31] (P=0.41). RRs for major complications in younger donors were 0.98 [0.64, 1.48] and 0.89 [0.50, 1.57] using Clavien-Dindo ≥III and ≥IIIb as major complication. RR for biliary complications in younger donors was 1.59 [1.05, 2.42] (P=0.03). Mortality rate in younger donors was 47/13,238 (0.4%) and in older donors 13/989 (1.3%). Physical component summary (PCS) in younger donors was 51.87 and in older donors 51.29. Mental component summary (MCS) in younger donors was 52.93 and in older donors 55.40. Conclusion: Older donors do not have a higher complication or mortality rate than younger donors after LDLT. They may have a lower rate of biliary complications. Additionally, older donors have a similar QoL after LDLT. With careful selection, older donors can be included in screening programs for living liver donation to expand the donor pool.