The Kidney & Hypertension Group

The Kidney & Hypertension Group
Our newest office located in Delray Beach, Florida just off I-95

Translate

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Nephrology Faculty

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Nephrology Faculty

Sunday, March 6, 2011

SHOULD YOUNGER PATIENTS GET THE BEST KIDNEYS?

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.

No comments:

Black Americans Are At High Risk of Kidney Disease. Click Picture To Learn What Can Be Done

Black Americans Are At High Risk of Kidney Disease. Click Picture To Learn What Can Be Done
A Black Kidney Transplant Patient Warns Other Members of the Black Community of the Need To Be Aware of Their Increase Risk of Kidney Disease and What They Can Do About It

Popular Posts

Post Titles

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KIDNEY GROUP'S NEW TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KIDNEY GROUP'S NEW TRANSPLANT PATIENTS
Van C. (Dr. Gabriel Valle's patient-kidney-University of Miami, Cathy O. (Dr. Carlos Bejar-Kidney at University of Miami),Will E. (Dr. Ajuria-kidney-Miami Transplant Institute;Bob I. (Dr. Valle's patient, University of Miami-Kidney), Orlando T. (Dr. Valle's patient, University of Miami, kidney), Sara A. (Dr. Valle's patient, kidney, University of Miami),Steve I. (Dr. Jorge Ajuria's patient, kidney, University of Miami),Sandy L. (Dr. Carlos Bejar's patient, kidney, University of Miami),KATHY C. (kidney-University of Miami, patient of Dr. Valle,MARTIN O. (Dr. Valle patient-Heart/Kidney -University of Miami), ROBERT I. (Dr. Valle's patient Kidney at University of Massachusetts), DREW P.(kidney-University of Florida),BILL L. (University of Florida-kidney), BARBARA L. (University of Miami-kidney), FRANCIS L. (kidney at U. of F.), JONATHAN I. (kidney-at U of F), THERESA L. (kidney-pancreas at University of Miami),JEFF T. (kidney at University of Florida), TERESA R. (kidney-University of Miami), JEANNIE O. (kidney-University of Florida), ELOISE O. (Univ of Florida), JOHN E. (kidney-University of Florida), GENE J. (Kidney-University of South Florida), CAL. M. (kidney- Florida Transplant Hospital in Orlando), TERRY A. (Perfect Match! University of Florida-kidney), TIM A.(kidney-University of Miami), GLORIA R. (kidney -University of Miami), BRAD R. (Kidney (and never on dialysis!!)-at University of Miami),(*both Brad and Gloria got kidneys on the same day!!!), BELINDA (kidney-University of Miami), TOM (kidney-University of Miami), JIM E. (Kidney-University of Miami), HERBERT A., (Kidney-University of Miami), Belinda R. (University of Miami-kidney),

PATRICK LOVES THE KIDNEY GROUP

PATRICK LOVES THE KIDNEY GROUP

THE DOCTORS OF THE KIDNEY GROUP

THE DOCTORS OF THE KIDNEY GROUP
South Florida's Top Nephrologists-(Left to Right) Drs. Ajuria, Hernandez, Bejar, and Valle

Living longer by living smarter.

Living longer by living smarter.
find 20 minutes a day to meditate. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and reduces signs of aging.

LEARN ABOUT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (P.D.)

LEARN ABOUT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (P.D.)
Click picture to learn what PD is all about from a Nurse Clinical Educator