Nursing Care of Kidney Transplantation in Patients Older than 55 Years

Objective To discuss characteristic features of nursing care in patients older than 55 years who underwent kidney transplantation. Methods Multi-factorial analysis was conducted in 86 patients older than 55 years who underwent kidney transplantation with respect to the general situation, pre-operative preparation, use of immunosuppressants and post-operative complications. The results were compared with those obtained from 487 patients younger than 55 years who underwent kidney transplantation during the same period ( control group ) . Results In patients older than 55 years, the incidences of hypoproteinemia and anemia were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P 0. 05) , though there was no significant difference in acute rejection and wound healing ( P 0. 05). The dose of CsA was significantly lower in patients older than 55 years but hepatic function impairment was more frequent ( P 0. 05). The 1 and 3 year patient/graft survival rate of the above 55-years group was 81. 4%/75. 7% and 72. 7%/66. 3% respectively, versus 88.3%/83. 2% and 78. 3%/72.4% in the control group ( P 0. 05). Conclusion Although the general situation in elderly patients is relatively poor, and the rates of cardiocerebral vascular diseases and infection are high, satisfactory effects could still be obtained as long as rational preparations , psychological support, close monitoring and active prevention of complications are considered and appropriate measures are taken.