The UCLA Medical Center study reviewed records of lung transplant patients between March 2000 and September 2006. During the period, 50 transplant surgeries were performed on 48 patients between the ages of 65 and 72. A group of 50 patients younger than 65 was matched with the older patients for comparison purposes.

Survival rates for both groups were found to be similar. The early survival rate of the older patients was 95.7 percent, compared with 95.9 percent for the younger cohort. The one-year survival rate was 79.7 percent compared with 91.2, and the three-year survival rate was 73.6 for the older group and 74.2 percent for the younger.

The researchers said the findings suggest the increased mortality rate among older patients during the one month to one year period was due predominantly to infection and might result from the gradual deterioration of the immune system with age.

"This finding warrants adjustments in the immunosuppresion protocols for older patients," said lead author Dr. Raja Mahidhara.

The findings are reported in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

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