Objective To quantitatively investigate the effectof age on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)in living-related kidney donors, to analyze the clinicalvalue and the dependence ofGFR on age and toprovide an

Objective basis for the selection of the living kidney donor.M ethods One hundred and sixtyone living-related kidney donorswere divided into four age groups, namely 20－29 years(n=52), 30－39 years (n=44), 40－49 years(n=38)and≥50 years(n=27).On theotherhand, the totaldonorswere divided into the groupsolder than 55 years(n=24)and younger than 55 years(n=137).To quantify GFR in all the subjects using the⁹⁹Tc^m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(⁹⁹Tc^m-DTPA)renography according to standard procedure and to evaluate the effects of age on renal function.

Results The total GFR in living-related kidney donorswas calculated as(89.55±12.87)ml·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1.The GFR in the first to the four age groups were(88.27±12.29)ml·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1, (91.85±14.51)ml·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1, (89.25±11.26)ml·min^－1· (1.73m²)^－1and(88.24±13.20)ml·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1.The difference ofGFRwere notsignificant between the fouragegroups(F=2.09, P=0.10).The GFR in the donorsolder than 55 yearsand younger than 55 years were(88.57±13.14)ml·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1and(89.44±10.34)m l·min^－1·(1.73m²)^－1, therewere no significant difference in GFR between the two groups(F=1.31, P=0.25).When relating GFR to age in all the livingrelated kidneydonors, there was nosignificant correlation(r=－0.033, P=0.69).No serious complications occurred after living kidney transplantation, serum creatinine values and blood urea nitrogen recovered to the normal levels in a shortperiod, hepatic and renal functionswere normal.

Conclusion This study indicated that the GFR valueswere not correlated with the change of age in living-related kidney donors, and the

Results were helpful for the selection of living donors.