Problems of Chemotherapy in the Older Age Group†

Pharmacologic Aspects of Aging: A Survey of the Effect of Increasing Age on Drug Activity in Adults

“…Because the primary action of anti‐infectious agents is on the invading organism, with a minimal effect on the tissues and physiologic processes of the host, the general principles of such therapy are the same for all patients (131–133). However, a special problem is created by the aging host and his altered physiologic state.…”

“…Because of decreased renal function, higher blood levels of the drug are commonly observed in the elderly subject, and there is a tendency towards accumulation. This is true for long‐acting sulfa drugs (12), to which the aged are less tolerant (134), and also for antibiotics (131–133). Indeed the use of some antibiotics is contraindicated in the aged for this reason (131).…”

Quantitative Studies on Immunofluorescence in Allergic Changes of Old and Young Animals

“…Lower immunoglobulin production in advanced years may be caused by old-age atrophy of the lymphoreticular system. There are reports on atrophy of the spleen, the lymph nodes, and the bone marrow in old age (Haranghy, 1959;Rotter and Biingeler, 1955;Lehr, 1955). Moreover, there may be a structural difference between the proteins of old and young organisms which could be responsible for the difference in immune response.…”

Pneumonia in the Older Patient*

“…For instance, the altered responsiveness of lymphoid tissue and the macrophage system results in reduced antibody production and reduced general resistance to infection. Similarly, the lessening of adrenal function and the rigidity of the vascular system alter the process of inflammation, producing, in Lehr's (1) words, “an amazing poverty of constitutional and local reactions to injury and infection.” In the past, researchers in the field of gerontology have aimed at prolonging life with hormones, vessel‐protecting agents, serums, drugs and grafts. More recently the emphasis has been shifted to investigations into the basic cellular causes of aging.…”