Age-related changes in the structure of lymphoid organs: A review of the literature

Abstract

Numerous and rather contradictory research data demonstrate that the mechanism of increased susceptibility to diseases in old age so far has no satisfactory explanation. Concurrently, the relevant literature almost lacks any comparative data on the specific features on the effect of surgeries and traumas on the structure and function of lymphoid organs in patients of different age cohorts. However, lymph nodes mark the activity of local inflammation, and changes in them allow the estimation of treatment efficiency, as well as the prognosis and prevention of many complications. This is especially important with the constant increase in the average age and life expectancy in the human population and the more active use of surgeries in elder and old patients.