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Kidney transplantation using donors with history of diabetes and hypertension.

PURPOSE: Due to the persistant organ shortage for kidney transplantation, donor selection has changed in the past years. Although hypertension and diabetes mellitus are known to be risk factors for renal insufficiency, kidneys from donors with these diagnoses in their history have been accepted for kidney transplantation even with an increased risk of poor graft function. Herein we have reported our experience with kidney transplantation using grafts from donors with both, a history of type II diabetes and hypertension. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2005, ten patients were grafted using donors with history of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Mean donor age was 58 +/- 7.5 years and recipient age, 52.2 +/- 15.7 years. Mean HLA mismatch was 0.8 (A); 1.2 (B) and 0.9 (DR). Cold ischemia time was 17.4 +/- 4.1 hours. Immunosuppression was based on CyA (n = 7), tacrolimus (n = 2) or sirolimus (n = 1). RESULTS: Six patients (60%) showed good initial function, and four (40%) had delayed graft function (DGF). One patient died at ten weeks due to multiorgan failure. Two (20%) biopsy-proven rejections were diagnosed, one of which was resistant to therapy. Six months after kidney transplantation, 7 (77%, n = 9) showed good graft function (creatinine 1.3 to 2.4 mg/dL), but one patient displayed long-lasting DGF with poor function. CONCLUSION: Grafts from donors with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension are suitable for kidney transplantation. Elevated rate of DGF (40%) would justify allocation of these organs to local transplant centers to shorten ischemia time and thereby reduce DGF and achieve better long-term results. Identification and detailed evaluation of these donors prior to allocation (eg, HbAlc, biopsy) may help transplant centers to accept these kidneys.

Aged↗

Normothermic recirculation reduces primary graft dysfunction of kidneys obtained from non-heart-beating donors.

Our aim was to analyze the short- and long-term function of kidneys procured from non- heartbeating donors (NHBD) by means of three techniques: in situ perfusion (ISP), total body cooling (TBC) and normothermic recirculation (NR). Fifty-seven potential NHBD were included. Mean warm ischemia time was 68.9 +/- 35.6 min. Forty-four kidneys were obtained from donors perfused with ISP, 8 with TBC, and 8 with NR. Eighteen kidneys (32%) started functioning immediately, 29 (52%) showed delayed graft function (DGF) and 9 (16%) showed primary non function (PNF). The actuarial graft survival rate was 76.4% at 1 year and 56% at 5 years. The patient survival rate was 89.3% at 5 years. Incidence of DGF and PNF was significantly lower in kidneys perfused with NR than those with ISP or TBC (P < 0.01). Duration of DGF was shorter in kidneys obtained through TBC than in kidneys obtained with ISP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NR reduces the incidence of DGF and may be considered the method of choice for kidney procurement from NHBD.

Adult↗

Prognostic significance of free radicals: mediated injury occurring in the kidney donor.

BACKGROUND: Brain death is associated with hemodynamic disturbances in systemic circulation and metabolic storm, and, thus, free radical-mediated injury to donor tissues was hypothesized. An assessment of oxidative stress in the donor and its effect on posttransplant kidney graft function comprised the scope of the study. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in 27 donors and 50 kidney transplant recipients. Sera from 27 brain-dead organ donors and preservation media were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA) and for total antioxidant status (TAS). Kidneys were preserved in University of Wisconsin-gluconate solution with machine perfusion. Mean ischemia time was 36.7+/-8 hours. Organs were transplanted to recipients on the Polish National Waiting List and posttransplant kidney function was monitored periodically. Posttransplant delayed graft function (DF) was diagnosed when a patient required at least one dialysis within first week after transplantation. Acute rejection was diagnosed clinically and confirmed with fine-needle biopsy if necessary. RESULTS: Thirty-two recipients had immediate graft function (IF), and 18 suffered from DF. MDA level in preservation solution at the end of machine perfusion was significantly higher in the DF group (52.6+/-31 vs. 25.3+/-19 micromol/L) whereas donor TAS activity was lower (1.14+/-0.2 vs. 0.97+/-0.3 mmol/mL). Patients who suffered from acute rejection received kidneys from donors with significantly higher serum MDA (66+/-73 micromol/ml vs. 23+/-49 for patients without rejection). Serum creatinine 12 to 48 months after transplantation correlated to donor- and preservation-solution MDA (P<0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Free-radical mediated injury occurring in the donor and during preservation is strictly correlated with immediate and long-term kidney function. It may also cause grafts to be prone to acute rejection.

Acute Disease↗

Immunosuppression for delayed or slow graft function in primary cadaveric renal transplantation: use of low dose tacrolimus therapy with post-operative administration of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND: Patients who develop delayed graft function (DGF) following cadaveric renal transplantation have inferior survival to those who do not. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) may prolong recovery from DGF. Patients with DGF are therefore routinely treated with either polyclonal antilymphocyte preparations or monoclonal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies and delayed introduction of CNI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody basiliximab (BSLIX) started post-operatively in patients at high risk for DGF combined with low dose tacrolimus (TAC). METHODS: Patients who received a primary cadaveric renal transplant only after August 1998 were included in this retrospective study (n = 143). All patients received TAC and mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) pre-operatively. At 6 h post-operatively, graft function was assessed clinically by urine output and serum creatinine. Those patients who had a urine output < 300 cc/6 h or a rising serum creatinine were presumed to be at risk for DGF (n = 46). These patients were treated with 20 mg BSLIX and had TAC dose reduced to maintain a trough blood level of < 5 ng/mL. Basiliximab was repeated at day 5. Patients not felt to be at risk for DGF were treated with standard TAC dose with trough level target of 9-12 ng/mL. Patients at risk were classified as DGF if they needed dialysis or as slow graft function (SGF) if they did not. The combined group (SGF/DGF) were analysed together. Patients with SGF/DGF had their TAC dose increased to achieve trough levels of 9-12 ng/mL when renal function improved. Patient groups were compared for demographics, need for dialysis, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), TAC trough levels, MMF dosage, complications and 1- and 2-yr actuarial graft survival. RESULTS: Patients with SGF/DGF had a longer length of stay (8 vs. 5.7 d), were more likely to be black (41.3 vs. 25.7%), and required more post-operative haemodialysis (HD) (52.2 vs. 4.1%). SGF/DGF and non-SGF/DGF patients had similar rates of rejection (28.2 vs. 19.6%, p = 0.28) and steroid resistant rejection (SRR) (6.5 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.32). There were no differences in the rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (4.3 vs. 6.1%). Serum creatinine was higher and GFR lower at all time points in the SGF/DGF patients. The 1 and 2 yr actuarial survival in the non-SGF/DGF patients was 97.6 and 97.6% compared with 1 and 2 yrs actuarial survival of 94.1% and 80.0% in the SGF/DGF patients, p = 0.04. There were no differences in patient survival. There were no differences in actuarial survival for the SGF/DGF patients who received dialysis compared with those who did not receive dialysis. Comparison of patients who received HD (n = 28) to those who did not (n = 115), regardless of group demonstrated no difference in 1 and 2 yrs actuarial survival, 100 and 94.1% in HD patients vs. 98.2 and 92.5% in non-HD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical diagnosis of SGF/DGF can be made 6 h post-operatively based on urine output and serum creatinine. Basiliximab can be started post-operatively in these patients and decreased levels of TAC can be used to achieve acceptably low rates of rejection in these patients. However, SGF/DGF patients, regardless of their need for dialysis, have worse function at 1 yr and lower 2-yr actuarial graft survival compared with non-SGF/DGF patients. Most of the poor survival can be attributed to the SGF group. Further strategies to either prevent SGF/DGF or to optimize treatment in these patients are needed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Is pulsatile perfusion necessary for renal transplantation engrafting kidneys from cardiac death donors?

BACKGROUND: There has been a considerable literature describing the use of pulsatile perfusion (PP) to evaluate the efficacy of organs from deceased donors. Since 1979, we recovered 469 kidneys from deceased donors after cardiac death (DCDs), using an in situ regional cooling technique and preservation by simple cold storage. In this study, the posttransplantation outcomes as well as long-term survivals of renal grafts from DCDs were compared with PP data in the recent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared our recent data with 176 kidneys recovered between 1993-2002 using an in situ regional cooling technique. Patient and graft survivals were compared with those from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. RESULTS: Following transplantation, 4.5% of the grafts never recovered; 10.3% of the grafts showed immediate renal function; 85.2% of the grafts had delayed graft function (DGF) with an average acute tubular necrosis (ATN) period of 13.1 days compared with 54.3% DGF from DCD using PP. Graft survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 90.8%, 86.5%, 77.8%, and 69.0%, respectively, compared with 89% at 1 year and 80% at 3 years reported for DCD by the SRTR in which almost 30% of the grafts underwent PP. CONCLUSIONS: Although PP seemed to have some advantage to decrease the DGF ratio, an in situ regional cooling technique with simple cold storage may provide excellent graft function and long-term graft survival as well as having benefits in cost and transportation.

Adult↗

Addition of isradipine (Lomir) results in a better renal function after kidney transplantation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: After successful kidney transplantation patients may suffer from the adverse effects due to the use of calcineurin inhibitors. Calcium channel blockers are effective in the treatment of hypertension and may ameliorate cyclosporine- (CsA) induced impairment of renal function after kidney transplantation. Calcium channel blockers may also modulate the immune-system which may result in reduction of acute rejection episodes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 1995 till 1997 the effect of isradipine (Lomir) on renal function, incidence and severity of delayed graft function (DGF), and acute rejection after kidney transplantation, was studied in 210 renal transplant recipients, who were randomized to receive isradipine (n=98) or placebo (n=112) after renal transplantation in a double-blind fashion. RESULTS: In the isradipine group renal function was significantly better at 3 and 12 months (P=0.002 and P=0.021) compared with the placebo group. DGF was present in both groups: isradipine: (28+6)/98 (35%); placebo: (35+9)/112 (40%), P=0.57. Severity of DGF was comparable in both groups (isradipine: 9.1+/-8.7 vs. placebo: 9.3+/-8.1 days). No statistical difference was found in incidence or severity of biopsy-proven acute rejection [isradipine: (42+6)/98 (49%) versus placebo: (46+9)/112 (49%), P=1.00]. Renal vein thrombosis was observed in eight patients. This proved to be associated with the route of administration of the study medication [6/45 (13%) on i.v. medication versus 2/165 (1%) on oral medication, P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of isradipine results in a better renal function after kidney transplantation, without effect on incidence or severity of DGF or acute rejection.

Adult↗

[Over 55 years-old live-related donor kidney transplants: a report of 12 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors of the over 55-year-old donor and the safety and efficacy of the donor, and the recipient with the immediate and long-term of the kidney. METHODS: The living-related donor kidney transplantation in 15 cases was performed in our unit from October 1999 to April 2002. Of these, 12 donors were over 55 with age ranging from 55 to 73 years-old and mean age of 62, 75 years. 5 donors were male and 7 were female. Father in 5 cases and 6 and 1 were mother and grandmother, respectively. The donors were evaluated depending on general state of health, hypertension, diabate and important organa in condition; and renal function by creatinine (Cre), creatinine clearance (Ccr), Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), B ultrasound and renal arteriograph prior to operation. The all receipients with ages ranging from 14 to 46 years with end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) from and their mean age was 32.9 years. The donor' left nephrectomy was performed in 10 cases and right nephrectomy in 2. Warm-ischemia time was from 70 s to 170 s (mean time, 92 s). Cold-ischemia time was from 60 minutes to 120 minutes and mean 84 minutes. The follow-up is from 12 to 42 months and mean 20, 84 months. RESULTS: All the 12 donors were perfectly recovered during operation and postoperation. During their 11-day stay in the hospital no complications was observed. The donor' creatinine was raised to about 12 to 34 micro mol/L (mean, 22 micro mol/L). One recipient died from lung infection at 28 days postoperative and 1 died due to liver failure with normal graft function after transplanted 6 months and yet one recipient with delayed graft function had recovered by 12 times dialysis. The remain recipient had a better recovered. CONCLUSION: Aged (>or= 55 years-old) donor renal transplantation can be carried out as the poor supply of can be used kidney but must to controled the indication and the prepare to be accomplished seriously.

Age Factors↗

Evolution of suboptimal renal transplantations: experience of a single Spanish center.

The increase in patients on dialysis awaiting transplantation has led to the use of grafts from suboptimal donors. The aim of this study was to analyze the function of suboptimal grafts. The secondary objectives were to study vascular and urological complications, as well as delayed renal function and acute rejection episodes. The study included 135 transplantations performed over 4 years with 27% of grafts being from suboptimal donors. Early graft loss was 12%, of which 69% were due to vascular thrombosis. These thromboses were more frequent among grafts from suboptimal donors (30% vs 4%, P < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of acute rejection episodes (17% vs 13%) or delayed graft function (14% vs 13%). A greater incidence of urologic complications was observed among recipients of grafts from older donors. The 1-year creatinine clearance was significantly lower among recipients of grafts from older donors (73 +/- 19 vs 51 +/- 14 mL/min, P < .0001). Sequential immunosuppressive therapy resulted in a lack of significant differences in creatinine clearance at 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years after transplantation between suboptimal grafts with cold ischemia greater or less than 20 hours or in warm ischemia greater or less than 60 minutes. Logistic regression analysis showed that the best determinant of graft loss was donor age older than 60 years. Accordingly, grafts from suboptimal donors were more likely to be lost during the first month after transplantation, particularly because of thrombosis, which was not due to a higher degree of technical complexity of the transplant operation.

Cadaver↗

Kidney transplantation from donors aged 65 years or more as single or dual grafts.

AIM: The organ shortage and aging donor population force transplant centers to accept donors previously considered unusable for kidney transplantation. We report the experience of two Italian transplant centers with single (SKTx) and dual (DKTx) kidney transplantation from donors aged 65 years or more. METHODS: The study population comprised 75 SKTx (mean donor age 70.5 years) and 28 DKTx (mean donor age 75.0 years). Kidneys from donors with a calculated admission creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, a Karpinski's score on kidney biopsy between 5 and 7, or both were allocated to DKTx. Grafts with better function or lower biopsy scores were employed for SKTx. RESULTS: Delayed graft function occurred in 45.3% of SKTx and in 39.3% of DKTx. After a mean follow-up period of 30.0 +/- 19.5 months, the acute rejection rate was 24.0% in SKTx and 7.1% in DKTx. Mean serum creatinine was 1.8 +/- 0.9 and 1.8 +/- 1.3 mg/dL in SKTx, and 1.8 +/- 1.6 mg/dL and 1.3 +/- 0.2 mg/dL in DKTx at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Patient survival was 93.3% and 91.2% in SKTx, and 92.9% and 92.9% in DKTx at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Graft survival was 92.0% and 88.3% in SKTx, and 89.3% and 89.3% in DKTx at the same time intervals. Keeping preservation time below 16 hours and avoiding calcineurin inhibitors were both associated with improved graft survival and function. CONCLUSION: Careful donor selection, short preservation time, and tailored immunosuppression allow safe and efficient use of elderly donor kidneys.

Aged↗

Early experience with the ET Senior Program "Old For Old"; better to be number one?

Eurotransplant offers a Senior Program to extend the donor pool for renal transplantation. The study comprised 14 patients of the ET Senior ("Old For Old") Program. Kidneys from five cadaveric donors were transplanted in pairs to ten recipients with a difference in cold ischemia time (CIT) of >4 h, and grouped according to CIT (group 1: patients that underwent transplantation first; group 2: patients that underwent transplantation second). CIT was shorter (5.5+/-2.0 h vs. 11.7+/-3.1 h, P<0.01), and the first day diuresis was higher (287.4 ml/h vs. 134.8 ml/h, P<0.05) in group 1 than in group 2. No patient in group 1 required dialysis, 3/5 patients in group 2. Rejection episodes occured more often in group 2 (5/5 vs. 3/5), and the hospital stay tended to be shorter in group 1 (33.0 days (27-43) vs. 54.2 days (27-112)). Our study confirms the positive effect of ultra-short CIT on early graft function in marginal donors, despite overall short CIT. The increase in delayed graft function (DGF) may lead to an extended hospital stay and dialysis requirements. Efforts to realize simultaneous transplantation in two recipients seem necessary to optimize results.

Aged↗

Association of HLA class I antigen matching and early graft outcome in living donor kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: HLA antigen matching often plays an important role in organ transplantation. As for HLA class I antigen matching, there are differences of opinion regarding its influence on the outcome of renal transplantations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of HLA class I antigen matching with early graft outcomes in living donor kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated graft outcomes in the first month of transplantation. Major events were slow graft function (serum creatinine > 250 micromol/L at the end of first week), delayed graft function (patients requiring dialysis in first week), and acute rejection episode. Graft outcomes were compared for normal renal function (NRF, serum creatinine < or = 175 micromol/L) impaired renal function (IRF, serum creatinine > 175 micromol/L) or impaired graft function due to an acute rejection episode (IGF). RESULTS: The 115 subjects had a mean age of 29 +/- 8 years and their donors 38 +/- 11 years (P < .01). Immunosuppression included prednisolone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine. Parents, siblings, and others were kidney donors in 46%, 33%, and 21%, respectively. Comparisons between NRF/IRF (serum creatinine 133 +/- 24 vs 201 +/- 36 micromol/L, P < .01) and NGF/IGF (serum creatinine 146 +/- 44 vs 161 +/- 39 micromol/L, P < .05) showed no difference in number or pattern of HLA matching. CONCLUSION: HLA class I antigen matching may not produce an added influence on early graft outcome among living donor kidney transplantations.

Adult↗

[Cadaver renal transplantation and multivariate analysis for graft survival: a clinical review of 2 016 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To review kidney transplantation in the center and analyze the risk factors affecting long-term allograft survival. METHODS: Thirty-two relative variables were analyzed with SAS statistical software. Using Log-rank method, we investigated influence of these variables on short-and long-term survival of grafts. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-years graft survival rates and half-life. Proportional hazards regression analysis (Cox model) was used to assess and rank the relative risk of potential variables. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-years graft survival rates were 83%, 75%, 66% and 48%. After excluding the patients died with functioning grafts, the 1-, 3-, 5-, 10 years grafts survival rate increased to 89%, 82%, 75% and 69%, respectively. The mean half-life was 8.78 +/- 0.14 and 14.09 +/- 0.20 years, respectively. By Log-rank analysis, factors affecting short- and long-term graft survival were identified as: renal function, duration of graft function became normal, cold-ischemia time, presence of acute rejection, delayed graft function, immunosuppressive regimen, complication, infection, anti-rejection therapy. Cox model multivariate analysis showed that there were 18 factors affecting graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: New immunosuppressive agents not only significantly increase short-term graft survival, but also have the better long-term outcome tendency. Making assurance to get high quality donor organ and minimizing the death with graft function may be the most feasible way to prolong graft survival at present.

Adult↗

Prediction of delayed renal allograft function using an artificial neural network.

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) is one of the most important complications in the post-transplant period, having an adverse effect on both the immediate and long-term graft survival. In this study, an artificial neural network was used to predict the occurrence of DGF and compared with traditional logistical regression models for prediction of DGF. METHODS: A total of 304 cadaveric renal transplants performed at the Jewish Hospital, Louisville were included in the study. Covariate analysis by artificial neural networks and traditional logistical regression were done to predict the occurrence of DGF. RESULTS: The incidence of DGF in this study was 38%. Logistic regression analysis was more sensitive to prediction of no DGF (91 vs 70%), while the neural network was more sensitive to prediction of yes for DGF (56 vs 37%). Overall prediction accuracy for both logistic regression and the neural network was 64 and 63%, respectively. Logistic regression was 36.5% sensitive and 90.7% specific. The neural network was 63.5% sensitive and 64.8% specific. The only covariate with a P < 0.001 was the transplant of a white donor kidney to a black recipient. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to test for the negative effect of DGF on long-term graft survival. One year graft survival in patients without DGF was 92 +/- 2% vs 81 +/- 3% in patients with DGF. The 5-year graft survival was not affected by DGF in this study. CONCLUSION: Artificial neural networks may be used for prediction of DGF in cadaveric renal transplants. This method is more sensitive but less specific than logistic regression methods.

Adult↗

The influence of periarterial papaverine application on intraoperative renal function and blood flow during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in a pig model.

BACKGROUND: The transplantation of live donor kidneys harvested laparoscopically is associated with a higher incidence of delayed graft function than the transplantation of grafts harvested via the open technique. The delay is believed to be due to a decrease in renal blood flow during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether renal function and blood perfusion can be enhanced by the periarterial application of papaverine during LDN. METHODS: Renal function and blood flow were studied in a porcine model that included a total of 24 pigs (20-30 kg). In 12 of the pigs, urine output and creatinine clearance were determined as measures of renal function. In the other 12 pigs, renal blood flow was determined using fluorescent-labeled microspheres. In each group, the pigs were randomized into two subgroups, one with and one without a perivascular injection of 50 mg papaverine. RESULTS: As compared to the controls, the animals receiving papaverine had a significantly higher urine output (3.1 +/- 1.6 vs 0.9 +/- 0.45 ml/h/kg; p = 0.02), superior creatinine clearance (2.22 +/- 0.5 vs 0.95 +/- 0.1 ml/min/kg; p = 0.038), and enhanced renal blood flow (4.9 +/- 2.2 vs 2.1 +/- 0.8 ml/min/g; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: When applied to the tissue surrounding the renal artery, papaverine substantially improves renal function and blood flow during laparoscopic live kidney donation. Whether graft optimization during kidney procurement also translates into improved posttransplantation function remains to be established.

Animals↗

Kidney preservation with IGL-1 solution: a preliminary report.

The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is the most commonly used preservation solution. However, a new preservation solution-IGL-1-contains an inversion of K and Na concentrations and substitution of polyethylene glycol for hydroxyethyl starch in the UW solution. The present study is the first clinical experience on the outcome of kidneys preserved in IGL-1 solution. From June 2003 to June 2004, 119 cadaveric kidneys were retrieved and stored in IGL-1 solutions; among the 119 organs, this study includes 37 IGL-1-preserved kidneys that were locally transplanted versus 33 kidneys stored in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution that were also locally transplanted. The groups were comparable with regard to donor and recipient characteristics. Renal function outcome was evaluated by comparing delayed graft function (DGF) rates, the evolution of serum creatinine, daily urine output, and creatinine clearance. Biopsies were performed after reperfusion to evaluate apoptosis. The incidence of DGF was 5.71% among IGL-1 kidneys and 13.79% among UW kidneys. Creatinine values were significantly lower among the IGL-1 group from 2 to 14 days postoperative and at 1 month. Daily urinary output did not show any significant differences between the two groups. IGL-1 kidneys had a superior creatinine clearance during the first 15 postoperative days compared to UW kidneys. Kidneys preserved in IGL-1 solution showed fewer apoptotic cells compared to kidneys preserved in UW solution. This preliminary report suggests a superiority of IGL-1 for the immediate outcome of transplanted kidneys.

Adenosine↗

The use of contrast media in deceased kidney donors does not affect initial graft function or graft survival.

Patients receiving cadaveric kidney transplants often experience delayed graft function. As iodinated contrast media injection (ICMI), necessary for cerebral angiography, which is often used to diagnose brain death, can be nephrotoxic, we compared renal function recovery (RFR) and 1-year and long-term graft survival according to the method used to diagnose brain death. Data from 9921 cadaveric kidneys, transplanted between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2003, were retrieved from the French National Registry for organ donation. We defined RFR as the number of days for the recipient to reach a plasma creatinine less than 250 mumol/l, and/or a 24-h urine output greater than 1000 ml. RFR and 1-year and long-term graft survival were compared between four different donor groups (according to ICMI and diabetes mellitus). A total of 41.5% of deceased donors received ICMI before organ procurement and 1.95% of them were diabetic. History of ICMI or diabetes in the donor did not influence RFR or 1-year graft survival. Long-term graft survival was decreased in the group of patients transplanted with a diabetic graft as compared to patients transplanted with a non-diabetic graft (P=0.001). History of ICMI in the donor did not affect long-term graft survival in the non-diabetic donor group (P=0.2); however, in the diabetic group, ICMI tended to decrease long-term graft survival (P=0.056). ICMI did not affect RFR or graft survival in non-diabetic deceased donors. However, its use in diabetic deceased donors requires further study.

Age Distribution↗

Prediction of graft dysfunction by analysis of liver biopsies after cold storage.

Failure of the hepatic allograft continues to be a serious life-threatening risk for the recipient. Because no effective method of extracorporeal support is available for these patients, early retransplantation is the only alternative that offers the potential for survival. The aim of this prospective analysis was to search for a predictor of primary non-function of hepatic allografts before reperfusion. From March to June 1993 we investigated 19 liver biopsies which were obtained during the preparation of the donor liver in the back table bath immediately before the implantation of the organ. All organs were preserved by UW solution. Biopsies were stored at -80 degrees C, the working-up process was started by dividing the biopsy into several portions for the determination of fat (petrol-ether extraction), water (weighing before thawing and after drying) and free amino acids (OPA-HPLC method). Graft function was categorized into three groups: (1) good function; (2) fair function; (3) primary non-function (PNF). In addition to known risk factors for delayed graft function such as a long stay of the donor in intensive care and a prolonged anhepatic period of the recipient, we were able to demonstrate that organs with malfunction had a higher fat and water content. Donor livers developing PNF showed a trend towards higher total and subdivided amino acids, which could be explained by the incapacity of the liver to utilize available substrates for gluconeogenesis.

Biopsy↗

Outcome of other organs recovered during in situ split-liver procurements.

Split-liver transplantation is becoming a useful technique to expand the donor pool. Whether the split should be performed in situ or ex situ is not clear. One potential disadvantage of in situ splits is that prolonged surgical time and increased blood loss may negatively affect the function of other solid organs (kidneys, pancreas, and heart) procured from the same donor. Therefore, we studied the function of other organs posttransplantation. Between September 1, 1999, and March 31, 2000, we performed six in situ splits at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN). These six splits yielded six right-lobe liver grafts and six left-lobe liver grafts, which were transplanted into 12 adult-size recipients. Other grafts obtained from these six donors were as follows: kidney (n = 11), heart (n = 4), lungs (n = 1), pancreas (n = 2), and kidney-pancreas (n = 1). We then analyzed posttransplantation function of these grafts and the postoperative course of transplant recipients. All six donors were hemodynamically stable at the time of procurement. Mean donor age was 19.7 years. Mean surgical time for the procurement was 7.4 hours, with an average blood loss of 490 mL during in situ splitting of the liver. The 12 liver grafts showed good initial function with no primary nonfunction. The other organs also showed good function. Of 11 kidney recipients, only 1 patient developed delayed graft function, which resolved within 4 days. In addition, 1 kidney was lost early because of severe acute rejection. For the 10 recipients with functioning kidneys, mean creatinine level at hospital discharge was 2.0 mg/dL, and mean creatinine level after an average 9-month follow-up was 1.3 mg/dL. Of the 4 heart transplant recipients, 3 patients had good graft function immediately posttransplantation, with an ejection fraction greater than 60%, minimal inotropic requirements, and no surgical complications. The fourth heart transplant recipient, a critically ill status 1 patient, had poor initial function and a prolonged intensive care unit stay. At hospital discharge, pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were all insulin free, with good urine amylase levels, no surgical or infectious complications, and no evidence of significant pancreatitis posttransplantation. The kidney of the pancreas-kidney transplant recipient functioned immediately; creatinine level after 7 months of follow-up was 1.2 mg/dL. Despite increased surgical time and blood loss, in situ splitting of liver grafts can be accomplished in stable donors without significant negative effects on other organs.

Adolescent↗