Objectives: Delayed graft function after deceased-donor transplant remains a significant clinical problem. The conventional definition of delayed graft function is the requirement of dialysis within the first week after transplant, but this criterion has many problems that have led to many controversies including those of incidence and significance. Therefore, we sought to identify the possible risk factors of delayed graft function and to investigate their effect on short-term graft survival, according to a composite criterion.
Materials and methods: We reviewed the records of 94 renal transplants obtained from heart-beating deceased donors done at our center during a 2-year period. Variables related to the donor, recipient, and graft were retrospectively collected. Follow-up was 12 months. Delayed graft function was defined as the need for dialysis or the failure of the creatinine level to fall by 10% during the first 24 hours after transplant. To confirm suspected rejection, protocol biopsies were done, irrespective of graft function, on the seventh and 28th days after transplant, or when indicated to confirm suspected rejection.
Results: The overall incidence of delayed graft function was 31.9%. Multivariate analysis showed donor age as a significant independent predictor of delayed graft function (OR=1.05, P = .03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09), whereas donor hypotension was the only independent risk factor associated with a worse 1-year graft survival rate (OR=4.6, P = .021, 95% CI: 1.3-16.5). No association could be established between delayed graft function, acute rejection, and graft survival.
Conclusions: Advanced donor age is a predictor of delayed graft function defined as the need for dialysis or the failure of creatinine to fall by 10% during the first 24 hours after transplant. Preventing hemodynamic instability should be an important aspect of donor care.