A Retrospective Study on Delayed Graft Function after Deceased-Donor Kidney Transplantation

Delayed graft function (DGF) following renal transplantation may be more severe in kidneys from deceased vs. living donors due to ischemia-reperfusion. Data was analyzed from 40 living and 49 deceased donor-recipient pairs from January 2012-13 at two centers. DGF incidence was greater in kidneys from deceased (52.1%) vs. living donors (12.1%). Comparison of DGF incidence in deceased vs. living donor kidneys yielded χ2 = 14.225 and p = 0.0002. Regression analyses of post- vs. pre-graft changes in serum creatinine vs. cold ischemic time, donor body mass index, donor age and terminal serum creatinine were not significant. These results indicate delayed functional recovery of transplanted kidneys from deceased vs. living donors, which is important when determining a plan of care for these patients.