Renal biopsy donor group: the influence of glomerulosclerosis on transplant outcomes

The UNOS donor population was examined from 1999 to 2002, and approximately 25% of the over 23,000 donors were biopsied (Bx). There was a significant trend (P < .001) of older donors, cardiovascular accident, and hypertension in the Bx group versus the non-Bx group. The percent GS was directly correlated (P < .001) to graft survival, delayed graft function, and primary nonfunction. Cox regression showed significant relative risk (RR) for >10% GS, hypertension, donors over the age of 50, and African American recipients. RR in donors with >10% GS could be ameliorated (P < .001) by choosing donors with <5 HLA-A, -B, or -DR mismatches (MM), or recipients who were nonsensitized, and/or first transplant. Risk should be managed in donors by choosing appropriate recipients and high-risk immunosuppresion protocols.