Kidney transplantation with Belzer or Custodiol solution: a randomized prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Immunology
• Organ Preservation

Background:

• Cadaveric kidney preservation is critical for transplant success.
• Belzer and Custodiol are commonly used perfusion solutions.
• Comparing their efficacy is essential for optimizing outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Belzer versus Custodiol solutions for cadaveric kidney perfusion.
• To evaluate the impact on delayed graft function, renal function, and acute rejection.
• To assess patient and graft survival rates.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study involving 42 kidneys.
• Comparison between Custodiol (24 kidneys) and Belzer (27 kidneys) arms.
• Analysis of delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection, renal function (creatinine), and survival.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in delayed graft function (63% Belzer vs. 50% Custodiol, P=NS).
• Identical renal function at 1, 6, and 12 months post-transplant.
• Similar graft survival (78% Belzer vs. 79% Custodiol at 1 year) and patient survival (84% Belzer vs. 86% Custodiol).

Conclusions:

• Custodiol solution yields comparable results to Belzer solution in cadaveric kidney perfusion.
• Both solutions provide similar graft and patient survival rates.
• No significant difference in key post-transplant outcomes was observed.