Effect of pretransplantation hemoglobin blood concentration on renal allograft survival and function

The effect of pretransplantation hemoglobin (Hb) concentration on the outcome of kidney transplantation (KTx) was studied in 188 adult kidney transplant recipients. Patients were divided into 2 groups: high Hb (>or=10 g/dL; n=97) and low Hb (<10 g/dL; n=91). Both groups were matched for recipient sex, donor age and sex, donor-recipient blood groups, indications for kidney transplantation, and degree of sensitization. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 20 patients in the high-Hb group (20.6%) and 18 in the low-Hb group (19.8%). Antithymocyte globulin-Fresenius therapy was required in 6 patients in the high-Hb group compared with 5 patients in the low-Hb group. Infection rate, 1-year actuarial patient and graft survival, incidence of delayed and slow graft function, and number of surgical complications were comparable between groups. Compared with the low Hb group, in the high-Hb group, hospital stay was longer, creatinine concentration at 12 months post-KTx and serum glucose concentration at 6 months post-KTx were significantly higher, and pre- and posttransplantation Hb concentrations were higher. The need for post-KTx transfusions was comparable between groups. Pretransplantation Hb concentration did not affect outcome except for longer initial hospital stay and 1-year creatinine concentration.